Proposed wood products plant to utilize sub-sawlog size and dead lodgepole pine in northwestern Montana - a technical and economic feasibility analysis

This report proposes - and evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of - an integrated multiproduct facility designed to utilize small-diameter lodgepole pine in northwestern Montana. Harvesting and silvicultural activities related to the manufacturing operation are designed to help solve a major public forest management problem in the area by removing stands of stagnated, bark-beetle-infested, and dead timber to facilitate rapid regeneration into vigorous new stands of greatly increased productivity. Trees harvested will be predominantly lodgepole pine in diameter classes from 3 to 7 inches, some associated species will also be harvested. The facility will generate an estimated $40 million in revenue in its first year of full production and will operate for 20 years. It will require $62 million in capital and have annual operating costs before depreciation of $30 million at full production. -from Authors