Sawmill operators tell Congress timber sales decline has closed mills and cut jobs

Jim Nyman, president and CEO of Nyman Enterprises, described deep declines in timber output from federal lands, particularly in the Black Hills, and the economic consequences for mills and rural communities.

Nyman said the region once supported three sawmills; one closed in the 1990s and the company’s remaining mills are operating at reduced capacity. He told the subcommittee he has seen a “75% reduction” in the timber sale program in the Black Hills and that, nationally, timber output has dropped about 17% in recent years. Nyman said two remaining sawmills in the Black Hills are operating at roughly 50% capacity and that building a modern sawmill can cost well over $200 million — investments unlikely if federal raw material supplies remain uncertain.

Nyman urged Congress to set clear forest management priorities, increase active management and restore the timber supply from federal lands to support both forest health and local economies. He invoked the Organic Act of 1897, saying national forests were established to provide a sustainable supply of wood and protect watersheds: “Today, we are failing to meet those objectives,” he said. He warned that continued reductions in federal timber sales have permanent consequences for forest management capacity and local livelihoods.

Ending: Nyman urged rapid congressional action to stabilize timber supplies and forest management so communities and industries dependent on sawmills can survive and restore active treatments that reduce wildfire and insect risk.