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Council committee report flags recent mill closures, timber market pressures and wildfire rehabilitation
Summary
A councilor reported to the Prineville council on the Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative: several mill closures this year, sharp drop in chip prices from about $60/ton to $10/ton, potential economic impacts on John Day and regional timber workers, and updates on wildfire rehabilitation planning for the Crazy Creek Fire.
A councilor reported on the Ochoco Forest Restoration Collaborative meeting, summarizing presentations about recent timber-industry distress and wildfire recovery planning.
The report said multiple mills have closed in 2024, naming Malhear Lumber as scheduled to close within two months, and noted broader closures across the region. Panelists attributed closures to labor shortages, supply constraints and lack of return on capital investment. One presenter said chip prices had fallen sharply — from about $60 per ton to roughly $10 per ton — undermining operations.
The collaborative also heard an update on the Crazy Creek Fire (reported as about 87,000 acres) and a rehabilitation schedule led by local teams to identify post-fire needs within a year. Councilors expressed concern about potential local economic effects on loggers, truck drivers and towns such as John Day.
No formal action was taken; the committee report was filed for the record and council moved to adjourn.
