In the past few years, Louisiana-Pacific moved agressively into waferboard, tapping vast tracts of northern aspen. Trus Joist has been at it for years with its laminated beams. MacMillan Bloedel is turning wood strands and veneer strips into construction lumber. These are just a few examples of an industry-wide trend. Dependence on old-growth is a drug.
Industry needs to break the habit, despite short-term pain.