Considers (87) S. 1724.

S2Although imports of most hardwood products have varied since 1970 with no absolute trend, imports of hardwood plywood have decreased while imports of wood furniture have increased dramatically. The decrease in plywood imports stems from the substitution of sheetrock for plywood in mobile home construction, and the substitution of domestically produced composite products for imported hardwood in the production of prefinished paneling. Increased imports of wood furniture, primarily from Taiwan, resulted from the lower cost work force augmented by the rigid exchange rate between U.S. and Taiwanese dollars. Imports of hardwood lumber, logs, and veneer have fluctuated in both volume and country of origin. These fluctuations are related to the relative strength of the domestic furniture industry and policy developments in exporting countries. S3

In an earlier publication on California's forest-zone hardwoods, 22 reasons were offered for the failure of a sustained hardwood industry to develop. This report presents knowledge developed over the past 18 years on each of these reasons. Progress is reflected in society's shift from a negative to a positive attitude towards the hardwood industry, better estimates of the inventory base and resource values, the advent of small portable sawmills, better lumber drying schedules and equipment, and recognizing the need to furnish promotional material to architects, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Realization that the many and complex hardwood ecosystems have value far beyond wood products has led to a new management perspective with four essential parts: emphasis, scheduling, silviculture, and total yield. Hardwood management in the near future will reflect a broadened emphasis on wildlife, water, esthetics, and wood. Desired ecological types will be needed on a schedule involving their timely creation, maintenance, and manipulation over the landscape in perpetuity. Silviculturists will achieve these ecological types, and the resulting amenities and commodities should serve rural California well.