National Forest Products Week highlights need for Coloradans to use local wood

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By Ryan Lockwood

Special to The SUN

Coloradans use enough wood fencing to completely enclose the state’s borders with Wyoming, Nebraska and New Mexico, and enough framing lumber in residential construction that, laid end to end, would reach over halfway to the moon. Yet, 90 percent of the forest products purchased by Coloradans are imported into the state.

In recognition of the value that wood products play in everyone’s lives and the importance of the local forests that provide them, the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) is excited to help recognize National Forest Products Week.

“We’re asking Coloradans to take a few minutes of their time this week to appreciate all the ways wood products make our lives better,” said Tim Reader, CSFS utilization and marketing forester. “Whether for function or appearance, using wood in our agricultural, commercial and residential sectors is truly a way of life for most Coloradans, and this week’s recognition brings attention to the crucial contribution wood products play in improving the health of our forests and the economies of our rural communities.”

Reader said that although most wood products are imported, Colorado’s public and private forests are capable of supplying many of the same products residents currently purchase and use.

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