The crisp morning temperatures of autumn are in the air, and all of us in the Lake States know that winter is not far behind. The changing weather is a reminder of the constant change we have to adapt to in the Forest Products industry. I find the changing nature of the industry a sign of strength; we have an industry that can adapt to the marketplace.

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Partnerships between two forest certification bodies-American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-and private companies are promoting the certification of small and medium forests in the South.

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The State and Future of U.S. Forestry and the Forest Industry, published by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities, takes a look at the challenges shaping the forest industry as well as opportunities to improve markets for wood products.

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After remaining unchanged in July, the Industrial Production (IP) index rose by 0.4% (to 99.4%) in August. Capacity utilization of all industries increased 0.3% in August (to 77.8%); both Wood Products (1.7%) and Paper (1.1%) expanded. Capacity among all industries nudged 0.2% higher in August; Wood Products was unchanged while Paper shrank by 0.1%.

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The housing market held steady as the summer months drew to a close. No major changes were reported in new housing permits, starts, completions or builder confidence. New and existing home sales remained relatively strong despite fears that rising interest rates might curb market momentum.

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The USDA is seeking comments on proposed changes to the Softwood Lumber Board. The Board was established under the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; it administers the program known as the softwood lumber check-off.

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The USDA has published a proposed rule for the Paper and Paper-based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order, also known as the Paper Check-off Program. The Program, which will be supported by a per-ton assessment on paper and paper-based packaging manufacturers and importers, will promote the use of four types of paper and packaging.

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In a moment of agreement and productivity, the House of Representatives passed the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act (H.R. 1526) on September 20. Advocates say the proposed legislation will improve forest health, create jobs, generate funds for the federal and local government and minimize wildfire risks.

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• Gordon Culbertson, Pacific Northwest Region Manager, will speak on the topic of wood fiber markets in the recovering economy at the Forest Resources Association Western Region fall meeting in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho on October 10.
• Stan Parton, Bioenergy Practice Manager, will present on the topic of bioenergy market drivers and their implication for timberland owners and foresters at the South Carolina Association of Consulting Foresters meeting in Columbia, South Carolina on October 15.
• Suzanne Hearn, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, and Al Villamil, Market2Mill recovered fiber consultant, will attend the Paper Recycling Conference & Trade Show held October 16-18 in Chicago. Stop by booth #42 and say hello.
• Suzanne and Lumber Practice Manager Bob Bratton will attend the North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) Traders Market in Las Vegas from October 23-25. You may visit them at booth #732.
• Stan and Suzanne will attend the U.S. Industrial Pellet Association's Annual Exporting Pellets Conference from October 27-29 in Miami.
• Midwest business lead Peter Coutu will be at the Forest Resources Association Lake States Region fall meeting in Duluth, Minnesota on October 29 and 30.
• Forest2Market founder, president and CEO Pete Stewart will address the current and future economic importance of private forest owners to South Carolina at the South Carolina Forestry Association's annual meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. Pete is scheduled to speak during the morning session on October 31.