Lumber in this partially finished form is highly desirable 

 from a distribution standpoint. From this stage of completeness, 

 due to the nature of wood, it can easily be modified to what- 

 ever form or size is desired, with the use of relatively inex- 

 pensive tools. This gives the retail distributor an opportunity 

 to satisfy a variety of local demands and at the same time main- 

 tain a minimum inventory. 



Montana softwood lumber production by species, selected 

 periods, and years is shown in this chart: 



Species 



190U-19W* 19U5 1950 1956 1962 



average 



(million board feet) 



Total softwood 

 lumber 



311 



3U1 536 979 1069 



Source; Total volume from Bureau of Census. Species 

 breakdown based on reported sawlog receipts for 1962c 



-U6- 



