BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The board that oversees timber harvests on state land has approved a plan to increase tree cutting next year.

The state Land Board on Tuesday approved a 2014 plan calling for harvesting 249 million board feet — the highest logging level in decades.

Annual timber cutting on state endowment land has been fixed at 247 million board feet for several years. But the Spokesman-Review reports that (http://bit.ly/PEr0O0 ) next year's plan includes a one-time adjustment due to various factors in certain regions of the state.

The 2014 plan won approval of some of Idaho's biggest sawmills and wood products companies. Tom Biltonen of Bennett Lumber says the state's timber sale program is a key driver of the company's long term viability. Idaho's 2002 timber plan volume was 175 million board feet.

 

 

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