This publication discusses basic marketing and economic concepts, planning approach, and feasibility methodology for assessing log sort yard operations. Special attention is given to sorting smalldiameter and underutilized logs from forest restoration, fuels reduction, and thinning operations. A planned programming approach of objectively determining the feasibility of establishing a log sort yard operation is recommended. This critical thinking will help develop the strategic, marketing, business, and operational plans to guide the development and operation of the log sort yard. Preliminary financial feasibility should begin early in the planning process to help focus efforts on potentially viable opportunities and save time, effort, and money from chasing poor investment scenarios. After options are narrowed, detailed resource assessment, markets, and financial analyses are done. Several critical factors are considered and evaluated for each log sort yard scenario. Although commercial log sort yards have a proven track record throughout North America, small community-based and government-operated log yards have had limited success. Serious consideration must be given to employing an experienced log sort yard contractor to operate and manage day-to-day operations. Several operational, policy, and judicial issues need to be resolved for successful operation of government and community log sort yards in the United States.

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A total of 819 North American sawmills were surveyed concerning their production and distribution of balsam fir lumber. Seventy-one mills reported a total annual production of 275 million board feet (648 585 m3) of balsam fir lumber. The larger mills of eastern Canada represented 72% of this total. Canadian and large eastern US sawmills used middlemen heavily in marketing their softwood lumber while the remaining US sawmills used direct selling and captive retail yards as primary market channels. The only major production problem reported was the longer drying time needed for balsam fir lumber when compared to other northern softwood species.

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Korea is now the fourth largest export market for U.S. wood products, ranking behind Japan, Canada and China. Unfortunately, the general lack of information on the Korean wood products market has hindered the ability of western producers to take full advantage of that market. Data are presented summarizing trends in Korea's domestic softwood production and imports, product distribution, and softwood use in construction and industrial market applications. Specific market opportunities, including the promotion of western style construction techniques, and the potential for substituting western softwood species for tropical hardwoods and other softwood species within the Korean wood products industry are discussed. West J. App. For. 2:17-20, Jan. 1987.