Eruption of Mount St. Helens a Watershed Moment for Timber Industry

“Eruption of Mount St. Helens a Watershed Moment for Timber Industry” - Columbia River Reader, November 2005

Twenty-five years ago, the timber industry in Southwest Washington was on the cusp of change. But the eruption of Mount St. Helens brought that change forward in a rush that altered loggers’ lives forever.

Since 1980, some of those who made up the workforce of pre-eruption days have retired. Some have taken other jobs in the industry. Some have returned to school and retrained for new careers. Some have left the area. Time has softened the impact on local families and communities, but the trees and the men will never be replaced.

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