The permanent cessation of operations at the McNary sawmill was a multifaceted event stemming from a confluence of economic, environmental, and regulatory pressures. Its closure marked the end of a significant chapter in the regional timber industry and had considerable repercussions for the local community. The sawmill’s history, like many others in the Pacific Northwest, was closely intertwined with fluctuations in timber supply and demand.
Several factors contributed to the inability to sustain operations. A primary element was the diminishing availability of suitable timber. Increased environmental regulations designed to protect endangered species, such as the spotted owl, significantly restricted logging in old-growth forests. This reduction in available timber supply led to higher costs for raw materials, squeezing profit margins. Furthermore, market forces, including competition from other regions and shifts in building materials, played a role in the economic viability of the facility.
