March 16, 2021 During the pandemic, everyone has been using the extra time at home to get caught up on Do It Yourself (DIY) projects. If you’ve been at your local hardware store lately, you’ve probably noticed that 2×4 boards which are normally $2.50 are now almost $7. But you may not have considered how this price increase is just a sign of a macro issue that has a significant impact on our state’s economy and environment. When the pandemic first started, we immediately saw businesses close or offer limited capacity. The timber industry was not excluded from this fate. They had to figure out how to operate sawmills in a COVID-safe manner in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. On top of that, 2020 was anticipated to be a tough year for the housing market according to several economic forecasts. In preparation, the timber industry adjusted for the anticipated lower demand by cutting shifts and lowering production.