610 Jobs Lost with Closure of Sierra Pacific Industries

Opened in 1900, the Sierra Pacific Industries’ sawmill in Camino will close its doors today. Over 610 jobs – 160 mill workers and 450 workers whose jobs depend on the mill’s operation - will be gone.

“Today (June 11th) is a sad day for El Dorado County. The closing of Sierra Pacific’s mill is a great loss to the entire community,” said Senator Dave Cox who represents El Dorado County in the Legislature.

Citing two specific reasons for the closing of their mills – “extremely low lumber prices and a costly and difficult regulatory environment” – Sierra Pacific Industries joined a coalition of local community and business leaders to advocate for the passage of Assembly Bill 1066 (Mendoza).

Assembly Bill 1066 would extend the effective period of a timber harvest plan from three years to five years. If passed, this two-year extension would allow industries to adjust to consumer demands and other economic pressures.

Given the importance of the timber harvest industry, Sen. Cox met with the Governor and legislative leaders several times earlier this year to discuss a more comprehensive Timber Harvest Plan. Senator Cox asked that the state revise its timber harvest laws with a Timber Harvest Plan/Forest Conservation Plan to allow professional foresters to manage California’s forests and allow for proper thinning.

Had the Governor and Legislative leaders adopted Cox’s request, jobs in the timber industry would have been saved.

“Groups like the Sustainable Forest Action Coalition and the Quincy Library Group should be applauded for their passion to protect our natural resources and communities from wildfires. They should also be commended for their tireless work to help save the timber industry and the economic vitality of our state,” Cox concluded.