Cover Letter

B ureau of Business and Economic Research

Gallagher Business Building

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana 59812-6840

(406) 243-5113

FAX (406) 243-2086

www.bber.umt.edu

May 28, 2008

Dear________:

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at The University of Montana is conducting a study of the forest products industry in State, and would appreciate your assistance. This study will increase awareness of the region’s forest products industry, the role the industry plays in forest management, and the economic impacts of the industry.

The study tracks timber from the forest to the finished product market and attaches key economic information like employment, payroll, and value to the timber as it moves through the processing sectors. Much of the data for the analysis comes from the enclosed survey of individual mills that processed timber from State during year.

BBER has worked successfully with the forest products industry in the West for more than 30 years and has had strong interest and use of this kind of analysis in other states. BBER has published a previous study for the four-state region, which is available at: www.bber.umt.edu/forest/pdf/fidacs/4C2002.pdf.

We are contacting all facilities processing timber from State during year and would like you to complete an attached survey for each of your facilities. BBER has strict policies on handling sensitive data and all individual firm information will be kept absolutely confidential. BBER staff will be glad to work directly with you to complete the questionnaire. If you have any questions about the questionnaire or the analysis, contact Ben Super, Jason Brandt, or Todd Morgan. The toll-free number is 1-877-700-2237.

Please return the questionnaire to the BBER at the address above.

Thank you very much for your help in this important study.

Sincerely,

Todd A. Morgan

Research Assistant Professor

Director of Forest Industry Research