Apr 30, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Clearwater Paper Corp. reported 1Q net earnings of $13.6 million, or $1.19 per share, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.20 per share in the 1Q 2008. Net sales declined to $286.7 million from $307.44 million in the prior year, as RTT News informed Lesprom Network. The company said, although the Pulp and Paperboard segment has held up relatively well to this point, it is now seeing signs of significantly weaker-than-normal paperboard backlogs. Not unlike others in the wood products business, it is continually monitoring lumber mill's overall contribution to the company's earnings. Moving ahead, on an annual basis the company anticipates using 300 to 400 million gallons of black liquor as an alternative fuel in a mixture with diesel fuel in its recovery boilers. Clearwater Paper manufactures premium consumer tissue, high-quality bleached paperboard and wood products.