Sep 10, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Softwood lumber production at mills in the 12 western states (U.S.) declined for the third consecutive year in 2008, falling to 12.995 billion board feet, The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Production declined 20% in 2008 compared to the previous year and represented the lowest annual volume since the WWPA began compiling statistics in the 1950s. Oregon remained the largest lumber producing state in the country, despite a significant drop in production. Sawmills in the state produced 4.7 billion board feet, some 23.5% less than in 2007. The wholesale value of Oregon’s lumber was nearly 43%t lower at $1.26 billion. Output from Washington state mills declined 18.4% to 3.89 billion board feet. California lumber production totaled 1.92 billion board feet, down 16.8% from 2007. A similar decline was seen in other Western states. Idaho lumber production totaled 1.34 billion board feet, down 23.3%. Montana mills produced 668 million board feet, a decrease of 15.4%. Mills in South Dakota and Wyoming totaled 243 million board feet and those in the Four Corner states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah produced 211 million board feet. Volumes in these states were combined to maintain confidentiality of individual mill data. The downturn in lumber production and demand has continued into 2009. Western lumber production is down 26% so far this year and housing starts have declined by 46%. WWPA expects lumber markets to recover, although slowly, starting in 2010. Western Wood Products Association represents lumber manufacturers in the 12 Western states. Based in Portland, WWPA compiles lumber industry statistics and delivers quality standards, technical and product support services to the industry.