Jul 29, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. Plum Creek Timber Co has reported better than expected second quarter earnings of $32m, TTJ reported. The results, from revenues of $272m, were buoyed by a 23m gain from the sale of 59,000 acres of Wisconsin timberland. The figures compare with earnings of $31m on revenues of $376m in the second quarter of 2008. President and chief executive Rick Holley said the results were better than expected, although market conditions remained difficult. “Our bottom line reflects some benefit from downsizing our manufacturing operations and slightly better sales activity for higher and better use of rural lands,” he said. He added that, in response to low log prices, harvesting had been adjusted to preserve the most valuable sawlogs, and the sale of the Wisconsin timberland had enabled the company to reduce its debt.