Sides Sit Down To Discuss Future Of American Forests

Bringing timber executives and environmentalists to the same table, the Spokane Roundtable for the Seventh American Forest Congress convenes Tuesday at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute.

More than 50 similar meetings have been held across the United States to forge a vision for American forests left to the next two or three generations. Results of local meetings will lay the foundation for a national session in February.

Organizers invited 140 participants with diverse interests, and expect 60 to attend the all-day conference. The meeting is for invited guests only.

In other events this week:

Today

Western Farm Service annual meeting opens at the Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park and continues through Wednesday.

Steve Forbes, Richard Lugar, Lamar Alexander and other presidential candidates expected to file for New Hampshire primary.

Tuesday

Far West Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association annual meeting opens at the Spokane Convention Center, through Thursday. Speakers scheduled to address the 1,100 participants include: Vince Lombardi Jr., noon; and Lowell Catlett, New Mexico State University agricultural economist, noon Wednesday. Call 838-6653.

Northwest Power Planning Council opens three-day meeting in Portland to decide on formation of Independent Scientific Advisory Board; discuss 1996 power plan; hear staff report on implementing fish and wildlife program; and other matters. Call 800-222-3355.

U.S. Department of Labor reports November producer price index, a measure of wholesale inflation.

U.S. Department of Commerce reports third-quarter current account in trade.

Wednesday

Washington Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn holds a 1 p.m. workshop at the Ridpath Hotel on changes in health care brought on by managed care and other reforms.

Commerce Department reports November retail sales.

Thursday

Washington Apple Commission’s board of directors meets in Wenatchee.

Labor Department releases November consumer price index, a measure of retail inflation.

Federal Reserve releases industrial production for November.

Friday

Washington Cattle Feeders Association opens two-day annual meeting in the Tri-Cities. Call 509-547-5538.

Spokane Ag Bureau Christmas party begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Ramada Inn.

U.S. Department of Agriculture releases state and national reports on feed cattle, milk production and potato stocks.

Saturday

Cowboy poet and radio commentator Baxter Black speaks to the Washington Cattle Feeders Association at the Trade, Recreation, Agricultural Center in Pasco. Cost: $12 advance; $15 at the door. Call 509-547-5538.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Measuring the Economy

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: On the shelf Business Week, Dec. 18: The ability to raise money fast through initial public offerings helped fuel the boom in small technology companies this year. Economic outlook Economic outlook for Western Federal Reserve districts from the Fed’s survey released last week. Montana is in the Minneapolis district; Washington and Idaho in the San Francisco district: SAN FRANCISCO Reports continued to point to solid growth. There were signs of increased activity in California. Bank loan activity was high, except in parts of Southern California. MINNEAPOLIS Moderate growth continued with few problems. Construction was busy. Natural resource industries were strong and some planned new investment in plant and equipment.