On December 11, 2003, Ed Bond, spokesman for the Sierra Pacific Industries announced the Susanville mill would close some time in early 2004. Bond stated a number of issues that led to the closure. One, of course, was a lack of available timber. It was noted that in 1990 the Lassen National Forest sold 108 million board feet of timber and by 2002 that number had dropped to 17.9 million board feet. Those who have an affiliation in this industry, were not surprised by the closure. Actually, many and my self included were amazed that it had not happened years earlier.

The community reaction was all doom and gloom. Fast forward nearly twenty years later, with the closure of the California Correctional Center and the commentary is the same. Guess what, the town has not shriveled up and blown away.

Tim

Note for the record: The mill closed down on May 3, 2004  and portions of the mill dismantled. One of the features that still remain is the water tower, which found a new life as a cell tower.