Plum Creek gives lumber to Habitat effort in Columbia Falls

A load of lumber Plum Creek Timber Co. is dropping off this afternoon will help volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley start building two more houses in Columbia Falls.

The company is donating 700 manufactured studs. They should arrive at the job site by 1 p.m.

Tom Ray, Plum Creek’s vice president for Northwest Resources and Manufacturing, said the company is glad it can give back to the community.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity on the Columbia Falls project.

It is fitting that with the reopening of the Evergreen sawmill that we’re able to contribute back to the community for this important project,” Ray said.

Prior to the reopening of the Evergreen sawmill in March 2013, framing studs were not being manufactured in Plum Creek facilities.

The lumber will help Habitat for Humanity build two more homes in Columbia Falls.

The organization has almost completed eight of the 16 houses that it plans to build in that area by the end of 2014.

“Plum Creek has been an important partner throughout the Columbia Falls project,” said Christine Morris, director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley.

“Earlier in the project, the Plum Creek Foundation awarded us a $20,000 grant. With this shipment of lumber, Plum Creek has not only enhanced its reputation as a good corporate citizen, but the corporation and its employees have also stepped forward as caring neighbors.”