In early November, Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek announced a massive merger that would create one of the world’s largest timber companies and possibly change the industry in Montana forever. Industry observers have suggested the merger could result in layoffs and closures, while outdoorsmen worry that private land access could change.
This week, the Flathead Beacon tries to answer the question and who is Weyerhaeuser and what does this merger mean for Northwest Montana?

Who is Weyerhaeuser?
Company merging with Plum Creek has deep roots in Pacific Northwest – By Justin Franz
On Jan. 18, 1900, Frederick Weyerhaeuser purchased 900,000 acres of Washington timberland from the Northern Pacific Railway. At the time it was the largest private land deal in American history.
The deal would go on to make Frederick, already a successful businessman in the timber industry, the eighth richest American and make the Weyerhaeuser Company the economic powerhouse it is today. »»» READ MORE

As Merger Looms, Questions Linger About Plum Creek’s Future
A week after deal was announced, Plum Creek officials say it is too soon to know what could change in deal with Weyerhaeuser – By Justin Franz
More than a week after the Weyerhaeuser Company and Plum Creek Timber announced they would be merging, little has changed at mills in Columbia Falls and Evergreen.
But community members and industry observers are wondering aloud what the multibillion-dollar merger will mean for the mills and their 750 employees in the Flathead Valley. »»» READ MORE

New Neighbor Raises Questions About New Rules For Access
Plum Creek’s purchase by Weyerhaeuser has prompted concern over public access on land giant’s parcels in other states – By Tristan Scott
The recent announcement that the Paul Bunyan-esque timber giant Weyerhaeuser was purchasing Plum Creek land raised immediate concern over the fate of free land use in western Montana, where hunters and anglers have enjoyed a long legacy of outdoor access.
With certain limitations, Plum Creek has allowed free, public access on nearly all of its timbered Montana lands for decades. Weyerhaeuser, in contrast, allows paid access on much of its land through permits and exclusive leases. Permits are often limited in number and can cost as much as $275. »»» READ MORE