April 8, 2024 3:20 a.m.

State Representative Virgle Osborne is decrying the closure of a local lumber company.

Last week C&D Lumber Company announced that the 6th generation family-owned business will be shutting down operations. Osborne said C&D has provided countless family wage jobs and generated millions of dollars of economic activity in southern Oregon for more than 130 years.

Osborne said, “It is a sad day not only for the Riddle community but that of the Oregon timber industry as a whole. For over a century, C&D has been an integral part of the southern Oregon community, a pillar for many to look up to”.

Osborne said, “C&D sought to pave the way for the timber industry, making their mark in sustainable practices and leading innovation. Unfortunately, it was not enough because the government has weakened the industry, making it difficult to turn a profit”.

Osborne said, “Yes, the market fluctuates, and issues of supply chain and inflation affect every industry. But both the federal and state governments are actively subverting the timber industry by limiting the amount of product they can harvest. And with the recent adoption of Oregon’s new Habitat Conversation Plan, I believe this is only the beginning”.

Osborne concluded, “We must continue to stand with the timber industry to protect small business and good paying jobs”.