Marked regional price variations in 2018 disguised by fairly stable prices statewide

While sawlog prices in Wisconsin were stable or showed a small single digit decline in 2018, Forest Data Network index prices showed strong differences in the same species between different regions.

Some large differences in pulp prices were driven by mill capacity. Prices for pulp south of Highway 10 were generally less than half of prices in northern counties except for the Black River region (Monroe, Jackson and La Crosse counties), which showed pricing that rivalled its Northern neighbors. Biomass mills in that area probably contributed to better pricing for pulpwood.

Cedar made the greatest increase in 2018, with the FDN index price jumping by nearly 30% over the prior year. Cedar price growth was particularly strong in the west central part of the state. Prices for cedar showed sharp gains in the Chippewa and Black River regions (a swatch of land running north from La Crosse through Chippewa counties.

(To get detailed pricing information by region, species and sub species, check out the regional pricing reports available here.)

Maple and oak prices were stronger in northern Wisconsin versus statewide, except in the far Northeast part of the state (Menominee and Oconto counties). However, those counties showed very strong prices for pulpwood.

FDN data showed that Ash pulp prices were down 16 percent statewide --- generally impacted by higher harvest volumes potentially as foresters and landowners worked to head off emerald ash borer before it could take its toll.

Birch prices dropped sharply (30%) in northwest Wisconsin. Aspen prices showed a similar decline in Sauk, Richland, Crawford and Vernon counties.