It is with great sadness that I have learned of the closure of the Interfor facilities in Forks and Beaver. The City of Forks and Interfor have maintained an excellent working relationship and it is unfortunate that global and national economic and market stressors have negatively impacted the future of the local mills.
Today’s world is truly connected with a global economy and this is a day that has unfortunately impacted us in a negative manner. We will weather this change.
Our initial concern is for the employees and the families directly impacted by the closures. While it appears that several of the employees will continue working within Interfor at other locations, our hearts, prayers and support are with all of you as the one family we all are on the West End of the Olympic Peninsula. We will weather this change.
Our next concern is for all of the citizens of the West End as our economy is impacted by this major upheaval. Businesses, schools and others all will deal with repercussions from this event. Long-term employment and educational options are important but our immediate focus will be on assisting people on a day-to-day basis to put food on the table and keep roofs over heads.
We are one region with shared families and community values. We will weather this change.
Twenty years ago the concept of the Internet and cell phones were barely known. Manufacturing, international trade and technology, to mention a few, have made incredible advances during this time. As a region we can rely on the values that we share and define us yet we must be prepared to face the inevitability of change.
The timber industry and forestry always will be an important part of our experiences and will continue to be a major employer in this area but it is already different than what it was 20 years ago as it will certainly be different 20 years from now. We will weather this change.
It rains a lot in Forks. We enjoy the sun when we see it but at the same time rain and storms occur and will not change who we ultimately are and diminish the good we offer to the world.
Mayor Bryon Monohon
