Spokane, Washington, USA, 27 March 2008 --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Potlatch Corporation (NYSE:PCH) today announced the permanent closure of the company's lumber mill in Prescott, Arkansas, due to poor market conditions.

The Prescott mill, which was purchased by Potlatch in 1966, employs 182 people, and produces southern yellow pine dimensional lumber primarily for the home building industry. The ongoing housing crisis has resulted in historic low demand for lumber and significantly reduced lumber pricing. Over the coming weeks, the mill will process the remaining inventory of logs, finish and ship the remaining lumber, and permanently cease operations in May.

In addition to a very weak lumber market, the mill's close proximity to other wood products facilities translates to increased competition for logs, which drives up raw material prices and requires logs to be transported from greater distances.

"Our Prescott employees have done exceptional work over the years and we regret that despite those efforts the operation is not viable," said Brad Fountain, manufacturing manager. "We will work with state and federal agencies to help lessen the impact of the closure for our employees."

Potlatch owns 1.65 million acres of forestland in Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and operates 12 manufacturing facilities that produce lumber and panel products and bleached pulp products, including paperboard and tissue. The company, which employs 3800 people, also conducts a land sales and development business. Potlatch, a verified forest practices leader, is committed to providing superior returns to stockholders through long-term stewardship of its resources.