The forest industry in the US South has attracted increased interest and investment over the past few years. This relatively newfound attention is a result of the region's competitive advantage over many countries worldwide. The benefits come primarily from the region's surplus of timber supply, efficient infrastructure, and low wood costs.  The population of the southern states is also growing faster than elsewhere in the US; thus, demand for most forest products is expected to increase as consumers purchase houses, buy new furniture, remodel their homes.  Softwood fiber costs for pulpmills in the US ...