BEND, OR -- The Oregon timber industry was once considered “The King” of the Oregon economy. State Economist Damon Runberg says one popular opinion is that the loss of timber jobs resulted in a surge in lower paying tourism jobs. He says timber jobs actually began going away in the 1980’s into the 90’s due to industry consolidation, automation and the availability of wood products from overseas. He also says many mills were equipped for larger diameter trees which began to disappear by the 1990's. Runberg says construction jobs took the place of many timber jobs but says those jobs were hard hit by the Great Recession that started in late 2007. He says construction jobs have since been replaced by technical and professional services jobs.