Some things don't change at the annual Redwood Region Logging Conference, including its cherished ritual: the gin fizz and moose milk breakfast.

But the North Coast timber industry, which assembled Thursday for the 68th annual conference, is facing plenty of changes.

The industry is under pressure from growing global competition, increased environmental regulations and a shrinking log base.

There was no lack of confidence, however, among hundreds of timber industry workers, corporate executives and individual timberland owners who gathered Thursday for the opening of the three-day event to examine the industry's future.

"I think we're through the worst of a rough period," said Ray Jacobzoom, a Redwood valley forestry consultant.

Despite a decade-long shrinkage in the number of sawmills, production and employment, the redwood region still accounts for 40 percent of the state's $500 million timber industry.

Mendocino and Humboldt counties also remain the two top timber-producing counties, where redwood logs typically command a higher price than other conifers, including fir.

The sharp slide in industry production and value since 2000 appears to have hit rock bottom, and now shows steady signs of improvement, Jacobzoom said.

In 2000, timber production statewide was valued at $909million, but by 2003 had slid to $452 million. The figure represents only the value of logs delivered to local mills, and not that of finished lumber products.

In 2004, timber's value began an upturn, reaching $500 million. There's been a slow but steady climb since, according to most timber analysts.

Jacobzoom said he doubts the industry will ever anytime soon enjoy the boom years of the early 1990s. The state's overall value shot to $1.2 billion in 1993, with the North Coast production exceeding $480 million.

Redwood and fir prices are strong, allowing private timberland owners to step up logging in return for an economic boost, said Mendocino logger Jerry Philbrick, who's logged for 46 years and has never missed the annual conference.

"The trick is to manage timberlands on a selective basis, keeping the big trees growing while thinning out the scrubs," he said.

Philbrick said he has no doubt timber will always have a strong economic role in redwood country.

"The land wants to grow timber. It's the best in the United States," said Philbrick.

Even without costly management practices, timber can recover from harsh logging practices, said Philbrick.

Philbrick cited a stretch of redwood-shaded Highway 128 between Philo and the Mendocino Coast, which has been described as one of the most beautiful drives in California.

"There was nothing growing there about 80 years ago. All the trees had been been cut, and none were replanted in their place," Philbrick said.

But because of redwood's ability to regenerate themselves around their stumps, the stretch of highway is thick with tall trees.

"That's why we have a future. Pure and simple," said Philbrick.