Potlatch Corporation Appoints Douglas D. Spedden Treasurer

SPOKANE, Wash.--March 10, 2004--Potlatch Corporation today announced the appointment of Douglas D. Spedden as treasurer. He has served as assistant treasurer since December of 2000.

"Doug's 21 years in Potlatch's financial affairs provides him with a superb background to undertake the duties of Treasurer," noted Gerald L. Zuehlke, Potlatch's vice president, finance, and chief financial officer. "Doug has a broad understanding of our various businesses and the financial functions within the company," he said. Zuehlke added that in addition to his regular duties as treasurer, Spedden will also become the company's primary contact for the external financial community, including analysts.

Spedden joined Potlatch in 1983 as an internal auditor and served in several managerial roles in the audit department before being named supervisor, budgeting and fixed assets, in 1989. In 1993 he was promoted to manager, budgeting and fixed assets and in 1995 was named manager, internal audit.

Prior to joining Potlatch, Spedden worked as a staff accountant for Peat Marwick, Main & Co. A certified public accountant, Spedden holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Idaho.