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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

(X)   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002

(   )   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-10239

PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

999 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104-4096 Telephone: (206) 467-3600

Organized in the State of Delaware I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 91-1912863

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [   ]

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock as of November 1, 2002 was 184,860,615.

PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
		September 30, 2002		December 31, 2001
		(UNAUDITED)
		(In Millions, Except Share Data)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	270	$	193
Restricted Advance from Customer		23		-
Accounts Receivable		50		35
Inventories		52		52
Investment in Grantor Trust		10		12
Other Current Assets		14		14
		419		306
Timber and Timberlands - Net		3,477		3,480
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net		307		316
Other Assets		5		20
Total Assets	$	4,208	$	4,122
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities:
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	34	$	34
Accounts Payable		25		27
Interest Payable		35		21
Wages Payable		19		21
Taxes Payable		15		9
Deferred Revenue		41		14
Liabilities Associated with Grantor Trust		10		11
Other Current Liabilities		16		12
		195		149
Long-Term Debt		1,171		1,178
Line of Credit		527		469
Deferred Tax Liability		42		38
Long-Term Timberland Obligations		19		20
Other Liabilities		21		21
Total Liabilities		1,975		1,875
Commitments and Contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized shares - 75 million, outstanding - none		-		-
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized shares - 300 million, outstanding - 184,859,619 at September 30, 2002 and 183,825,407 at December 31, 2001		2		2
Additional Paid-In Capital		2,197		2,227
Retained Earnings		34		17
Other Equity		-		1
Total Stockholders' Equity		2,233		2,247
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	4,208	$	4,122
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

	2002		2001
Total segment operating income	$ 111		$ 91
Interest expense, net	25		9
Corporate and other unallocated expenses	14		4
Income before income taxes	$  72		$ 78

	2002		2001
Total segment operating income	$ 290		$ 220
Interest expense, net	77		30
Corporate and other unallocated expenses	27		10
Income before income taxes	$ 186		$ 180

        References to "Plum Creek," "the company," "we," or "our," are references to Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes, and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries.

        This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seek," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "estimates," or "anticipates," or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, changes in governmental, legislative and environmental restrictions; catastrophic losses from fires, floods, windstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, insect infestations or diseases; changes in economic conditions and competition in our domestic and export markets; and other factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securitie s and Exchange Commission. In addition, factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those contemplated by our projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted results as reflected in forward-looking statements relating to our operations and business include, but are not limited to:

•	our failure to qualify as a REIT or our failure to achieve the expected competitive advantages of operating as a REIT;
•	an unanticipated reduction in the demand for timber products and/or an unanticipated increase in the supply of timber products;
•	An unanticipated reduction in the demand for higher and better use timberlands;
•	Our failure to make strategic acquisitions or to integrate any such acquisitions effectively or, conversely, our failure to make strategic divestitures; and
•	The failure to meet our expectations with respect to our likely future performance.

        It is likely that if one or more of the risks materializes, or if one or more assumptions proves to be incorrect, the current expectations of Plum Creek and its management will not be realized. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and neither Plum Creek nor its management undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial information and analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2002.

        Merger with The Timber Company. On October 6, 2001, the six entities that comprised The Timber Company, formerly a separate operating group of Georgia-Pacific Corporation ("Georgia-Pacific"), merged with and into Plum Creek, with Plum Creek as the surviving company. As a part of the merger, the shareholders of Georgia-Pacific Corporation - Timber Group Common Stock ("Timber Company Stock") received 1.37 shares of Plum Creek's common stock for each share of Timber Company Stock, or approximately 112.7 million shares. The merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, with The Timber Company treated as the acquirer for accounting and financial reporting purposes. As a consequence of this accounting treatment, the historical financial statements of The Timber Company became the historical financial statements of Plum Creek effective as of the consummation of the merger. Therefore, the financial statements reflect the combined ope rations of Plum Creek and The Timber Company for periods subsequent to October 6, 2001, and reflect solely the operations of The Timber Company for periods prior to October 6, 2001.

        Prior to the merger with Plum Creek, The Timber Company had only one reportable segment. Subsequent to the merger and currently, Plum Creek has five reportable segments. The Timber Company's historical segment information has been restated to reflect these new segments. Moreover, the period-to-period comparison of the results of operations for the third quarter of 2002 compared to the third quarter of 2001 and the period-to-period comparison of the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2001 are based on these new segments. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Plum Creek (The Timber Company prior to the October 6, 2001 merger) historically recognized revenue from timber sales under three different methods, depending upon the terms of the sale. The methods were (1) delivered log sales, (2) cutting contracts and (3) timber deeds. Timber deeds are agreements pursuant to which the buyer agrees to harvest all of the trees on a given tract of land over the term of the contract (usually 12 to 18 months). The buyer pays the full purchase price and risk of loss and title to the trees transfer to the buyer when the contract is signed. Revenue from a timber deed sale is therefore recognized when the contract is signed.

        Subsequent to the October 6, 2001 merger, we replaced timber deed agreements with lump-sum sale agreements because of certain REIT requirements. Under a lump-sum sale agreement, the parties agree to a

 lump-sum price for all the timber available for harvest on a given tract of land. Generally, the lump-sum price is paid when the contract is signed. However, unlike timber deeds, title to the timber and risk of loss transfers to the buyer as the timber is cut, not when the contract is signed. Therefore, revenue is recognized each month based on the timber harvested, compared to total timber available to be harvested, on a given tract of land over the term of the contract (usually 12 to 18 months).

        Accounting Method Change. In the second quarter of 2002 the company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation. The company has elected to account for stock-based employee compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123. This accounting policy change is being applied retroactive to January 1, 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2001, the company changed its accounting policy to capitalize certain timber reforestation costs that were previously expensed. The new capitalization policy was applied retroactive to January 1, 2001.

        Northern Resources Segment. Revenues increased by $74 million, or 411%, to $92 million in the third quarter of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger with Plum Creek, revenues increased by $6 million, or 33%, to $24 million. This increase of $6 million was due primarily to higher softwood sawlog sales volume as a result of the age class distribution of our Oregon timberlands, which has an increasing percentage of timber approaching maturity.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Northern Resources Segment operating income was 25% of its revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and 17% for the quarter ended September 29, 2001. This increase was due primarily to higher softwood sawlog sales volume. Northern Resources Segment

 costs and expenses increased by $54 million, or 360%, to $69 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses increased by $3 million, or 20%, to $18 million, which was due primarily to higher log and haul costs as a result of higher sales volume.

        Southern Resources Segment. Revenues increased by $9 million, or 9%, to $110 million in the third quarter of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, revenues decreased by $3 million, or 3%, to $98 million. This decrease of $3 million was due primarily to modified contract terms ($8 million) and lower sawlog sales volume ($4 million), offset in part by a higher percentage of delivered log sales ($11 million).

        Revenues decreased by $8 million due to the effect of modifications to the terms of our supply contract with Georgia-Pacific. During 2001, a substantial portion of The Timber Company's sales was to Georgia-Pacific under a long-term supply agreement pursuant to which Georgia-Pacific purchased standing timber, or timber deeds, twice a year -- in February and August. Because these sales to Georgia-Pacific were made pursuant to timber deeds, which pass title to the timber at the time of sale, all of the revenue from each semi-annual sale to Georgia-Pacific was recognized at the time the timber deed was sold, regardless of when the timber was actually harvested. Therefore, The Timber Company recognized in the third quarter of 2001 all of the revenue from its August 2001 timber deed sales to Georgia-Pacific (along with revenue from other timber deed sales made during the third quarter), even though all of the timber represented by the timber dee ds was not harvested when the timber deed was sold. Following the October 6, 2001 merger, we discontinued making sales of timber under timber deeds because of REIT requirements. To comply with these requirements, we modified our long-term supply agreement with Georgia-Pacific to provide for timber sales on a lump-sum basis rather than under timber deeds. As a result, revenue from lump-sum contract sales is recognized as the timber is harvested. During the third quarter of 2002, we recognized $8 million less under lump-sum contracts compared to the same period in the prior year when revenue was recognized when timber deeds were sold.

        In addition to the $8 million decline in revenues due to the change in contract terms, revenues decreased by an additional $4 million due to lower softwood sawlog sales volume during the third quarter of 2002 compared to the third quarter of 2001. This decrease was due primarily to the deferral of sales volume during the first half of 2001 to the third quarter of 2001 in anticipation of improving prices. Softwood sawlog prices were weak during the first half of 2001 due primarily to an excess supply of logs as a result of favorable harvesting conditions and weak lumber and plywood prices. Softwood sawlog prices generally have remained weak during 2001 and the first nine months of 2002.

        Revenues increased by $11 million due to the company's increased percentage of delivered log sales. The company has increased its percentage of delivered log sales by decreasing its percentage of sales of standing timber. Under its delivered log sale agreements, the company is responsible for log and haul costs. When standing timber is sold the buyer incurs the log and haul costs. While revenues are higher when the company is responsible for the logging and hauling of timber, costs of sales generally increase by a similar amount. As a result, the company realizes lower operating margins as a percent of revenue, although operating income is not generally affected.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Southern Resources Segment operating income was 55% of its revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and 68% for the quarter ended September 29, 2001. This decrease was due primarily to the increased percentage of delivered log sales and lower softwood sawlog sales volume. Southern Resources Segment costs and expenses increased by $21 million, or 66%, to $53 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses increased by $12 million, or 38%, to $44 million. This increase of $12 million was due primarily to an increase in log and haul costs as a result of a higher percentage of delivered log sales compared to sales of standing timber.

        Real Estate Segment. Revenues increased by $19 million, or 100%, to $38 million in the third quarter of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, revenues increased by $4 million, or 21%, to $23 million. This increase of $4 million is due primarily to the timing of real estate sales. The company estimates that approximately 10% of its timberlands may be better suited for conservation, residential or recreational purposes rather than for long-term commercial timber management. The timing of real estate sales is a function of many factors, including the availability of government and not-for-profit funding, the general state of the economy, the plans of adjacent landowners, the company's expectation of future price appreciation and the timing of harvesting activities.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Real Estate Segment operating income was 78% of its revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and 89% for the quarter ended September 29, 2001. The decrease is due primarily to the selling of some recently acquired timberlands which have a higher per acre cost basis. Real Estate Segment costs and expenses increased by $9 million to $11 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses increased approximately $3 million in 2002 from $2 million in 2001. The increase is primarily due to selling 7% more acres during the third quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001.

        Manufactured Products Segment. The company's historical financial statements for periods prior to the October 6, 2001 merger are the historical financial statements of The Timber Company, which did not have any manufacturing operations. For the third quarter of 2002, Manufactured Products Segment revenues were $101 million, expenses were $98 million and operating income was $3 million.

        Other Segment. Revenues decreased by $2 million to $1 million in 2002. Expenses were less than $1 million during 2002 and $1 million in 2001.

        Other Costs and Eliminations. Other Costs and Eliminations (which consists of corporate overhead and intercompany profit elimination) decreased operating income by $14 million in the third quarter of 2002, compared to a decrease of $4 million in the third quarter of 2001. This change of $10 million was due primarily to higher corporate expenses of $7 million resulting from the increased size of the company, and $3 million of

 intercompany profit deferred during the quarter. At September 30, 2002, the deferred profit on intercompany log sales was $7 million and at June 30, 2002 the deferred profit on intercompany log sales was $4 million. Profit on intercompany log sales is deferred until the lumber and plywood manufacturing facilities convert existing log inventories into finished products and sell them to third parties. Prior to the October 6, 2001 merger, The Timber Company did not have any deferred profit on log sales.

        Interest Expense. Net interest expense increased by $16 million, or 178%, to $25 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. This increase was due primarily to the $837 million of debt that was assumed in connection with the October 6, 2001 merger.

        Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased by $28 million, or 93%, to $2 million in the third quarter of 2002. This decrease is due primarily to the October 6, 2001 merger of The Timber Company into Plum Creek which has elected to be taxed as a REIT. As a REIT, Plum Creek is generally exempt from paying income tax except for certain sales subject to the built-in gains tax and non-REIT activities that are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Northern Resources Segment. Revenues increased by $174 million, or 328%, to $227 million in the first nine months of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger with Plum Creek, revenues increased by $12 million, or 23%, to $65 million. This increase of $12 million was due primarily to higher softwood sawlog sales volume as a result of the age class distribution of our Oregon Timberlands, which has an increasing percentage of mature timber.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Northern Resources Segment operating income was 28% of its revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 21% for the nine months ended September 29, 2001. This increase was due primarily to higher softwood sawlog sales volume. Northern Resources Segment costs and expenses increased by $131 million, or 312%, to $173 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses increased by $5 million, or 12%, to $47 million, which was due primarily to higher log and haul costs as a result of higher sales volume.

        Southern Resources Segment. Revenues increased by $77 million, or 32%, to $321 million in the first nine months of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, revenues increased by $37 million, or 15%, to $281 million. This increase of $37 million was due primarily to higher log sales volume ($38 million) and a higher percentage of delivered log sales ($28 million), offset in part by modified contract terms ($27 million) and lower softwood sawlog prices ($8 million).

        Revenues increased by $38 million due to higher log sales volume. Log sales volume increased due primarily to the temporary (24 to 36 months) increase in harvest levels. This temporary increase resulted from accelerating the conversion of slower-growing natural stands to faster-growing plantations.

        Revenues increased by $28 million due to the company's increased percentage of delivered log sales. The company has increased its percentage of delivered log sales by decreasing its percentage of sales of standing timber. Under a delivered log sale agreement, the seller is responsible for log and haul costs. When standing timber is sold the buyer incurs the log and haul costs. While revenues are higher when the seller is responsible for the logging and hauling of timber, costs of sales generally increase by a similar amount. As a result, the company realizes lower operating margins as a percent of revenue, although operating income is not generally affected.

        Revenues decreased by $27 million due to the effect of modifications to the terms of our supply contract with Georgia-Pacific. During 2001, a substantial portion of The Timber Company's sales was to Georgia-Pacific under a long-term supply agreement pursuant to which Georgia-Pacific purchased standing timber, or timber deeds, twice a year -- in February and August. Because these sales to Georgia-Pacific were made pursuant to timber deeds, which pass title to the timber at the time of sale, all of the revenue from each semi-annual sale to Georgia-Pacific was recognized at the time the timber deed was sold, regardless of when the timber was actually harvested. Therefore, The Timber Company was able to recognize in the first nine months of 2001 all of the revenue from its February 2001 and August 2001 timber deed sales to Georgia-Pacific (along with revenue from other timber deed sales made during the first nine months), even though all of th e timber represented by the timber deeds was not harvested during the first nine months of 2001. Following the October 6, 2001 merger, we

 discontinued making sales of timber under timber deeds because of REIT requirements. To comply with these requirements, we also modified our long-term supply agreement with Georgia-Pacific to provide for timber sales on a lump-sum basis rather than under timber deeds. As a result, revenue from lump-sum contract sales is recognized as the timber is harvested. During the first nine months of 2002, we recognized $27 million less under lump-sum contracts compared to the same period in the prior year when revenue was recognized when timber deeds were sold.

        Revenues decreased by $8 million due to lower softwood sawlog prices. Softwood sawlog prices decreased due primarily to an excess supply of logs as a result of favorable harvesting conditions and weak lumber and plywood prices.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Southern Resources Segment operating income was 59% of its revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 65% for the nine months ended September 29, 2001. This decrease was due primarily to the increased percentage of delivered log sales. Southern Resources Segment costs and expenses increased by $59 million, or 69%, to $145 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses increased by $28 million, or 33%, to $114 million. This increase of $28 million was due primarily to an increase in log and haul costs as a result of a higher percentage of delivered log sales compared to sales of standing timber.

        Real Estate Segment. Revenues increased by $26 million, or 49%, to $79 million in the first nine months of 2002. Excluding revenues associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, revenues decreased by $12 million, or 23%, to $41 million. This decrease of $12 million is due primarily to the timing of real estate sales. The company estimates that approximately 10% of its timberlands may be better suited for conservation, residential or recreational purposes rather than for long-term commercial timber management. The timing of real estate sales is a function of many factors, including the availability of government and not-for-profit funding, the general state of the economy, the plans of adjacent landowners, the company's expectation of future price appreciation and the timing of harvesting activities.

        Excluding the impact of the October 6, 2001 merger, Real Estate Segment operating income was 80% of its revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 83% for the nine months ended September 29, 2001. Real Estate Segment costs and expenses increased by $20 million to $29 million in 2002. Excluding costs and expenses associated with the October 6, 2001 merger, costs and expenses decreased by approximately $1 million in 2002 from $9 million in 2001.

        Manufactured Products Segment. The company's historical financial statements for periods prior to the October 6, 2001 merger are the historical financial statements of The Timber Company, which did not have any manufacturing operations. For the first nine months of 2002, Manufactured Products Segment revenues were $291 million, expenses were $285 million and operating income was $6 million.

        Other Segment. Revenues decreased by $3 million to $5 million in the first nine months of 2002. Expenses were $1 million during 2002 and 2001.

        Other Costs and Eliminations. Other Costs and Eliminations (which consists of corporate overhead and intercompany profit elimination) decreased operating income by $27 million in the first nine months of 2002, compared to a decrease of $10 million in the first nine months of 2001. This change of $17 million was due primarily to higher corporate expenses of $19 million resulting from the increased size of the company, offset in part by $2 million of intercompany profit released during the nine months ended September 30, 2002. At September 30, 2002, the deferred profit on intercompany log sales was $7 million and at December 31, 2001 the deferred profit on intercompany log sales was $9 million. Profit on intercompany log sales is deferred until the lumber and plywood manufacturing facilities convert existing log inventories into finished products and sell them to third parties. Prior to the October 6, 2001 merger, The Timber Company did not have any deferred profit on log sales.

        Interest Expense. Net interest expense increased by $47 million, or 157%, to $77 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This increase was due primarily to the $837 million of debt that was assumed in connection with the October 6, 2001 merger.

        Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased by $61 million, or 90%, to $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This decrease is due primarily to the October 6, 2001 merger of The Timber Company into Plum Creek which has elected to be taxed as a REIT. As a REIT, Plum Creek is generally exempt from paying income tax except for certain sales subject to the built-in gains tax and non-REIT activities that are conducted through taxable REIT subsidiaries. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $306 million for the first nine months of 2002, compared to $187 million in the same period of 2001. The increase of $119 million is due primarily to the October 6, 2001 merger with Plum Creek. As a result of the merger, non-cash operating expenses (depletion, depreciation, amortization, and land basis) increased by $65 million and cash taxes decreased by approximately $45 million.

        Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2002 was $270 million compared to $193 million at December 31, 2001. The increase was due primarily to Plum Creek accelerating the payment of the fourth quarter 2001 dividend. Plum Creek paid the dividend for the fourth quarter of 2001 on December 28, 2001. Normally, the fourth quarter dividend would have been paid in February of the following year. The payment of the fourth quarter 2001 dividend was accelerated because of our merger with The Timber Company and the REIT requirement under the Internal Revenue Code that all earnings and profits inherited in connection with a merger must be distributed by January 31st of the year following the merger.

        Subsequent to the October 6, 2001 merger, the company replaced timber deed agreements with lump-sum sale agreements to comply with certain REIT requirements. As a consequence, revenue that previously was recognized when the contract was signed is now deferred and is recognized as the timber is harvested. At September 30, 2002 deferred revenue associated with lump-sum sale agreements was $27 million. Additionally, $23 million of cash received from a customer for a lump-sum contract was restricted at September 30, 2002. The restricted cash is in a separate bank account and the restriction is lifted when the customer advises us that the timber under the lump-sum contract has been cut.

        On September 19, 2002, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase 309,000 acres of forest lands in the North Central United States from Stora Enso North America Corporation for $142 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed in December 2002 and will be financed with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our line of credit.

        We have an unsecured line of credit with a group of banks. Subject to customary covenants, the line of credit allows for borrowings from time to time of up to $600 million for general corporate purposes, including up to $50 million of standby letters of credit. The line of credit matures on September 30, 2005 and bears a floating rate of interest. As of September 30, 2002, $527 million was outstanding and $73 million remained available to borrow under our line of credit. As of October 1, 2002, $255 million of the borrowings on the line of credit were repaid.

        Our $100 million 364-day term bank credit facility expired on September 30, 2002. We are currently arranging with various bank lenders a new $100 million 364-day revolving credit facility to replace the expired term facility. The new facility will be based on substantially similar terms as the expired facility, and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2002.

        Our borrowing agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including limitations on harvest levels, sales of assets, the incurrence of indebtedness and making restricted payments (such as payments for cash dividends or stock repurchases). Our borrowing agreements limit our ability to make restricted payments based on available cash, which is generally our net income after adjusting for non-cash charges (such as depreciation and depletion), changes in various reserves and capital expenditures and principal payments on indebtedness that are not financed. In addition, our line of credit requires that we maintain an interest coverage ratio and maximum leverage ratio. We were in compliance with all of our borrowing agreement covenants as of September 30, 2002.

        Cash required to meet our financial needs will be significant. We believe, however, that cash on hand and cash flows from continuing operations will be sufficient to fund planned capital expenditures, and interest and principal payments on our indebtedness for the next year.

        On October 17, 2002, our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.35 per share for the third quarter. Future dividends will be determined by our board of directors, in its sole discretion, based on consideration of a number of factors including, but not limited to, our results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on the company's

 ability to make restricted payments, borrowing capacity, changes in the price and demand for Plum Creek's products and the general market for timberlands and those timberland properties that have higher and better uses. Other factors that our board of directors considers include the appropriate timing of timber harvests, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, stock repurchases, debt repayment and other means by which the company delivers value to its stockholders. Our board has authorized the company, at its own discretion as market conditions warrant, to buy back up to $200 million of the company's outstanding common stock.

        Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2002 were $86 million, compared to $44 million for the same period in 2001. Planned capital expenditures for 2002 are expected to be approximately $110 million, which includes $13 million for acquisition of timberlands using proceeds from tax-free exchanges, $10 million for acquisition of timberlands using cash, approximately $70 million for expenditures on our timberlands, $10 million for the development of our coalbed methane and $7 million for our manufacturing facilities. The timberland expenditures are primarily for reforestation and other expenditures associated with the planting and growing of trees.

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The statement provides accounting and reporting standards for recognizing obligations related to asset retirement costs associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Under this statement, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are to be recognized at their fair value in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the asset retirement costs is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and expensed using a systematic and rational method over the assets' useful life. Any subsequent changes to the fair value of the liability will be expensed. Management is currently assessing the impact of this statement on our result s of operations, financial position and cash flows.

        In May 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 145. SFAS No. 145 rescinded three previously issued statements and amended SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." The statement provides reporting standards for debt extinguishments and provides accounting standards for certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The statement is effective for certain lease transactions occurring after May 15, 2002 and all other provisions of the statement shall be effective for financial statements issued on or after May 15, 2002. Adoption of this standard did not have any impact on our financial position or the presentation of any transaction.

        In July 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Restructuring Costs," which is effective prospectively for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The statement provides accounting and reporting standards for recognizing obligations related to a plan to exit an activity or dispose of long-lived assets. Management believes that adoption of this standard will not have any impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

        Our results of operations are affected by the cyclical nature of the forest products industry. Prices and demand for logs and manufactured wood products are subject to cyclical fluctuations. The demand for logs and wood products is primarily affected by the level of new residential construction activity and, to a lesser extent, repair and remodeling activity and other industrial uses. The demand for logs is also affected by the demand for wood chips in the pulp and paper markets. These activities are, in turn, subject to fluctuations due to, among other factors:

	•		changes in domestic and international economic conditions;
	•		interest rates;
	•		population growth and changing demographics; and
	•		seasonal weather cycles (e.g., dry summers, wet winters).

        Decreases in the level of residential construction activity generally reduce demand for logs and wood products. This results in lower revenues, profits and cash flows. Industry-wide increases in the supply of logs and wood products during favorable price environments can also lead to downward pressure on prices. Timber companies generally increase production volumes for logs and wood products during favorable price environments. However, such increased production, when coupled with even modest declines in demand for these products in general, could lead to oversupply and lower prices.

        Our results of operations may also be subject to global economic changes as global supplies of wood fiber shift in response to changing economic conditions. Changes in global economic conditions that could affect our results of operations include, but are not limited to, new timber supply sources and changes in currency exchange rates, foreign and domestic interest rates and foreign and domestic trade policies.

        In addition, the market for and ability to sell non-strategic timberlands and timberland properties that have higher and better uses can have a significant effect on our results of operations. Market demand for timberlands generally and higher and better use timberlands may decrease and adversely affect our results of operations.

        The forest products industry is highly competitive in terms of price and quality. Wood products are subject to increasing competition from a variety of substitute products, including non-wood and engineered wood products. For example, plywood markets are subject to competition from oriented strand board, and U.S. lumber and log markets are subject to competition from other worldwide suppliers.

        Historically, Canada has been a significant source of lumber for the U. S. market, particularly in the new home construction market. However, in 1995, the U.S. and Canadian governments entered into a five-year lumber trade agreement that became effective April 1, 1996. The trade agreement was intended to limit the volume of Canadian lumber exported into the U.S. through the assessment of an export tariff on annual lumber exports to the U.S. in excess of certain levels from the four major producing Canadian provinces.

        The trade agreement expired in late March 2001, and soon thereafter U.S. industry coalitions submitted anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions to the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce. On March 22, 2002, the Department of Commerce rendered its final determination in favor of the U.S. industry coalitions and set a 19.3% countervailing duty on Canadian lumber imports and an anti-dumping duty on all non-investigated Canadian exporters averaging 9.7% (representing the weighted average of the anti-dumping rates imposed on the investigated Canadian exporters). The Department of Commerce decreased these duties on April 26, 2002 to 18.8% and 8.4%, respectively. On May 2, 2002, the International Trade Commission rendered a final determination that the U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by Canadian lumber imports. As a result of this final determination, on May 22, 2002, the Department of Commer ce put into effect the countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber imports. However, reports indicate that the final duties have not had the effect of decreasing Canadian lumber imports into the U.S.

        The final import duties on Canadian lumber imposed by the Department of Commerce have been referred to appeals panels operating under the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement. These appeals could ultimately be determined adversely to U.S. interests, which could result in an increase of Canadian lumber imports into U.S. markets. Moreover, notwithstanding any favorable U.S. rulings, Canadian lumber imports could otherwise increase or remain at current levels. Therefore, other factors remaining unchanged, downward pressure on domestic lumber and log prices caused by Canadian imports could continue or increase.

        On July 1, 1999, we converted from a master limited partnership to a real estate investment trust, or "REIT." REITs are required to distribute 90% of their net taxable ordinary income. However, unlike ordinary income such as rent, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, does not require REITs to distribute capital gain income. Accordingly, we do not believe that the Internal Revenue Code will require us to distribute

 any material amounts of cash given that the majority of our income comes from timber sales, which are treated as capital gains. Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines the amount of the quarterly dividends to be provided to our stockholders based on consideration of a number of factors including, but not limited to, our results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, borrowing capacity and other factors, including debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on cash payments, future acquisitions and divestitures, harvest levels, changes in the price and demand for our products and general market demand for timberlands and those timberland properties that have higher and better uses. Consequently, our dividend levels may fluctuate.

        We were required by January 31, 2002, to distribute the earnings and profits acquired from the six entities that comprised The Timber Company. We believe that the accelerated payment of our fourth quarter dividend for 2001, which we paid on December 28, 2001, was sufficient to distribute these earnings and profits. If we failed to distribute an amount equal to these earnings and profits, we might be subject to adverse tax consequences. We expect that, even if the earnings and profits were subsequently adjusted upward by the Internal Revenue Service, the amount we distributed exceeds such earnings and profits. Nevertheless, such an adjustment may give rise to the imposition of the 4% excise tax on the excess income required to be distributed over the amounts treated as distributed after application of the earnings and profits rule.

        Weather conditions, timber growth cycles, access limitations and regulatory requirements associated with the protection of wildlife and water resources may restrict harvesting of timberlands as may other factors, including damage by fire, insect infestation, disease, prolonged drought and other natural disasters. Although damage from such natural causes usually is localized and affects only a limited percentage of the timber, there can be no assurance that any damage affecting our timberlands will in fact be so limited. As is common in the forest products industry, we do not maintain insurance coverage with respect to damage to our timberlands.

        Much of our Northwest timberlands are intermingled with sections of Federal land managed by the United States Forest Service. In many cases, access is only, or most economically, achieved through a road or roads built across adjacent Federal land. In order to access these intermingled timberlands, we have obtained from time to time either temporary or permanent access rights across Federal lands. This process has often been, and will likely continue to be, affected by, among other things, the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. Access and regulatory restrictions may delay or prevent us from harvesting some of our timberlands.

        Our revenues, net income and cash flow from our operations are dependent to a significant extent on the pricing of our products and our continued ability to harvest timber at adequate levels. In addition, the terms of

 our long-term debt agreements and lines of credit limit our ability to fund dividends to stockholders by accelerating the harvest of significant amounts of timber.

        Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation may discourage a third party from seeking to gain control of us. For example, the ownership limitations described in our certificate of incorporation could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or limiting a change of control in which holders of our common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price. The following is a summary of provisions of our certificate of incorporation which may have this effect.

        The Ownership Limit.    In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% of the value of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. For the purpose of preserving our REIT qualification, our certificate of incorporation prohibits ownership, either directly or under the applicable attribution rules of the Internal Revenue Code, of more than 5% of the lesser of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding or the value of the outstanding shares of our common stock by any stockholder other than by some designated persons agreed to by us or as set forth in our certificate of incorporation (the "Ownership Limit"). The Ownership Limit may have the effect of discouraging an acquisition of control of us without the approval of our board of directors.

        The Ownership Limit in our certificate of incorporation also restricts the transfer of our common stock. For example, any transfer of our equity is null and void if the transfer would:

	•		result in any person owning, directly or indirectly, equity in excess of the Ownership Limit;
	•		result in our equity being owned, directly or indirectly, by fewer than 100 persons;
	•		result in us being "closely held" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code);
	•		result in us failing to qualify as a "domestically controlled REIT" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code); or
	•		otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.

        The Preferred Stock.    Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 75 million shares of preferred stock. Upon issuance, our board of directors will establish the preferences and rights for this preferred stock. These preferences and rights may include the right to elect additional directors. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us even if a change in control were in our stockholders' best interests.

        Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.    Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally prohibits us from engaging in business transactions with a person or entity that owns 15% or more of our voting stock for a period of three years following the time such person or entity became an "interested stockholder" unless, prior to such time, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in such person or entity becoming an interested stockholder. A business transaction may include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to the person or entity that owns 15% or more of our voting stock.

If in any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT:

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we might need to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the additional tax liability. Accordingly, funds available for investment or dividends to our stockholders would be reduced for each of the years involved.

        Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to our operations and the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. There are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations of these provisions. Although we operate in a manner consistent with the REIT qualification rules, there cannot be any assurance that we are or will remain so qualified.

        In addition, the rules dealing with Federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax law could adversely affect our stockholders. We cannot predict with certainty whether, when, in what forms, or with what effective dates, the tax laws applicable to us or our stockholders may be changed.

        We are subject to regulation under, among other laws, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as similar

 state laws and regulations. Violations of various statutory and regulatory programs that apply to our operations could result in civil penalties, remediation expenses, potential injunctions, cease and desist orders and criminal penalties. We engage in the following activities which are subject to regulation:

	•		forestry activities, including harvesting, planting and road building, use and maintenance;
	•		the generation of air emissions;
	•		the discharge of industrial wastewater and storm water; and
	•		the generation and disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.

        Laws and regulations protecting the environment have generally become more stringent in recent years and could become more stringent in the future. Some environmental statutes impose strict liability, rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to the person's negligence or fault. These laws or future legislation or administrative or judicial action with respect to protection of the environment may adversely affect our business.

        The Endangered Species Act and similar state laws protect species threatened with possible extinction. A number of species on our timberlands have been and in the future may be protected under these laws, including the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, gray wolf, grizzly bear, mountain caribou, bald eagle, karner blue butterfly, red-cockaded woodpecker, bull trout, and various salmon species. Protection of threatened and endangered species may include restrictions on timber harvesting, road building and other forest practices on private, Federal and state land containing the affected species.

        Arthur Andersen served as the independent certified public accountant for The Timber Company prior to The Timber Company's October 6, 2001 merger with Plum Creek. Because the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, the historical financial statements of The Timber Company are now the historical financial statements of Plum Creek. Although Plum Creek did not engage Arthur Andersen as its certified public accountant following the merger, Plum Creek's periodic financial statements filed with the SEC include The Timber Company's historical financial statements, which were audited by Arthur Andersen.

        On March 14, 2002, Arthur Andersen was indicted on federal obstruction of justice charges arising from the government's investigation of Enron. On June 15, 2002, Arthur Andersen was found guilty of obstruction of justice. As a result of this conviction, Arthur Andersen ceased practicing before the SEC in August of 2002. The SEC has provided regulatory relief designed to allow companies that file reports with the SEC to dispense with the filing of a consent or report of Arthur Andersen in certain circumstances. Notwithstanding the SEC's regulatory relief, the inability of Arthur Andersen to provide a consent or report could negatively affect Plum Creek's ability to access the capital markets.

We and Georgia-Pacific sought a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that neither Georgia-Pacific nor the holders of Timber Company Stock would recognize gain for Federal income tax purposes with respect to Georgia-Pacific's redemption of each outstanding share of Timber Company Stock. The Internal Revenue Service exercised its discretion not to issue the ruling on the basis that the evidence proffered in support of the business purposes for the redemption did not meet the high standard that the published procedures of the Internal Revenue Service require taxpayers to satisfy in order to receive favorable rulings. As a result, we and Georgia-Pacific received opinions from our respective tax counsel that the redemption would be tax-free under section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code. These opinions, however, are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service. If, for any reason, the redemption were not eligible for treatment under section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code, Georgia-Pacific would recognize gain on the redemption and we would generally be responsible for 50% of such liability in excess of the proceeds of the insurance policies obtained by The Timber Company to cover a portion of such exposure.

On September 13, 2002, Georgia-Pacific entered into a Closing Agreement with the Internal Revenue Service completing a prefiling review of Georgia-Pacific's Federal income tax reporting of the redemption of Timber Company Stock. Under the terms of the Closing Agreement, the Internal Revenue Service agreed that neither Georgia-Pacific nor the former holders of Timber Company Stock will recognize a gain or loss as a result of the redemption of Timber Company Stock. Georgia-Pacific and we believe that the Closing Agreement is conclusive with respect to the most material tax consequences associated with Georgia-Pacific's redemption of Timber Company Stock, except as described below with respect to section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.

        The Closing Agreement between Georgia-Pacific and the Internal Revenue Service regarding Georgia-Pacific's redemption of Timber Company Stock is based on facts that were in existence on the date of redemption. Georgia-Pacific may be subject to tax under section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code if acquisitions or issuances of our stock following the merger cause the former holders of Timber Company Stock to own less than a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In particular, section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code will apply if such issuances or acquisitions occur as part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the redemption. For this purpose, any acquisitions or issuances of our stock before October 2003 are presumed to be part of such a plan, although we and Georgia-Pacific may be able to rebut

 that presumption. If such an issuance or acquisition of our stock triggers the application of section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, Georgia-Pacific would recognize taxable gain on the redemption, but the redemption would generally be tax-free to each of the former holders of Timber Company Stock. Assuming the price of our common stock on October 5, 2001 was the correct measure of the fair market value of the six entities that comprised The Timber Company, and assuming that Georgia-Pacific had little or no tax basis in the stock of the six entities that comprised The Timber Company, the Federal income tax liability would be approximately $1.0 billion, excluding interest and any penalties. Under the tax matters agreement between us and Georgia-Pacific, we would be required to indemnify Georgia-Pacific against that taxable gain if it were triggered by an acquisition or issuance of our stock. As of the effective date of the merger, the former holders of Timber Company Stock held approximately 62% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on a fully diluted basis.

        Because of the change in control limitation imposed by section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, we may be limited in the amount of stock that we can issue to make acquisitions or to raise additional capital until October 2003. Also, our indemnity obligation to Georgia-Pacific might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control that our stockholders may consider favorable.

        Approximately $1.2 billion of the long-term debt of the company bears interest at fixed rates, and therefore the fair value of these instruments is affected by changes in market interest rates. The following table presents principal cash flows (in millions) based upon maturity dates of the debt obligations and the related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates for the fixed rate debt. The interest rate on the variable rate debt as of October 1, 2002, was LIBOR plus 1.5% which includes facility fees (3.3%), however, this rate could range from LIBOR plus 0.75% to LIBOR plus 1.75% depending on our financial results.

        At September 29, 2001, The Timber Company's debt was an allocated portion of Georgia-Pacific's outstanding debt and, therefore, the fair value of the allocated debt was not impacted by changes in market interest rates. The interest charged on the allocated debt was adjusted quarterly based on the weighted-average interest rate of Georgia-Pacific's debt.

        As of November 8, 2002, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, the company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2002.

        Since November 8, 2002, there have been no significant changes in the company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls.

        There is no pending or threatened litigation involving the company that we believe would have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

        Each exhibit set forth below in the Index to Exhibits is filed as a part of this report. All exhibits not filed herewith are incorporated herein by reference to a prior filing as indicated.

        None.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY, INC.

(Registrant)

By:  /s/ William R. Brown

WILLIAM R. BROWN

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

I, Rick R. Holley, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.;

Date:  November 12, 2002

By:  /s/ Rick R. Holley

RICK R. HOLLEY

President and Chief Executive Officer

I, William R. Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.;

Date:  November 12, 2002

By:  /s/ William R. Brown

WILLIAM R. BROWN

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer