EXHIBIT 99.1 

  
 Contact:                           Michelle D. Monfor 
                                    Director, Investor Relations 
                                    (206) 467-3613 or 1-800-858-5347 

                                    Robert J. Jirsa 
                                    Director, Corporate and Environmental
                                    Affairs 
                                    (206) 467-3626 
  
  
               PLUM CREEK ENTERS INTO DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO 

                 PURCHASE 905,000 ACRES OF TIMBERLAND FROM  

                       SAPPI FINE PAPER NORTH AMERICA 
  


 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON -- October 6, 1998 -- Plum Creek Timber Company, L.P.
 (NYSE: PCL) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to
 purchase 905,000 acres of forest lands in central Maine from Sappi Fine
 Paper North America (S.D. Warren Company), a subsidiary of South African-
 based Sappi Limited, for $180 million.  The acquisition of these
 timberlands will bring the total ownership of Plum Creek, which is the
 sixth largest private timberland owner in the nation, to over 3.3 million
 acres. 
  
         As part of the acquisition, Plum Creek will enter into a long-term
 agreement to supply fiber from these timberlands to Sappi's paper facility
 in Skowhegan, Maine.  Plum Creek expects to retain the vast majority of the
 70 employees who currently manage the lands. 
  
         "This acquisition fits Plum Creek's strategic objective of
 expanding and enhancing our overall timberland ownership and making
 acquisitions that are accretive to our overall cash flow," said Rick R.
 Holley, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "The Sappi timberlands are
 among the most attractive timber properties in the Northeast and include
 well-managed, productive hardwoods and softwoods in close proximity to
 several sawmills, pulpmills and chipmills.  These lands diversify our
 timber holdings in a geographic region with very stable demand for wood
 fiber." 
  
         "Plum Creek is delighted to assume the stewardship of these high-
 quality timberlands," continued Holley.  "Plum Creek employs innovative and
 environmentally responsible management practices throughout our timberland
 ownership.  We will manage these lands in an environmentally progressive
 manner." 
  
         Plum Creek has an open lands policy that provides the public
 recreational opportunities on its timberland.  The Company is also
 committed to continue discussion with the State of Maine regarding
 conservation easements on portions of Moosehead Lake and the Kennebec
 River. 
  
         Completion of the transaction is subject to certain customary
 conditions, but is not subject to financing.  The transaction is expected
 to close by the end of the year. 

         Plum Creek is one of the largest private timberland owners in the
 nation with timberlands and mills located in the Pacific Northwest and
 Southeast United States.