ASHLAND – Fraser Papers Inc. is shutting down its Ashland sawmill temporarily because of low lumber prices caused by a weak U.S. housing market.

The company says about 70 workers will be without a job for approximately four months, depending on market conditions. The mill will close once current log supplies are processed.

The company’s sawmill in Masardis us unaffected by the announcement.

In addition to its sawmills in Ashland and Masardis, Fraser Papers owns paper mills in Madawaska and Millinocket.