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

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FORM 8-K
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CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 4, 2013
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CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (509) 344-5900
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 5.02.     Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(d)       The Clearwater Paper Corporation Board of Directors elected Kevin J. Hunt and Beth E. Ford as Directors, effective January 7, 2013.  Mr. Hunt will serve as one of the Board’s Class II directors whose members’ terms expire at the Company’s annual meeting to be held in 2013.  Ms. Ford will serve as one of the Board’s Class III directors whose members’ term expire at the Company’s annual meeting to be held in 2014.  Mr. Hunt will serve on the Compensation Committee of the Board, and Ms. Ford will serve on the Audit Committee of the Board.

There was no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Hunt or Ms. Ford and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Hunt or Ms. Ford, respectively, was elected as a director.  There are no transactions or relationships between the Company and Mr. Hunt or Ms. Ford that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

On January 7, 2013 the Company issued a press release announcing the election of Mr. Hunt and Ms. Ford to the Board of Directors.  A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.


Item 9.01.     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits.

99.1      Press release issued by Clearwater Paper Corporation, dated January 7, 2013.

SIGNATURES

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 hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX