West Fraser’s Ted Seraphim sees a long impasse on softwood lumber given that the US lumber lobby is “ultimately the decision maker” and is “unwilling to compromise”. Seraphim doesn’t think NAFTA will help but adds, “given that we’ve been able to pass along most of the duties, patience will be a virtue in the long run”. According to Business Insider, Trump’s plan to rip up NAFTA “could cause a big setback in the US housing market”.
In company news:
- Canfor predicts lumber prices to be steady for the rest of 2017
- The Home Depot is increasing its protection of high conservation value forests
- The Flathead Beacon has a feature on SmartLam’s meteoric rise
- Asia Pacific Resources can resume their forestry operations in Indonesia
David Suzuki says “government action and industry tactics are increasing caribou risks”; Tom Fletcher comments on the Auditor General’s report that habitat loss is the greatest threat to BC’s grizzlies; Senator Murkowski of Alaska is pondering a repeal of Obama’s effort to limit industrial activity in the Tongass; and the Forest Stewardship Council is considering whether to certify plantation forestry.
Finally, if you want a real Christmas tree this year, you better shop early, as tree shortages are anticipated in both the Northwest and the Northeast.
— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor