Despite US opposition, two WTO dispute settlement panels were established yesterday in Geneva to review the softwood lumber dispute [a free temporary subscription is available to read the whole story]. In related news: the National Association of Home Builders said [on Fox News] that the lumber tariffs are “killing the US construction industry”; transportation shortages have dramatically reduced Canadian lumber exports to the US; and NAFTA talks are now being fast-tracked.

In other news: the Public and Private Workers of Canada [formerly the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers union] criticize the BC government for not supporting rural communities and for continuing log exports; high snowpack may lead to floods in wildfire-ravaged BC; and California’s cap-and-trade program is being used “to keep trees in the ground” in Alaska.

Finally who knew soiling your undies could be so much fun? …the Soil Conservation Council of Canada suggests you test your soil’s health!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor