Northern Pulp begins to wind down as Paper Excellence blames unrealistic timeline and undefined process for its closure. In related news: a Councillor pans Resolute’s behaviour on Fort Frances mill closure; buyers interest exists for Kenora’s bankrupt sawmill; and Steelworkers and Port McNeill mayor exchange barbs on BC’s forestry strike; while the value-added sector grows despite the dwindling fibre supply. 

In other news: NRCan study says wildfires are changing the boreal forest; the El Niño-La Niña effect may beget quieter fire seasons; and changes to the US Environmental Policy Act are said to bolster the timber industry. Meanwhile, in Australia wildfire news: a fourth veteran firefighter dies; the Prime Minister launches an inquiry, firefighters go on the offence, and designers call for more fire-resilient homes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor