Vancouver is poised to accept mass timber up to 12-storeys for residential and commercial buildings, citing carbon, cost and COVID-recovery benefits. In related news: the UK concrete industry resists more consultations as Grenfell fire fears reduces allowable wood-framed use in England; New Zealand’s wood-first policy is panned; CLT is celebrated in schools; and Wood WORKS! BC launches a new workshop series.

In Finance and Economic news: Canada’s lumber production fell 15% in January; but Seeking Alpha says there are signs of hope in the housing market; the WSJ says lumber futures are rebounding; and Forests2Market says the paper products industry expanded. Meanwhile: EACOM’s Kevin Edgson on attracting younger workers into forestry; and FSC’s draft standard for Canada’s small-holders and community forests.

Finally, the latest on forestry sector conferences. What’s on and What not!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor