BC successfully tests forest fire suppression by helicopter at night with night vision goggle technology. In related news: California to prevent wildfires sparked by power lines; the US Forest Service considers logging-rule-change to reduce fire risk; and the latest wildfire potential outlook for the Pacific Northwest (above normal) and the US Southeast (below normal). 

In other news: softwood lumber leads the rise in residential construction costs; Canada Wood’s latest update on the Chinese market; with federal support, BC is on track to plant 300 million trees; the pros and cons of wood pellets and climate change; heat-treated wood inks North American distribution deal; and a Korean architectural firm adds another first to its wood leading designs.

Finally, genomes and fossils reveal how oaks evolved to rule North America’s forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor