US home builder confidence rose amid strong demand and double-digit home price gains, despite momentum concerns due to record-high lumber prices. Companies in the news include: Mercer International (improved Q4, 2020 results); Louisiana Pacific (Peace Valley mill restart); Pinnacle Renewable (Drax purchase); and Paper Excellence (Women & Girls in Science Day).

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia’s new premier sees the forest for the trees; ENGO map depicts BC’s disappearing forests; Canada supports growth of Temagami First Nation forest jobs; Minnesota winter is bad news for tree pests; and logging resumes in bushfire-affected Australian forests.

Finally, how much carbon is stored in US forests. How about in a 105-storey timber tower? 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor