Details are sparse but the United Steelworkers denounce possible increase to US lumber duties foreshadowed in Bloomberg Law. In related news: Southern Yellow Pine hits new record high; Madison’s positive 2021 market outlook; lumber prices are adding to the cost of a new homes; and some analysts forecast even more lumber upside. In other Business news: Alberta’s forest industry is booming despite the pandemic; Teal Jones seeks relief from logging blockades in BC; and the BC Forest Practices Board is hiring.

In Forestry/Climate news: next steps in Canada’s two billion tree planting program; Alberta companies take on the CO2 challenge; Montana’s 2020 wildfires worse since 2012; more California redwood forest is protected; and a new Oregon rule says the barred owl—not logging—is the real threat to the northern spotted owl. 

Finally, some Asian beetles are a threat to our forests, while others assist with invasive tree control.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor