Record high lumber prices are spurring speculation of more merger and acquisition activity in 2021. In related news: pent-up demand will keep prices high; US single-family sales rise 4.3% in January; Resolute’s incoming CEO is bullish on lumber; Canfor reports record results for 2020 despite pulp sector woes; West Fraser announces share buyback plan; and Pinnacle, Cascade and Rayonier Advanced Materials report strong Q4, full year results.

In other news: Canada’s wood pellet industry says trees must go to their highest and best use; US Forest Owners are helping tackle climate change; timber is at bottom of list of commodities causing deforestation; and Drax purchase of Pinnacle is panned by NRDC.

Finally, US and Canada celebrate wood use and design while cement producers take umbrage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor