Negotiations begin today to renew a trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada. In related news: BC’s forest minister says market diversification is key; a BC lawmaker says softwood lumber should be a priority; a US economist on how to spur starter homes; and Ukraine’s forest industry rebounds. Meanwhile: lumber futures hit 4-week high; US homebuilder sentiment inched up; Canada’s housing starts rose 4.5%; Canada’s inflation rate fell to 1.8%, and UK timber imports dropped 2.2%.

In Forestry news: the Alaska court ruling halting old-growth logging was led by the US Dept. of Agriculture; BC ENGO’s push for forest conservation and a new Forest Act; a new book by Suzanne Simard—When the Forest Breathes; transforming how Cal Fire manages its forests; and Montana targets 400,000 acres for forest management.  Meanwhile: Woodlots BC’s latest highlights.

Finally, Canada’s wildland fire agencies want better masks. If only it were that easy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor