Despite bipartisan and industry support, President Trump postponed enactment of the housing bill, saying he will not sign it until Congress passes voter legislation. In other Business news: BC trade slowed in April as forestry exports declined; US core inflation accelerated in May; new US home sales fell in May; and US sawmill output slipped as industry capacity declined. Meanwhile: Kurt Niquidet announced his departure from COFI and the BC Lumber Trade Council; and Mike Doss was appointed CEO of Global Cellulose Fibers.
In Forestry news: Indigenous-led forest rehabilitation work continues in BC’s Chilcotin; the Syilx Okanagan Nation seeks emergency order on caribou; Newfoundland explores how forest management can benefit pollinators; Arizona employs soil sensors to manage flooding and wildfires; and the UK plans tougher rules to curb illegal deforestation. Meanwhile: Quebec banned open fires in or near forests; the growing severity of California wildfires; and wildfire updates from BC and Utah.
Finally, US firefighters will be encouraged to wear N95 respirators in major policy reversal.
Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor