President Trump is imposing new tariffs on 60 countries, using a controversial forced-labour initiative. In related news: trade lawyers say Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods may fail a court challenge; and BC Premier Eby calls for restricting critical mineral exports as a response. In other Business news: the US invests in Nevada and Oregon to expand production and fight fires; Tolko’s fine over 2017 logging-road landslide was upheld; US mortgage rates rose for third week in a row; renewed conflict with Iran adds to inflation risks; and a US survey says woodworking faces an acute skilled-worker shortage.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: US Forest Service chief Tom Schultz appeared before Congress; California cannot replant quickly enough to keep pace with fires; US signs a forest stewardship agreement with New Mexico; lightning strikes sparked thousands of new fires in Oregon; mill closures are undermining BC’s ability to undertake forest restoration work; and McGill University researchers say aspen can slow wildfire spread. Meanwhile: BC’s Matthew Creek fire grew amid wind and dry fuels; and northern Ontario battles 180 fires.

Finally, Portland is building one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest mass timber schools.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor