Region Archives: United States

Special Feature

Trump tariffs prompts reforms resource sector has longed for

By Nelson Bennett
Business in Vancouver
January 16, 2025
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, Canada West, United States

VANCOUVER — David Eby appears to be ready to put B.C. on a trade war footing in response to American tariff threats, with an arsenal that includes supporting federal taxes and bans on exports, like critical minerals, and bolstering B.C.’s energy and resource sector to make it more competitive by accelerating permitting for energy and resource projects, and reforming government programs like BC Timber Sales. No industry in Canada understands the negative impact of American duties and tariffs better than the B.C. forestry sector, which has been labouring under American duties on softwood lumber for nearly a decade now. Eby said he would encourage the Canadian government to respond to the tariffs with taxes and bans on key exports.

B.C. forestry companies already pay an average of 14.4% in duties on lumber exports to the U.S., and they could double next year. It’s unclear whether the 25 per cent tariffs Trump has threatened would be additive to existing duties. …Forestry companies in B.C. face an even stiffer tariff of sorts right here at home, in the form of regulatory burdens, including policies that have restricted access to timber, and stumpage charges that can make the available timber uneconomic to cut. …He suggested some relief may be on the way for resource industries in B.C. …One key reform will be to BC Timber Sales. Eby has struck a new task force with the mandate of overhauling it.

BC Timber Sales accounts for about 20% of the timber harvested from Crown lands, and uses auctioning to establish market pricing in order to set the rates (stumpage) charged to forestry companies to harvest timber on Crown lands. Forestry companies have complained that the rates are often too high, not responsive enough to lumber price swings, and can make it uneconomic to harvest timber, even when it is available for harvest. …“The elaborate process that we go through with B.C. Timber Sales in order to appease the Americans on softwood lumber duties has absolutely not done that,” he said. “The tariffs continue, the tariffs. …“Obviously, now, in the context of 25% across-the-board tariffs – we are in a trade war with the United States – that anxiety goes away.”

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Froggy Foibles

In Oregon, a giant 300-foot smiley face greets traffic every fall

By Tibi Puiu
ZME Science
January 15, 2025
Category: Froggy Foibles
Region: United States, US West

Driving along Oregon 18 in the fall, near mile-marker 25, travelers might catch an unexpected sight: a smiley face in the trees. Nestled between the towns of Grand Ronde and Willamina, this cheerful emblem isn’t a natural phenomenon but a cleverly designed masterpiece of forestry. Stretching 300 feet in diameter, the face grins brightly from the hillside every autumn, its eyes and mouth a deep green surrounded by golden yellow. The secret? A combination of Douglas fir and larch trees planted precisely to create the illusion. The face was the brainchild of David Hampton, co-owner of Hampton Lumber, and Dennis Creel, the company’s then-timberland manager. In 2011, the pair collaborated to bring this whimsical idea to life. …“Passersby will be able to see the smiling face every fall for the next 30-50 years,” Hampton Lumber’s Kristin Rasmussen said. After that, the trees will be harvested and processed into lumber at Hampton’s nearby sawmills.

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Business & Politics

BC projects $69 billion economic loss from proposed US tariffs by 2028

Lesprom Network
January 16, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

BC could face severe economic consequences from president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The province projects a cumulative economic loss of $69 billion over four years, with real GDP potentially declining by 0.6% annually in 2025 and 2026. The BC. Ministry of Finance, estimates significant job losses and revenue reductions during this period, with the unemployment rate possibly increasing to 6.7% in 2025 and 7.1% in 2026. The tariff’s effects on the labor market could result in 124,000 job losses by 2028, with the most affected sectors being natural resources, manufacturing, transportation, and retail. Corporate profits could decrease annually by $3.6 billion to $6.1 billion. …Experts indicate that the tariffs could disrupt the US lumber supply chain. Rajan Parajuli, an NC State University professor, said that… US lumber producers might profit from higher prices, consumers would face increased costs if demand remains steady. The Peterson Institute for International Economics notes that these tariffs could extend beyond Canada, impacting the broader wood product sector.

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‘Nothing off the table’ in Canada’s response to US tariff threat

By Jessica Murphy
BBC News
January 15, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Canadian political leaders say “nothing is off the table” when it comes to responding to potential 25% tariffs from the US, days before they could come into force. But strains are showing in “Team Canada” when it comes to whether energy supply should be a tool in a possible tariff war with the US. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to immediately impose levies on Canadian goods. …The prime minister also said there would “absolutely” be support for sectors affected should the tariffs materialise. …While there has been a push for a unified approach to the threat, cracks in the coalition were apparent on Wednesday. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did not sign the joint statement released after the meeting. On social media, she said the oil-rich province will not agree to export tariffs on energy. …”I see energy as Canada’s queen in this game of chess,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey.

In related coverage in CTV News: New Brunswick premier says Canada will ‘hit them where it hurts’ if Trump imposes tariffs

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New industry and labour council forms to collaborate on tariff and CUSMA issues

Canada US Trade Council
January 14, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

OTTAWA — A voluntary initiative was launched on Friday among Canadian organizations that have chosen to collaborate as the country faces issues around Canada US trade. The Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) includes participants from a variety of sectors (steel, aluminum, forest products, oil and gas, agri-food, dairy, chemistry, banking, etc.) and leading labour organizations. …The group is not a lobbying organization but will focus instead on sharing information and ensuring an ongoing conversation, including with key government officials. …Organizations interested in participating in this council are encouraged to contact Bruce Anderson, Partner at Spark Advocacy, or Adam Taylor, Partner at NorthStar Public Affairs which are jointly providing secretariat services to the CUSTC. …Forestry signed on early because we owe it to our sector’s employees and their families to do everything possible to promote and defend their interests.” said FPAC’s Derek Nighbor.

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Canada’s premiers are meeting with Trudeau as Trump’s tariffs could be days away

By John Paul Tasker
CBC News
January 15, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Doug Ford & Dominic LeBlanc

The premiers will gather in Ottawa Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and discuss a looming threat that has the potential to throw the economy into a tailspin: president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs on all Canadian goods. …Economists have said the expected 25% tariff would be devastating to the Canadian economy. …Ontario Premier Doug Ford said as many as 500,000 people in Ontario alone could be out of a job if a broad-based tariff scheme is implemented. The government may have to spend billions of dollars in stimulus to shore up a shaky economy, he said. …Canada’s response to the tariff threat will be at the centre of today’s first ministers’ meeting, which the premiers requested to get a better sense of what Ottawa has planned. …To appease Trump’s demands, Ottawa has drawn up a border security plan that Trudeau is expected to share with the premiers at today’s meeting.

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A tariff on Canada would be self-inflicted damage for America

By François Legault, premier of Quebec
The Hill
January 15, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

François Legault

Tariffs can backfire, especially when imposed against longstanding allies. If President-elect Donald Trump carries out his threat and imposes a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports, it would hurt the Canadian economy. But it would also hurt the American economy, many of its businesses and especially ordinary Americans by causing a new inflationary surge. Like the president-elect, I come from the business world. I understand his desire to build a balance of power and make the United States richer. We both share the desire to increase border security and to control immigration. The United States’ request that Canada do its share in military spending is also an objective that we share, especially since Quebec is an important player in the defense sector. However, Trump should give Canada time to meet his expectations on these two issues before imposing tariffs that would do great harm to our two countries.

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Forest industry fears B.C. policy review as it faces Trump tariff threats

By Vaughn Palmer
Vancouver Sun
January 14, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West, United States

Vaughn Palmer

VICTORIA — The New Democrats provoked little controversy with the commitments they made to the Greens in exchange for that party’s support in the legislature. …However, one item in the NDP-Green accord provoked a backlash because of the potential impact on the forest industry and the softwood lumber trade with the U.S. The New Democrats pledged to “work with the B.C. Green caucus to undertake a review of B.C. forests… to address concerns around sustainability, jobs, environmental protection and the future of the industry. Green MLAs… “will be fully involved and the resulting report will be made public within 45 days of completion.” “Another review of forest policy in B.C. should not be a priority right now,” said CEO Linda Coady. “Premier Eby has already publicly acknowledged that rising U.S. duties and tariffs on forest products would have a ‘devastating’ impact on thousands of jobs in resource communities across the province.

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Here’s how much lumber Southern California will need to rebuild after the wildfires

By Myra Saefong
MarketWatch in Morningstar
January 16, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US West

It may take months, if not years, to rebuild after the wildfires in Southern California, raising the likelihood of a spike in demand for lumber in the months and years ahead. The rebuilding process after events such as these “typically drives a significant demand for building materials, particularly lumber, given its foundational role in construction,” said Michael Goodman, of building-materials wholesaler Sherwood Lumber. The California wildfires could slow the economy and boost inflation – and that’s not even the worst of it, economists say. …Looking at the bigger picture for the lumber market, Kuta said, “if one believes that interest rates will gradually moderate lower, we as a nation [would still be] woefully underbuilt and in need of new residential housing.” Among the companies to consider are lumber providers Canfor Corp. and West Fraser Timber Co. and timberland company Weyerhaeuser Co., well as building-material suppliers Builders FirstSource Inc. and Boise Cascade Co. 

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B.C. forest minister promises help for industry in what will be a ‘tough 2025’

By Derrick Penner
The Vancouver Sun
January 15, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, US West

Ravi Parmar

The BC government offered the province’s beleaguered forest sector more help in the form of commitments for additional timber and financial aid for value-added mills in what Forest Minister Ravi Parmar admitted is going to be a difficult year. Parmar unveiled the plans, which include doubling the amount of timber available to secondary, value-added mills and $5.1 million in assistance to 12 value-added producers, at the Natural Resources Forum in Prince George. Parmar also promised a review of B.C. Timber Sales. …BC’s political opposition, however, slammed the review as “more delays and bureaucratic process.” “The forestry sector is in crisis and British Columbians deserve real solutions, not more reviews and delays,” said Ward Stamer, the B.C. Conservative forestry critic. …Parmar said providing certainty for timber supplies will also come from the forest landscape planning, which were tasked with devising management plans for forestry operations that involved input from the industry, First Nations and communities.

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Finance & Economics

Lumber Hits 6-Week High

Trading Economics
January 15, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Lumber prices surged to around $580 per thousand board feet in January, marking a six-week high, as uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports to the U.S. stoked panic buying. The looming 25% tariff proposed by President-elect Trump has prompted U.S. buyers to rapidly secure inventories ahead of anticipated price hikes, further escalating demand. With Canadian lumber already subject to an average 14.4% import duty, the additional tariff is expected to push prices even higher. U.S. reliance on Canadian softwood lumber remains substantial, as Canada supplies a significant portion of the country’s lumber needs. While alternative suppliers, such as Germany and Sweden, may partially fill the gap, they lack the capacity to match Canada’s production in the long run. Meanwhile, domestic challenges, including workforce shortages and sawmill closures, are limiting U.S. production, contributing to ongoing supply constraints. [END]

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US Builder Confidence Edges Up Even as Market Risk Concerns Rise

By Robert Dietz
NAHB Eye on Housing
January 16, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

Builder sentiment edged higher to begin the year on hopes for an improved economic growth and regulatory environment. At the same time, builders expressed concerns over building material tariffs and costs and a larger government deficit that would put upward pressure on inflation and mortgage rates. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 47 in January, up one point from December. …The latest HMI survey also revealed that 30% of builders cut home prices in January. This share has been stable between 30% and 33% since last July. Meanwhile, the average price reduction was 5% in January, the same rate as in December. …The HMI index gauging current sales conditions rose three points to 51 and the gauge charting traffic of prospective buyers posted a two-point gain to 33. The component measuring sales expectations in the next six months fell six points to 60 because of the elevated interest rate environment.

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US Remodelling Market Sentiment Improves in Fourth Quarter of 2024

By Eric Lynch
NAHB – Eye on Housing
January 16, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 68 for the fourth quarter of 2024, up five points compared to the previous quarter. Remodelers are more optimistic about the market than they were earlier in the year, corroborated by NAHB’s recent analysis of home improvement loan applications. Demand in many parts of the country was stronger than usual for the fall season, especially demand for larger projects, with leads coming in after the uncertainty about the November elections was removed. …The Current Conditions Index averaged 75, increasing three points from the previous quarter. All three components remained well above 50 in positive territory: large remodeling projects rose eight points to 75, moderate remodeling projects increased two points to 73, and small remodeling projects inched down one point to 76. …The Future Indicators Index was 61, up six points from the previous quarter. 

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US Housing Starts Skyrocket To Ten-Month High In December

RTT News
January 17, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

A report released by the Commerce Department on Friday showed new residential construction in the U.S. surged by much more than anticipated in the month of December. The Commerce Department said housing starts soared by 15.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.499 million in December after tumbling by 3.7 percent to a revised rate of 1.294 million in November. …The spike by housing starts came amid a substantial rebound by multi-family starts, which skyrocketed by 61.5 percent to an annual rate of 449,000 in December after plummeting by 30.7 percent to an annual rate of 278,000 in November. Single-family starts also shot up by 3.3 percent to an annual rate of 1.050 million in December after surging by 7.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.016 million in November. Meanwhile, the report said building permits slid by 0.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.483 million in December after surging by 5.2 percent to a revised rate of 1.493 million in November.

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US Housing Inflation Moderates Amid Higher Energy Costs

By Fan-Yu Kuo
The NAHB Eye on Housing
January 15, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States

Inflation edged up to a five-month high in December as energy prices surged, accounting for more than 40% of the monthly headline increase. Inflation ended 2024 at a 2.9% rate, down from 3.4% a year ago, although the last mile to the Fed’s 2% target continues to be challenging. While core inflation remained stubborn due to elevated shelter and other service costs, housing costs showed signs of cooling – the year-over-year change in the shelter index remained below 5% for a fourth straight month. …The election result has put inflation back in the spotlight and added additional risks to the economic outlook. Proposed tax cuts and tariffs could increase inflationary pressures, suggesting a more gradual easing cycle with a slightly higher terminal federal funds rate. …Given the housing market’s sensitivity to interest rates, a higher inflation path could extend the affordability crisis and constrain housing supply as builders continue to grapple with lingering supply chain challenges.

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Those rebuilding after L.A. fires will likely face higher lumber prices as Trump tariffs loom

By Don Lee
MSN
January 16, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States, US West

Devastating, often tragic as the Los Angeles wildfires have been, rebuilding could bring nightmares all its own, including murky insurance rules, material shortages and potentially higher cost for everything from lumber to bathtubs. In terms of economic upheaval, it could be the construction industry equivalent of what the COVID-19 pandemic did to the economy just a few years ago. Lumber is the single biggest component of homebuilding materials, accounting for about 15% of overall home construction costs. Southern California builders use wood for framing homes that’s sourced mostly from Canada and the Pacific Northwest. And the last couple of years have left the lumber industry ill-prepared for a big surge in demand.

Readers with an account can find the original story in the Los Angeles Times here

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

A Year in Review: 10 Top Stories from the Softwood Lumber Board

Softwood Lumber Board
January 15, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

As we close the 2024 chapter, we wanted to share a recap of the top stories from the SLB last year. As we continue to work towards our mission to make softwood lumber the building material of choice in the United States, we reflect on the impact the SLB and its funded programs made last year. 

    1. 2025 Mass Timber Competition: Building Sustainable Schools
    2. SLB’s Mass Timber Accelerator Programs Expand Demand for Wood Construction
    3. SLB Study Reveals Importance of WUI Code Work in Defending Market Share
    4. WoodWorks Supports Taller Light-Frame Wood Projects
    5. Building the Future: Architecture Students Embrace Wood at Build Fest 2024
    6. The SLB Identifies Opportunity for Steel-Timber Hybrid Construction
    7. AWC Releases Regional EPDs to Meet Market Demand for Sustainability Data
    8. Think Wood’s Single-Family Home LookBook Offers Inspiration
    9. From Forest to Classroom: SLB Faculty Workshops Drive Wood Education
    10. The SLB Sponsors Former Super Bowl Champion-Turned-Designer

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Why Does California Keep Building With Wood Despite Its Wildfire Risk?

By Sofia Delpueche
Secret Los Angeles
January 17, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US West

The massive fire that began in Pacific Palisades on January 7 has kept the city on edge ever since, with multiple other outbreaks flaring up around L.A. in the following days. While many have been contained or extinguished, the devastation left in the fire’s wake is astonishing, with homes reduced to ashes. In light of this reality, one question remains: why is wood the primary choice for construction in an area so prone to wildfires? The U.S. is rich in forests making wood a readily available material. [Wood is] more affordable, with lower prices than other materials like steel or concrete. …The tradition of building with wood in the United States dates back to the arrival of European settlers… Wood allows for faster construction, making it an attractive choice for building homes. …However, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires may serve as a wake-up call, prompting a shift to fireproof materials like concrete.

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University of Kansas Plans Mass Timber Building for School of Architecture & Design

Tradeline
January 15, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

The University of Kansas is planning to begin construction in summer of 2026 on the Makers’ KUbe in the heart of its Lawrence campus. The School of Architecture & Design will occupy the $120 million facility and collaborated on its design with Bjarke Ingels Group, BNIM, and StructureCraft. Showcasing timber tectonics, traditional joinery, and sustainable materials, the 50,000-sf facility will act as a living curriculum with exposed structural and MEP systems. An iconic central staircase will connect six levels of studio and lab spaces illuminated by natural light. Encased in a stripped-back glass façade, the mass timber building will utilize tight-fit dowels and notched glulam to create an all-wood structure with columns that run diagonally, eliminating the need for steel plates or fasteners. Enclosed bridges to the adjacent Marvin Hall and Chalmers Hall will foster interaction and promote ease of circulation in the winter months.

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Maine Delegation Announces $22 Million Headed to State for Recycled Forest Product Manufacturing

WAGM TV Maine
January 14, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, today are announcing the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s decision to award $22 million in funding for Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub, led by the Maine Technology Institute. The grant will support the advancement of two projects that aim to further position Maine as a global leader in forest-based biomaterial production and manufacturing that include: Connecting forest bioproducts technological innovations with the commercialization resources and partnerships; and Strengthening a pipeline of innovations to accelerate the most promising innovations.

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Forestry

In the National Parks, Fire Crews Do More Than Fight Fires

By Cameron Walker
The Atlas Obscura
January 13, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States

In September 2020, as crews outside Yosemite National Park worked to contain the oncoming Creek Fire and evacuate those in its path, archaeologist Jennie Leonard was racing to protect something that couldn’t leave: the giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove. Leonard and her fellow resource advisors—who protect species, cultural items, and other resources from wildfire and fire-suppression activities—covered the bases of the ancient trees with structure wrap, a fire-resistant aluminum fabric. Each tree, Leonard recalled, “looked like a baked potato.” Advisors offer suggestions, not commands, but they learn to quickly identify how to protect resources in a variety of circumstances. On one fire, they might help position a fire crew campsite so that firefighters won’t haul gear through invasive weeds and accidentally spread seeds. On another, they might indicate where a bulldozer can safely construct a fireline to prevent erosion into a salmon-rich stream.

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One Way to See the Future of Alaska’s Unparalleled Forests: Look at Their Past

By Ben Gaglioti
Park Science Magazine
January 15, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska would seem as temperate as coastal Washington is now. Glaciers would retreat, fires may become common, and new wildlife would arrive. How would long-lived, stationary organisms like trees cope with these shifts? Scientists try to answer that question in a number of ways. Most of them have logistical drawbacks, like the high maintenance costs for lengthy experiments… results show that when faced with large temperature swings, forests stayed unexpectedly stable. This suggests that vegetation replacement, forest dieback, or changes in tree composition are less likely to occur in response to radical climate change than most land managers might predict… About 27 percent of Glacier Bay National Park is covered by more than 1,000 glaciers. Many of these are alongside old-growth, temperate rainforests. This type of rainforest also clings to the damp, coastal mountains of Canada, Chile, and New Zealand. It’s considered critical for global diversity and carbon storage.

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Oregon nonprofit addresses fire risk at the forest’s edge

By Ian McCluskey
Oregon Public Broadcasting
January 15, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Last year, wildfires burned 1.9 million acres in Oregon, setting a new record. Since 2020, major river drainages of the Cascades, including the McKenzie, Santiam, and Clackamas rivers, have been devastated by fires. Many fear that it could be a matter of time before a catastrophic wildfire burns along the Highway 26 corridor on the west slope of Mount Hood. Bracing for this potential, a small nonprofit organization based in Sandy, Oregon, is cutting trees and clearing brush. Launched with funding from state and federal sources, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program aims to address the growing threat of wildfires in rural Oregon communities, especially on Mount Hood, where the pockets of neighborhoods and businesses are hemmed along the edge of the 1.1 million acre Mt. Hood National Forest. The program helps at-risk communities along the Highway 26 corridor create plans for wildfire defense, offers fire-risk assessments to property owners, and performs “boots on the ground” mitigation, such as fuel reduction.

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Four-legged influencers in Alaska take the Internet by storm

By Riley Stadt
USDA Forest Service
January 14, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

The Tongass National Forest’s annual Anan Bear Awards showcased the now viral black and brown bears’ range of talents from a brown bear’s expert fishing skills winning “Fishing in Style,” to a black bear’s lack thereof being awarded “Slippery Paws.” One of the four-legged influencers, a cub that was not quite ready to claim expert hunting abilities, received 2.1 million views after winning the “Nope” award! The idea for the Anan Bear Awards originated on a whiteboard in 2022, after staff at the observatory were inspired by the National Park Service’s Fat Bear Week. Enter Forest Service Forestry Technician Jennifer Kardiak, who wanted to celebrate all aspects of the Anan bears, not just their figures.

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The Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest plan cuts wildland protections

By Laura Lundquist
The Missoula Current
January 15, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

The Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest has published a multi-decade forest plan that favors logging and motorized and mechanized recreation. Last week, the acting Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest supervisor, Heath Perrine, signed off on a final version of the forest plan that will guide projects on the national forest for at least the next 20 years. The previous forest plans for the Nez Perce and Clearwater Forests were separately written in the late-1980s. After decades went by and the two forests were combined in 2013 due to budget cuts … a new management plan was needed for a forest that now covers 4 million acres and seven counties in Idaho. However, the process the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest used to produce the plan has been somewhat unorthodox, from having an acting supervisor, who was in the job for six months, make the decision to choose an alternative that wasn’t originally defined in the draft environmental study. 

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In the wake of L.A.-area fires, Congress will consider new measures. Here are some of them

By Faith Pinho
The Los Angeles Times
January 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

WASHINGTON — a first wave of bills has been put forward by Republicans and Democrats alike in response to the devastation in Los Angeles. The measures come as President Biden has pledged 100% federal backing for disaster assistance for the next six months, though with President-elect Donald Trump taking office in less than a week, the future of the funding is not completely secured. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), meanwhile, has said … he is discussing  whether to link aid to the deeply political debate over increasing the debt ceiling. 

  • The Fix Our Forests Act would streamline environmental regulations to make forest management happen faster
  • Rep. Darrell Issa introduced legislation he called Direct Hire to Fight Fire
  • The Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act calls for changes to how FEMA prepares for disasters
  • Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) plans to introduce legislation to rein in California’s Coastal Commission. 

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Missoula County, partners seek reboot of regional timber industry

By Martin Kidston
The Missoula Current
January 14, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

MONTANA — The recent collapse of western Montana’s timber industry did more than eliminate jobs, it also left Missoula County and various management agencies with one less tool to manage area forests. But county commissioners on Monday joined officials with the Bureau of Land Management and the Blackfoot Challenge to explore ways to revitalize the region’s timber industry. If the industry is going to reemerge, it will need to do so under a new model, they said. “There’s an acknowledgment that industry is a partner when you look at the millions of acres of federal land, as well as the private forested land and state land,” said Erin Carey, with the BLM. “When you look at the restoration needs across millions of acres in western Montana, we cannot accomplish those restoration outcomes without industry.” ….Forest restoration could be an industry in itself, along with the creation of new products like cross-laminated timber.

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Small airborne embers play a big role in the spread of wildfires

By Holly Ramer
Associated Press
January 14, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

While authorities still don’t know what sparked the deadly fires in the Los Angeles area, they do know one clear way the flames have spread: embers. …The flames have been fueled by strong winds, which not only aid combustion by increasing the oxygen supply but carry embers to unburned areas. Contrary to popular belief, experts say most homes destroyed by wildfires aren’t overcome by a racing wall of flames, but rather burn after being ignited by airborne embers. Here’s a look at what embers are and the role they play in wildfires. …the embers involved in wildfires are drastically different from campfires, said Anne Cope, chief engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. “Those embers can travel for miles, and it’s often the neighborhoods that are closer to the wildlands that get inundated with just loads and loads — just showered with embers,” she said.

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Researchers Awarded National Science Foundation Grant for Next-Generation Forest Mapping and Monitoring

By Kimberly Mann Bruch
University of California, San Diego
January 14, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Researchers at the University of California San Diego, University of Florida and Arizona State University have been awarded $3.28 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation to build OpenForest4D – a web-based cyberinfrastructure platform for next-generation 4D forest mapping and monitoring. The project’s goal is to advance the mapping and monitoring of global forest ecosystems by fusing the most up-to-date, multi-source remote sensing data and novel artificial intelligence models to generate research-grade estimates of forest structure and above-ground biomass across a range of timescales. …Previously these sorts of calculations were limited to research professionals with advanced expertise. By providing these cyberinfrastructure services via an easily accessible and user-friendly science gateway, users of all expertise levels can now access advanced forestry analysis tools regardless of their technical skill level, democratizing scientific computing and enabling on-demand generation of forestry-related products. 

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Fire officials stress climate’s role over forest management in preventing California blazes

By Jeannie Nguyen
ABC News 10
January 14, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Adrienne Freeman

CALIFORNIA, USA — Firefighters in Los Angeles, are fighting misinformation as people claim these fires could have been prevented with forest management. However, experts say there’s much more to minimizing fire risks than just prescribed burns. In an effort to curb wildfires, California aims to treat a million acres of land in the state each year. …ABC10 asked if anything could have been done to prevent the spread of the Southern California fires. “There’s nothing. The conditions that we saw in Southern California last Tuesday were in above the 99.99th percentile of severity,” Adrienne Freeman, with USFS said. …”Even a large scale fire break probably wouldn’t have been effective in keeping the wildfire out of the communities. And once the communities are burning, the spread is from home to home, and it doesn’t really have anything to do with the forest management,” said Chris Field, with Stanford’s Woods Institute for the Environment.

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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.2 Million to Support Forestry in Kansas

By the US Economic Development Administration
The US Department of Commerce
January 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $6.2 million in the state of Kansas to support forestry and construction industry workforce development. The EDA forestry investments announced today are: Kansas State University in Manhattan will receive a $3.2 million grant to bolster natural resource and wildfire risk management workforce development through construction of a modernized training facility. This EDA investment will be matched with $815,794 in local funds. …“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is growing jobs, building a sustainable workforce, and creating opportunities for workers across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments in Manhattan and Beloit will provide expanded forestry and construction workforce training programs so local workers get the skills they need for in-demand jobs, and the local economy grows.”

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National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces $2.2 Million to Benefit Wildlife and Restore Habitat in Central Appalachia

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
January 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and partners today announced $2.2 million in grants to reforest legacy mine lands, improve forest habitat management for birds, implement riparian buffers on agricultural lands and restore aquatic connectivity in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The grants will generate $1.9 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $4.1 million. The grants were awarded through the Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program…. Central Appalachia boasts some of the most biologically diverse forests and aquatic systems in the United States. The projects announced today will plant more than 164,000 native trees, restore 16 miles of streamside forest, remove nine barriers to fish passage, and propagate and release more than 97,000 freshwater mussels into their historic habitat. This work will also benefit declining populations of forest birds, including the golden-winged warbler, wood thrush and cerulean warbler.

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Helene did nearly $200 million in damage to South Carolina forests, report says

By Shaun Chornobroff
South Carolina Daily Gazette
January 15, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Helene, the state’s deadliest storm, caused roughly $200 million in estimated damage to the state’s forest industry, the South Carolina Forestry Commission said in a report presented to the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee. The report estimated $83 million in timber damage and $60 million in damage to forests in and near cities. But that damage could be much higher, said Russell Hubright, the commission’s forest management chief. The report also estimated a $51 million hit to businesses that rely on the state’s forests, including logging and paper mills, which contribute $23 billion to the state economy, according to the commission. …There are 12.8 million acres of forestland in South Carolina, with more than 11 million of those privately owned, according to the State Forestry Commission. …The report estimated that nearly 234,000 acres of land incurred timber damage of some kind with more than 70,000 suffering moderate, severe or catastrophic timber damage. 

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

As world grapples with wood pellets’ climate impacts, North Carolina communities contend with dust and noise

By Elizabeth Ouzts
Energy News Network
January 15, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

Jane Thornton tried and failed to stop the wood pellet plant from being built within earshot of her home in Faison, a tiny farming town in eastern North Carolina where she’s lived for over 60 years. Now, some eight years later, she and her neighbors have a smaller but critical aim: getting the facility to better control its dust and the nuisance it creates. A host of advocates, scientists, and data backs up Thornton. Producing pellets, shipping them to Europe and Asia, and burning them in power plants all creates carbon pollution greater than that of burning coal. Too often, pellets are made from whole, hardwood trees that were absorbing carbon dioxide while they were alive. Their replacements, often pines, can’t regrow in time to make up for it.

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Health & Safety

What Makes Urban Wildfire Smoke So Toxic

By Allison Parshall
Scientific American
January 13, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: United States, US West

Firefighters in southern California are battling the Palisades and Eaton Fires. …Residents of many fire-prone areas have grown familiar with the orange, apocalyptic haze of wildfire smoke as these blazes have become more common because of climate change. Such smoke can contain an unpredictable cocktail of chemicals associated with heart and lung diseases and even cancer, which is the leading cause of death among firefighters. Here’s what makes wildfire smoke so dangerous. When trees, shrubbery and other organic matter burn, they release carbon dioxide, water, heat—and, depending on the available fuel, various volatile compounds, gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. Those tiny particles, which become suspended in the air, can include soot (black carbon), metals, dust, and more. If they’re smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, they can evade our body’s natural defenses when inhaled, penetrating deep into the lungs and triggering a wide variety of health problems.

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Forest Fires

California fires weather forecast: LA remains under extreme dry and windy weather

By Max Golembo
ABC News
January 15, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States

Another day of gusty winds is forecast Wednesday for Southern California, where a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning continues until 3 p.m. for western Los Angeles County and most of Ventura County. On Wednesday morning and afternoon, winds will be the strongest west and north of Los Angeles, mostly in the mountains and higher canyons, where gusts could reach 50 mph to 70 mph. In addition to gusty winds, relative humidity will be very low, down to 8%. Such weather conditions are expected to create a perfect setup for explosive fire growth if a new fire is started. But the wind should begin to relax later Wednesday and by Thursday humidity is forecast to increase and there is even a chance for a few sprinkles for southern California. More strong Santa Ana winds are forecast next week on Wednesday through Saturday.

Additional coverage in Associated Press by Jaimie Ding, Julie Watson and John Seewer: Fire-scarred Los Angeles is under another rare warning as winds pick up

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Finally ‘a much needed break’ for wildfire weather concerns in LA

By Thao Nguyen, Chris Cann, Trevor Hughes & John Bacon
USA Today
January 16, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

PACIFIC PALISADES, California − Firefighters were progressing in their battle against two massive wildfires as winds eased early Thursday, bringing a respite to frustrated and beleaguered residents across Los Angeles County who have been on edge for over a week. All “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warnings largely expired by Wednesday night without causing any significant fire growth, according to the National Weather Service. But dry conditions and locally gusty winds were forecast to linger into Thursday − particularly in the mountains, the weather service warned. According to the weather services, temperatures were also expected to drop five to 10 degrees below normal for the remainder of the week, and Friday is predicted to be the coldest. “Good news,” the weather service’s Los Angeles office said. “Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected.”

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‘Heartbreaking’: West Kelowna fire chief, Minister of Forestry on L.A. fires

By Jacqueline Gelineau
Victoria News
January 15, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

Jason Brolund

Fire crews from the BC Wildfire Service are now on the ground in Los Angeles, helping to battle the blaze that has destroyed thousands of homes and claimed the lives of at least 25 people. “The hearts of all British Columbians are with California. It is heartbreaking to watch,” said Minister of Forests in B.C. Ravi Parmar. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reached out directly to the BC Wildfire Service for aid after the fires, which sparked on Jan. 7, began to burn out of control. …Currently, a team of 12 highly trained technical specialists are working as a senior management team and 22 BCWS ground crew members from across the province in L.A. “We will be watching and are here and ready to support if they need any additional aid. We know too well the challenges of wildfires and when we needed help, California was there for us,” said Minister Parmar.

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‘Water away’: Coulson Aviation releases cockpit video dropping water on Palisades fire

By Laura Brougham
Chek News
January 14, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, United States, US West

CALIFORNIA — Coulson Aviation crews remain in Los Angeles, helping battle the devastating Palisades fire, and a new video offers a unique look behind the scenes of their firefighting operations. The Port Alberni-based company released a video showing three angles as their crew approaches the fire, ready to dump water on the blaze. One angle looks backwards behind the helicopter, one is shot from behind the pilots heads, while the third is mounted below the helicopter and starts pointing forward then turns to face back. …Coulson Aviation was among the first Canadian crews that responded to the Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles. On Jan. 7, the company shared that it was in Los Angeles helping respond to the fire. Crews from B.C. have been sent to help fight the fire, joining crews from across Canada including Quebec and Alberta.

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Forest History & Archives

Museum showcases timber history

By Chris Peterson
Hungry Horse News
January 15, 2025
Category: Forest History & Archives
Region: United States, US West

Did you know that in 1884 that John Foy’s mill between Foys Lakes was considered the first water-powered sawmill in the valley? Or that in 1914, the first of 147 permanent fire lookouts on the Flathead National Forest was built on Spotted Bear Mountain? Folks can learn about the history of the timber industry in Northwest Montana in all new displays at the Northwest Montana History Museum in Kalispell in the exhibit, “Lumberjacks, Tie Hacks and River Pigs.” The museum has long had a display on timber in the Flathead Valley, but it was in need of an update, so the museum, along with a host of volunteers, revamped the displays and the layout. For example, the timeline display is made from cross laminated timber panels donated by SmartLam in Columbia Falls.

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