Region Archives: US East

Froggy Foibles

This National Park uses a ‘Skeeter Meter’ to inform visitors about mosquitoes

By Laura Baisas
Popular Science
June 16, 2025
Category: Froggy Foibles
Region: United States, US East

Taking a peek at the UV index to gauge how much sunscreen and protective clothing to wear is par for the course during the summer. But predicting just how bad mosquitoes might be is another story. For visitors to the National Park unfairly voted the worst to visit due to its many mosquitoes, there is a way to anticipate just how bad these biters may be. The Mosquito Meter or “Skeeter Meter” at Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina has six levels: All Clear, Mild, Moderate, Severe, Ruthless, and War Zone. …With the Skeeter Meter and educating people about safely visiting Congaree, the park has embraced their reputation for mosquitoes instead of fighting it. At least 20 different mosquito species are found in this park, which includes the largest remaining intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. …To protect wildlife and biodiversity in the park, it will not spray pesticides to control the mosquito population.

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Business & Politics

Veldman brothers, BMI Group financing restart of Michigan paper mill

By Ian Ross
Northern Ontario Business
June 14, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

The impact of the pandemic and the boom in takeout food delivery has spurred the restart of a Port Huron, Mich., paper mill owned by the Veldman brothers’ BMI Group. Four years after being mothballed, the former Domtar mill in the Michigan border town is coming back to life thanks to a resurgence in the sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in fast-food restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable uses. Under the new banner of the Legacy Paper Group, the company is aiming for an August production start. The mill’s cornerstone Paper Machine No. 8 will be restarted, putting out 30,000 tons annually of production, according to Mark Bessette, managing director of Legacy Paper Group. …The three Veldman brothers, owners of a former forest mill sites in Fort Frances, Red Rock, Iroquois Falls and lately Espanola, have made an undisclosed “seven-figure” investment in Port Huron, according to Bessette.

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Crews respond to fire at Pixelle Specialty Solutions in York County, Pennsylvania

By Joshua Feldstein
Fox News 43
June 9, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

YORK COUNTY, Pennsylvania — A fire occurred at Pixelle Specialty Solutions, a paper mill in Spring Grove Borough, York County, at about 3 a.m., on Monday, June 9. An officer with York County Regional Police confirmed that there are no injuries associated with the fire, and that the facility was minimally staffed, but everyone was evacuated. The incident is now in the cleanup phase of the investigation, but is no longer active, according to police. Ross Bushnell, President & CEO, issued a statement about the incident. …”Early this morning, a small fire occurred at Pixelle’s Spring Grove facility. Our team responded quickly and followed established safety protocols, containing the fire before emergency crews arrived. Multiple local departments responded, and all cleared the scene by 5 a.m.  

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Domtar awaits permits to kickstart anaerobic digester project

By Allison Winters
The TimesNews
June 4, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

KINGSPORT, Tennessee — It could be the third or fourth quarter of 2026 before an anaerobic digester is completed to help with odor mitigation at the Kingsport mill, Domtar officials shared Tuesday. Charlie Floyd, VP of strategic capital projects for Domtar, and Bonnie Depew, environmental manager at Domtar’s Kingsport mill, presented updates about Project Bandit to the Kingsport Economic Development Board. Floyd said the biggest holdup is waiting on permits from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. TDEC has already asked for two extensions to review the permit application, state records show. …His hope is for the permit to be in the hands of Domtar by the end of the month. Over 80% of the equipment for the anaerobic digester has been purchased, according to Floyd. …At the height of construction, Floyd said there will be around 150 contractors on site to help build the digester and associated equipment.

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BlueLinx Announces Expansion of Distribution Partnership with LP Building Solutions

By BlueLinx
The Financial Times
June 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

ATLANTA — BlueLinx and Louisiana-Pacific announces the expansion of their distribution partnership to Springfield, Missouri. The expanded collaboration will include LP’s renowned Siding Solutions brands and prefinished solutions, namely LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding and LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding. This strategic move expands BlueLinx’s stocking footprint of LP® SmartSide® to 19 locations, spanning five of BlueLinx’s regions across the United States.

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South Carolina paper mill with stinking past also had toxic mercury discharges

By Sammy Fretwell
The State
May 30, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

YORK COUNTY — South Carolina’s New Indy paper mill… releases more of a powerful neurotoxin into the air than any other major paper plant in the country, a new report says. The amount of mercury leaving New Indy’s York County plant is detailed in a study that examines air pollution at the nation’s largest 185 paper and pulp mills. A major finding is that many paper mills aren’t fully reporting the amount of greenhouse gases they release into the air because of a loophole in federal law. The report says they are burning fuels that release too much air pollution. But the report also provides insight about the discharge of mercury. The study, conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, calls New Indy’s plant “the worst polluter in the nation’’ for mercury at paper mills, as well as for zinc, another type of metallic waste.

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Antigo school’s first-in-the-nation training sawmill readies students for lumber industry

By Rob Mentzer
Wisconsin Public Radio
May 26, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: US East

A newly opened commercial-scale sawmill in Antigo is the only training sawmill of its kind in the U.S. The sawmill at Northcentral Technical College’s Antigo campus will be a teaching tool for northern Wisconsin students and members of the lumber industry. It’s part of the school’s wood sciences program, and was funded by about $4.5 million out of an $8 million state Workforce Innovation Grant to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Forestry Center. That grant is meant to provide career training that will help address worker shortages in the lumber industry. …In addition to the eight students enrolled full-time in the program for the fall, wood sciences program director Logan Wells leads certificate programs and continuing education courses for industry professionals looking to sharpen their skills or gain experience with new technology. About 100 students per year come through those programs.

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U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities releases 2024 Annual Report

By The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
EIN Presswire
May 21, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

GREENVILLE , SC — The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities released its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights a year of expanded reach with $29.1 million awarded across 109 projects in 30 states and Washington, D.C., through innovative programs that strengthen the links between healthy forests, resilient communities and sustainable markets. The report details the Endowment’s sharpened focus on transformative initiatives, including the launch of an impact investing program, advancements in forest carbon transparency and streamlined market access for domestic wood fibers. “2024 was a pivotal year where we not only supported critical projects but also invested in scalable, sustainable solutions,” said Pete Madden, president and CEO of the Endowment. “By magnifying the connections between working forests, strong markets and vibrant communities, we are helping to drive systemic change across the forestry sector.”

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Wood paneling manufacturer pledges $250M investment, 300 jobs in rural South Carolina

By Jessica Holdman
South Carolina Daily Gazette
May 21, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

A German wood paneling maker plans to open a $250 million manufacturing plant in South Carolina’s rural Clarendon County. Homanit announced Wednesday it will build its first United States manufacturing facility on 140 acres near the small community of Alcolu — population 425. The company pledged to employ 300 people in the area located off Interstate 95, about 40 miles north of its intersection with I-26. “This investment marks a significant milestone for our company, and we’re proud to become part of such a vibrant and forward-looking region,” Homanit Managing Director Fritz Homann said in a statement. “The area’s skilled workforce, strategic location and strong infrastructure make Clarendon County the ideal foundation for our next phase of growth in North America.” The announcement marks the largest single investment in Clarendon County economic development history, according to Central SC Alliance President Jason Giulietti.

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White House’s approach to tariffs may bring serious consequences for American hardwoods

By Scott Seyler, Northland forest Products Inc.
The Williamsport Sun Gazette
May 17, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

Scott Seyler

PENNSYLVANIA — As a result of the Trump Administration’s reckless tariff policies, America’s hardwood industry has faced a range of consequences, including lost revenues, cancelled orders and the high costs of diverting shipments already in route to China. The 125% tariffs that China applied to U.S. imports in response to the staggering 145% tariffs that the Trump administration placed on Chinese goods on April 2 jolted hardwood producers. …For now, the trade war between United States and China has simmered, with tariffs rates on American exports to China now set at 10%. Still, there is much at stake for America’s hardwood producers. In Pennsylvania, which is the nation’s leading producer of hardwood lumber… the forest-products industry employs over 60,000 people and has a $21.8 billion direct impact and a $39.1 billion indirect impact on the state economy. The livelihoods of foresters, loggers, sawyers, material handlers, lumber graders and many more well-paying jobs hang in the balance. 

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International Paper closes Texas plants, cuts 117 jobs

By Noi Mahoney
Freight Waves
May 19, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

EDINBURG, Texas — International Paper recently said it was shuttering two Texas facilities and laying off 117 workers as it restructures its presence along the US-Mexico border. The company is closing two production facilities in Edinburg, Texas, one that manufactures containers and another that makes paper sheets. The sheet plant will be converted into a warehouse. While the company is closing two production plants in Edinburg, it is investing more funds at a nearby facility in McAllen, Texas, as well as a plant across the border in Reynosa, Mexico, officials said. “There are 117 positions impacted; however the expansion at McAllen will create 40 new hourly positions to be filled,” International Paper said. “The company will assist employees and customers through this transition.” …Since October, International Paper has laid off over 2,500 employees and closed facilities in Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

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Finance & Economics

Exports of Southern Pine lumber fell 12% in Q1, 2025 compared to Q1, 2024

Southern Forest Products Association
May 26, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States, US East

Q1 2025 exports of Southern Pine lumber (treated and untreated) were 12% behind the same quarter in 2024 at 122 MMBF, but up 2% over the fourth quarter of 2024. On a monthly basis, Southern Pine lumber exports were down 20% in March over March 2024 but up 4.6% over February 2025. When looking at the report by dollar value, Southern Pine exports are down 7% to $50 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, but down 17% over the fourth quarter of 2024. Mexico led the way at $13.2 million, followed by the Dominican Republic at $10.4 million, and Canada at $4.3 million. The total global value in March hit a six-month high of $18 million. Treated lumber exports, meanwhile, were down 19% compared to the first quarter of 2024 at $28 million and down 6% over the fourth quarter of 2024.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Groundbreaking Held For Tallest Mass Timber Tower in the Western Hemisphere

By Jeramey Jannene
Urban Milwaukee
June 16, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US East

A record-breaking apartment tower is under construction in Milwaukee. Neutral Edison will be the tallest mass timber building in the Western Hemisphere when completed in 2027. The 31-story building on Edison Street will include 353 high-end apartments and loads of environmentally-friendly features. Once complete, it will eclipse the height of the current world record holder, the 25-story Ascent building located just a half mile east. [Another building is] under construction in Sydney, Australia and is expected to claim the world record, limiting The Edison’s claim to the Western Hemisphere. …Neutral estimates that the carbon footprint of the building’s construction materials will be 54% lower than a structure built using conventional materials. It estimates that the building’s operational carbon footprint and energy consumption will be 45% lower. The firm intends to pursue Living Building Challenge 4.0 Core Certification and Passive House certification using the PHIUS 2021 Core Standard to formally measure the building’s environmental friendliness.

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The Legacy Paper Group Announces Restart of Paper Machine #8 in Port Huron, Michigan

By The Legacy Paper Group
Cision Newswire
June 11, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

PORT HURON, Mich. – The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, today announced plans to restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility, bringing 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year shutdown. The restart addresses growing market demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other critical applications.The mill has operated continuously since 1888 under various owners including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself specializes in producing high-quality, ultra-lightweight papers for quick-serve restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable applications.

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Arclin contributes $500,000 to Louisiana Tech’s Forest Products Innovation Center

By Louisiana Tech Communications
The Lincoln Parish Journal
June 8, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

Arclin has committed to a $500,000 contribution to Louisiana Tech University in support of the new Forest Products Innovation Center. The center is set to become a cornerstone of research and development for sustainable forest product technologies and will play a critical role in Louisiana Tech’s broader education and innovation goals. …The facility will focus on developing innovative solutions for capturing, producing, and utilizing renewable forest resources while strengthening the regional economy through sustainable practices. …Arclin’s investment reflects its mission to improve lives through science and technology. …The new center will support Louisiana’s forestry sector, one of the state’s most vital renewable resource industries. It will also provide hands-on opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world research, equipping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and environmental leaders with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact.

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A Guide to Mass Timber Construction: The Future of Sustainable Architecture and The Role of Forestry

Rayonier Inc.
June 3, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

Mass timber, a renewable, durable, environmentally friendly building material, is changing the building industry for the better. In this article, we take a deeper look at the environmental, economic and human benefits of mass timber and highlight some mass timber success stories. …In this guide, we’re looking at the benefits of mass timber and how it is reshaping the commercial building industry. We’re also taking a close look at the story of 619 Ponce, an entirely locally-sourced mass timber structure championed in part by the Georgia Forestry Foundation in the heart of Atlanta.

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Green Bay Packaging to invest $1 billion in Morrilton plant

By Lucas Dufalla
Askansas Democrat
June 2, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

Pulp and paper company Green Bay Packaging will be breaking ground on a $1 billion expansion to its Morrilton packaging plant Tuesday, according to a news release from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office. The company announced an expansion of its Arkansas Kraft Mill in Morrilton in December. The news release from Sanders’ office lauded the investment as the “largest capital investment project in Central Arkansas’ history.” It comes about a month after the announcement of a $1 billion data center in Little Rock, which was referred to as the “largest economic development capital investment” in Little Rock’s history. Green Bay’s multi-year expansion is geared toward modernization. According to a release, it will “significantly enhance the infrastructure of the mill” and, among other investments, it will involve the installation of an electric turbine generator, which will “substantially reduce” the plant’s Scope One and Scope Two greenhouse gas emissions.

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Domestic vs. international: The trade-offs in mass timber suppliers

By McCownGordon Construction
Dallas Business Journal
June 1, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East

Mass timber continues to gain traction in the United States for its sustainability, strength and aesthetic appeal. …In just the last four years, Texas saw a 168% increase in the amount of mass timber projects either in design, construction or completed. As mass timber developments in Texas increase in popularity, owners and contractors face a critical decision: whether to source the material domestically or internationally. The decision isn’t as simple as price — although it is a big factor. There are other points to consider when selecting your mass timber provider. …With threats of tariffs and rising material costs, builders might feel inclined to source mass timber from domestic providers. According to Forisk, an industry research and consulting firm, there are 38 mass timber production facilities across the United States and Canada —24 of which can produce cross-laminated timber (CLT). Nearly 51% of those facilities are located in the Northwest region of the United States.

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Tallest mass timber academic building on the East Coast completed for UPenn

By Niall Patrick Walsh
Archinect News
May 28, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US East

©Lake|Flato Architects

The University of Pennsylvania has announced the completion of Amy Gutmann Hall, a six-story, 116,000-square-foot facility for data science and artificial intelligence programs. Designed by Lake|Flato Architects in collaboration with KSS Architects, the building is the tallest mass timber academic structure on the East Coast. Named in honor of the university’s longest-serving president, the building was designed as a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration in emerging technological fields. The design approach sought to reflect a dual commitment to innovation and sustainability, incorporating biophilic design principles and advanced building systems. The scheme is constructed through a mass timber structural system, which contributes to a significant reduction in the building’s embodied carbon: 52% less than a concrete structure and 41% less than a steel equivalent, according to the project team. Exposed timber, natural wood finishes, and daylight-optimized layouts are used throughout the interior to support user well-being and a connection to nature.

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Forestry

Environmental groups sue to protect western North Carolina forests from increased logging

By Michelle Alfini
WSOC-TV
June 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

As Western North Carolina’s forests recover from Hurricane Helene, environmental groups say Pisgah and Nantahala face a one-two punch from the federal government, potentially setting the stage for further destruction. For as long as the country has had national forests, logging has been a part of their management, but those needs are also weighed against the need to maintain habitat, recreational opportunities, protect local water systems and defend wildlife. In the past few years, the U.S. Forest Service has opened up more land to logging and now with a recent executive order calling for increased timber production across the country, environmental nonprofits like Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and Asheville-based MountainTrue are suing to prevent what they believe could severely damage habitat in a way that could take decades to recover from.

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Maintaining, Protecting Forests and Woodlands Across NY Needs to Take Priority

By Hugh Canham, Legislative Affairs Committee Chair, New York Forest Owners Association
The Adirondack Almanack
June 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

…The recently introduced bill by Senator Rachel May and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (S.5603/A.7550) would give partial property tax relief to landowners statewide who agree to permanent easements agree to permanent easements to protect private forest land from development while increasing carbon storage, in response to the stated need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the State.  This is a worthy objective and using easements instead of fee purchase is a good way to proceed. However, there are several concerns when viewed from the perspective of the private landowner concerning timber harvests, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, type of easement, and property tax relief. …Carbon sequestration is an important function of New York’s forests and woodlands. …While it may seem counterintuitive to those unfamiliar with modern forestry, data show that sustainably managed forests yield substantial climate benefits. The data does not support the common misconception that older forests always provide superior carbon benefits.

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Here’s the ROI You’ll Get by Attending Forest Products EXPO 2025

Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition
June 5, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

The 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition (EXPO 2025), presented by the Southern Forest Products Association, is the place to: CONNECT: Forge meaningful, long-term relationships with top equipment providers in the industry. These companies are focused on more than just transactions—they’re committed to partnerships that grow over time. EXPLORE: Gain insights from leading machinery and technology innovators. Discover proven strategies and cutting-edge tools designed to boost efficiency, maximize yield, and increase ROI. DISCOVER: Uncover fresh opportunities to enhance safety, eliminate bottlenecks, and strengthen trusted partnerships. EXPO exhibitors offer unique project solutions you won’t find anywhere else. Since 1950, EXPO has provided the place for both hardwood and softwood sawmillers to gather, celebrate new technology, network, and learn about the industry’s latest products.

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Logging will increase by 10% in Pennsylvania’s only national forest this year under Trump directive

By Abigail Hakas
SpotlightPA
June 4, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Pennsylvania …The move has sparked fierce debate between environmentalists and pro-logging groups who disagree on cutting trees to reduce wildfire risks or improve forest health — two reasons cited in new federal guidance. In the coming fiscal year, the state’s only national forest is set to sell 45 million board feet, an over 12% increase from this fiscal year, said Alisen Downs, public affairs specialist for the Allegheny National Forest. The federal government’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1. …While next year’s logging will be an increase from the over 39 million board feet sold for harvest in 2023-24 and the 40 million planned for this year, it’s not an historic high. In 2020-21, almost 50 million board feet were harvested. …But under a recent emergency designation affecting almost 60% of national forest land, some federally mandated regulations and processes aren’t required, including some put in place to protect endangered species or allow challenges to logging proposals.

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Sawmills Relieve Wildfire Threat from Hurricane Helene Debris

By Mike Berger
LBM Journal
June 2, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Sawmills are working to recycle trees blown down by Hurricane Helene to assist wildland firefighters while boosting domestic timber production. Many of the trees downed by the storm are usable, according to Johnny Evans, owner of EvAns Lumber Co. in Manchester, Tennessee. About 6% of the lumber produced at his facility comes from trees that fell during natural disasters. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division estimated it could take at least three years for the thickest trees downed by Hurricane Helene to dry out enough to become potential wildfire fuel. However, those trees can still hinder firefighting efforts by getting in the way of bulldozers used to create firelines. “Those trees are there just blocking the dozers. So we have to send in crews to clear a path for the dozers,” Megan Carpenter, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, said.

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New Maine law will require landowners to report enrollment in forest carbon programs

By Kate Cough
The Maine Monitor
June 2, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

MAINE, USA — A law signed by Gov. Janet Mills last week requires landowners who are participating in the forest carbon credit market to report basic data — including a landowner’s name, contact information, date of enrollment and total enrolled acreage — to the state on an annual basis, information the state will use to create a database and track the impact of carbon credits on Maine’s forests. “We need to understand how Maine woodland owners are participating in the emerging forest carbon market, given both Maine’s forest-based economy and its climate change initiatives,” said Morten Moesswilde, the division director of Forest Policy and Management for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in a work session on the legislation in February. …The law was supported by conservation organizations as well as the Maine Forest Products Council and several woodlot owners, who stressed the importance of understanding an emerging market.

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Lush nature preserve near Lake Michigan added to nationwide roster of old forests

Michigan Live
May 26, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Thousands of acres of deep-woods habitats at Arcadia Dunes are now part of a nationwide network of current and future old-growth forests. The wooded areas at the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve in Benzie County this week became the latest place in Michigan to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network, which now includes more than 270 permanently protected forests nationwide. The forest near the Lake Michigan shoreline boasts unique microclimates teeming with old beech and hemlock trees, spring wildflowers, and rare native plants. Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy hosted a two-mile hike Wednesday, May 21, along the preserve’s Dryhill Trail Chestnut Loop to celebrate the northern mesic forest being added to the nationwide old-growth roster. The nature preserve is the conservancy’s largest and includes a mix of secondary hardwoods, coastal dunes, and open fields around old farmland and pastures.

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Protecting Maine’s forests from spruce budworm takes all of us

By Allison Kanoti, Maine state entomologist & Patty Cormier, Maine state forester
Bangor Daily News
May 23, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

…Today, populations of spruce budworm are once again building, slowly but surely, on hundreds of thousands of acres in northern Maine. The good news is, we’re not starting from scratch, and we’re not waiting to intervene. This spring, a coalition of forestry stakeholders, including landowners, scientists, industry partners, and state and federal government agencies, is taking a science-based approach to spruce budworm management through the Early Intervention Strategy. Approximately 240,000 acres of budding budworm populations will be treated with narrowly targeted insecticides in late May and early June. …This year’s treatment blocks were selected months in advance and supported by research, monitoring, ownership and forest composition data. …We also invite landowners to take advantage of the vast number of resources on sprucebudwormmaine.org.

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Supporting reforestation after Carbon County Packerton fire

By Emily Kress
WNEP 16 ABC News
May 23, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: US East

Jim Thorpe – Pennsylvania — It was a sight like no other, last month, smoke clouded the air as a wildfire spread on Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe. The fire burned 500 acres in what the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources called the Packerton fire. “We are really still evaluating; it’s probably still too early to tell. Certainly, some trees got killed in that process, and we are still evaluating how extensive the damage was, explained Seth Cassell, Director of the Bureau of Forestry with DCNR.  On Arbor Day, DCNR launched an online donation drive for communities impacted by wildfires. … Officials with DCNR say there are several types of trees that make up the forests of Carbon County. “Where the fire was, there is often pine trees, oak trees, we see a lot of chestnut oak trees in those areas, and some of those trees are there because of repeat fires in those areas.”

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More trees in Wayne National Forest to be cut after executive order

By George Shillcock
WOUB Public Media
May 23, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: US East

©Ohio, The Heart of it All

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Trump administration wants to increase harvesting in the more than 100 million acres of national forests and is targeting Ohio’s only national forest as part of the effort. Ohio is home to the Wayne National Forest — nearly 244,000 acres with three non-contiguous tracts near Athens, Marietta and Ironton. The Wayne is teeming with life this time of year with thousands of species of plant life and dozens of mammals, birds and fish calling the quarter of a million acres of forest home. President Donald Trump wants to expand American timber production in the nation’s national forests by 25%. A March executive order said cutting more trees will boost the construction and energy industries and also improve forest management to reduce wildfire risk. …The Trump administration hopes the executive order will jumpstart the nation’s lumber industry. Some in the industry are skeptical of how much this could help in the long run.

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Weyerhaeuser Acquiring High-Quality Timberlands in North Carolina and Virginia

By Weyerhaeuser Company
PR Newswire
May 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Weyerhaeuser announced an agreement to acquire approximately 117,000 acres of high-quality timberlands in North Carolina and Virginia from Roanoke Timberlands, a subsidiary of Roseburg Forest Products, for $375 million. Comprised of mature, highly productive timberlands, the acreage will be well-integrated with existing Weyerhaeuser timberland and mill operations in North Carolina, will expand the company’s footprint into attractive markets in southeastern Virginia and will offer substantial alternative value opportunities. …Mature planted pine age class expected to produce an average annual harvest of 7.4 tons per acre (or 860,000 tons) over the first five years. …The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions. …When the acquisition is complete, Weyerhaeuser will own or manage approximately 744,000 acres of timberlands in North Carolina and 150,000 acres in Virginia — employing more than 600 people across the two states.

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Registration Now Open for Forest Products EXPO 2025

The Southern Forest Products Association
May 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

Haven’t been to the Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO before, or if you have, has it been a while? You’re missing out! But you can change that now that registration and housing reservations in the official hotel block for the 38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition (EXPO 2025), presented by the Southern Forest Products Association, are now open! The three-day biannual tradeshow, to be held August 6-8, 2025, at the Music City Center in Nashville, will provide you with solutions for nearly every stage of manufacturing for softwood and hardwood operations. From raw material handling to crane operations; metal detection and scanning technologies; log optimization, drying, grading, sorting, packaging, and distribution, there’s an exhibiting company representative on site to explore these solutions with you face to face. EXPO 2025 will be one of the best yet with: 220+ exhibitors from 34 states and 9 countries showcasing products from 168 different categories across nearly 60,000 square feet.

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Michigan State University researcher receives $500K grant to study tree species suited to future Michigan climates

By Cameron Rudolph
Michigan State University
May 15, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: US East

Jeremy Johnson

EAST LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan State University researcher has received a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to explore assisted tree migration as a way to protect the future productivity of Michigan forests. …The project is led by Jeremy Johnson, an assistant professor of forest genetics in the MSU Department of Forestry. He said that many of Michigan’s most important tree species, such as red pine, are at the southern end of their native ranges. As temperatures increase and precipitation becomes more unpredictable, these species may struggle to adjust. …Johnson and his team will monitor how climate and soil type affect tree growth using a common garden model in which several tree species are grown together under the same conditions. Six conifer species and American Chestnut were identified for planting at nine common gardens across Michigan. In the seed collection process, 50 families will be represented for each species.

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First-ever National Forest biomass risk assessment receives interim approval.

US Endowment for Forestry and Communities
May 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: US East

The first-ever Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for National Forest System lands under the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has been completed and approved for use by biomass producers, providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable biomass sourcing across all forests administered by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) in the contiguous U.S. SBP-endorsed RRAs are crucial for identifying and mitigating risks associated with the sustainable sourcing of feedstock for biomass and woodchip production, opening significant opportunities in markets with strict sustainability requirements, such as Europe and Asia. By expanding access to these markets, this interim risk assessment provides a unique opportunity that balances conservation goals with economic and renewable energy development. Typically, RRAs analyze specific geographic regions, provinces or states. This RRA is unique in that it took the innovative approach of considering the vast and unique network of National Forests in the United States as one region, providing a targeted and specific review.   

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

Rayonier touts alternative energy opportunity as way to boost revenue

By Mark Basch
The Jacksonville Daily Record
June 12, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

Mark McHugh

Rayonier was long known as a forest products company before forming a real estate development subsidiary 20 years ago to profit from its vast land holdings. …In a June 4 presentation to Nareit’s REITweek investor conference, Rayonier CEO Mark McHugh said an emerging trend driving demand for its land is “the energy transition, the need for renewable power and decarbonization solutions.” Rayonier controls about 2 million acres of timberland, some of which has other uses besides harvesting trees. “Increasingly, we’ve come to see ourselves as more of a land resources company,” McHugh said. …“That would include things like leasing land for solar or leasing land for wind farms,” he said. “It would also include leasing land and pore space for carbon capture and storage.” McHugh said leasing land for carbon capture increases the value about fivefold. The company has more than 150,000 acres under lease at the end of 2024.

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Milestone reached on bioenergy plant in Newton County, Texas

By Scott Lawrence
KFDM News
June 10, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

TEXAS — A plan to open a bioenergy plant in Newton County has reached a new milestone with a landmark deal to supply wood for the site in Bon Wier. Mike Lout with KJAS, reports Nick Andrews, President and CEO of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based USA Bioenergy, announced on Tuesday that his company has signed a deal with the LP Corporation to supply the wood. According to LP, the agreement would provide up to 2.2 million tons of wood biomass for an initial term of 20 years that could not only help USA Bioenergy in Bon Wier, but also the logging and timber industry across Southeast Texas and west Louisiana. Andrews has said the main focus of the plant will be to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel commonly known as “SAF” or bio-jetfuel for the airline industry.

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‘Georgetown is at a crossroads;’ 650+ residents sign petition against new biomass plant

By Perrin Moore
ABC15 News
June 9, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

GEORGETOWN, South Carolina — Over 650 Georgetown residents have signed a petition opposing a proposed biomass plant at the site of the International Paper mill that closed last year. The group Citizens for Georgetown says it is working to revitalize the town’s waterfront through “thoughtful redevelopment.” 653 people are opposing the plant that would generate energy for Santee Cooper from tree waste. …Citizens for Georgetown Chairman Tom Swatzel. “Now, we face a critical choice: leave decades of pollution in the land and water, continue with heavy industry OR clean up the site and reimagine these properties into a vibrant, sustainable future that benefits all residents.” …State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch expressed cautious optimism over the proposed plant, saying that it could involve an investment of nearly $4 billion and create new jobs.

 

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New law will require landowners to report enrollment in forest carbon programs

By Kate Cough
AP News
June 2, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

A law signed by Gov. Janet Mills last week requires landowners who are participating in the forest carbon credit market to report basic data — including a landowner’s name, contact information, date of enrollment and total enrolled acreage — to the state on an annual basis, information the state will use to create a database and track the impact of carbon credits on Maine’s forests… Maine landowners have so far been reluctant to participate in the forest carbon market. Reporting in 2022 found that only 3.5 percent of the state’s large landowners have made deals to sell their carbon, despite a market that has been around for decades. Small woodlot owners have also been reluctant to buy in, citing payments too low to justify the costs of complying with rigorous standards. The law will not require landowners to report on the financial value of the credits,  and will redact personal identifying information from reports and public records requests.

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Environmental groups offer support to residents in fight over biomass plant

By Charles Swenson
Coastal Observer
June 2, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

Of the two dozen people who showed up for a meeting to talk about a proposed biomass energy plant in Georgetown, five were from conservation groups. Another five were reporters. The rest were fewer in number than organizers hoped to draw to the 240-seat Soul Saving Station in Georgetown. It stands in the shadow of the International Paper Co. mill that closed last year. Last week’s meeting was planned as a follow-up to one held earlier in the month. 60 people who attended were eager to learn more about the biomass plant and its impacts on the county in general …The state House unanimously approved a bill this year that defines biomass as “renewable and carbon neutral.” …“At first, I thought it was a joke,” said Paul Black, who leads the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal initiative in the state. “This is worse than coal.”

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Georgia offers carbon credits for mass timber projects. How it works.

By Margaret Walker
The Telegraph
May 16, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US East

Georgia is the first state in the nation to create a carbon registry program that rewards sustainable building practices with carbon credits, with goals to boost both the state’s environment and economy equally. And while only one building project has made it to the registry since the program started, those who helped start the program are confident more developments in the Peach State will start taking advantage of the program soon. The Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry, first developed in 2008, was originally created to help landowners certify the carbon stored in their forests. But as Georgia kept rapidly growing, lawmakers saw an opportunity to expand the registry’s impact, changing it to allow for financial incentive for constructing developments with mass timber. In 2021, legislation passed that gave the Georgia Forestry Commission a year to write the protocol for the amended carbon registry.

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Forest Fires

Wharton State Forest wildfire: Blaze now 80% contained after burning 5,750 acres

By Pamela Sroka-Holzmann
NJ.com True Jersey
June 15, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: US East

New Jersey — A wildfire that began Friday in the Wharton State Forest in Burlington County is now 80% contained, fire officials said Sunday. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service posted on its Facebook page a total of 5,750 acres were scorched since the blaze began Friday morning. It was first spotted near the Carranza Memorial in the state forest. By 11 p.m. Friday, flames had grown to 3,250 acres, state fire officials had said. The blaze, dubbed the Mines Spung Wildfire, is located within Wharton State Forest in Shamong Township. A wildfire is defined by state fire officials as an uncontrolled fire burning different types of vegetation covering the land, with a “major wildfire” being anything that exceeds 100 acres in size. Crews on Sunday were continuing to mop up hot spots and patrol the fire perimeter, state fire officials said.

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