WWF deforestation hotspots centres on the tropics, Australia being the only developed nation on the list. In related news: forest area the size of California has been lost since 2004; the US administration imperils spotted owl habitat; Canadian conservation made strides in 2020; BC acquires land to expands parks and protected areas; and BC First Nations strike deal with Interfor and Western to protect ancient cedars.

In Business news: Resolute is restarting its Ingnace, Ontario sawmill; NewLife Forest Products is building a sawmill in Flagstaff, Arizona; New Zealand log exports  are off to a great start in 2021; a US bill creates incentives for wood pellet heating; lumber prices are on the rise in North America; US contractor optimism improved in December; and the UK housing boom is starting to fade.

Finally, what do tree planters and samurai have in common? Ask Forests Ontario!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor