Blog Archives

Today’s Takeaway

BC Forest Minister kicks-off Wildfire Resilience and Awareness Week

The Tree Frog Forestry News
May 4, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway

Our 4th annual Wildfire Resilience and Awareness Week—delivered in partnership with the Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee—kicks off with BC Forest Minister Ravi Parmar’s opening op-ed, followed by Mosaic’s expanded detection and mitigation efforts on Vancouver Island. In related news: BC Wildfire Service is on the verge of being fully staffed; Fort McMurray’s 2016 wildfire prompts new strategies; US falls behind on wildfire prevention with risky fire season ahead; Western US states are using AI for early detection; rising jet fuel costs won’t impact California’s aerial fleet; Trump’s DEI policies may threaten wildfire funding; and US Wildland Fire Service’s first chief shares his priorities.

In Business news: Conifex to curtail Mackenzie sawmill for 7-weeks; BC Forest Minister unveils new federal grant monies; Northern Ontario examines the future of forestry; the US Dept. of Commerce starts softwood lumber duty review; Seattle opens first warehouse for salvaged lumber; and US Forest Service Chief fields questions on office closure, deep budget cuts.

Finally, Stuart McNish examines DRIPA and the legal ramifications of amending the legislation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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Weyerhaeuser, International Paper stay profitable as markets soften

The Tree Frog Forestry News
May 1, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway

Weyerhaeuser and International Paper both reported first-quarter profits amid softer markets and ongoing economic uncertainty. In related news: Atlas Engineered reported a net loss; and another Quebec wood furniture business is closing. In other Business news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor calls on Ottawa to support Canada Wood in Japan; Steelworkers Jeff Bromley applauds BC $21-million grant to help forestry workers; and BC Forest Minister Ravi Parmar expects fed support if lumber issue remains unresolved.

In other news: SFI announced funding awards for Indigenous-led Climate Smart Forestry; the often overlooked construction benefits of mass timber; the USDA’s Brian Bradshaw says the Softwood Lumber Board sets the gold standard for demonstrating ROI; and the latest news from the Southern Forest Products Association. Meanwhile: wildfire preparation updates courtesy of British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick.

Finally, the roadmap for recovery for US loggers; and Finland’s bioeconomy-transition challenges.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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Special Feature

Getting Ahead of Fire: A Path to a More Resilient B.C.

By Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests
Government of British Columbia
May 4, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada

Each year, Wildfire Resilience and Awareness Week is a reminder of a reality we are all facing. Wildfires are no longer a distant or a seasonal threat. They are at our doorstep and part of our new normal, impacting communities throughout British Columbia. Since 2017, we have experienced some of the most destructive wildfire seasons in our province’s history. Entire communities have been changed. Through it all, we have seen the extraordinary courage of firefighters and first responders who step forward when others are told to leave. When others must evacuate, they risk their lives so communities can be saved. But we have also learned something very important. Preparation makes a huge difference. If we’re going to meet this moment, we cannot simply react to wildfire, we must get ahead of it. …

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with wildland and structural firefighters, community leaders, and people throughout this province who are already doing this important work. What I’ve seen gives me great confidence. When communities take action, when preparation is prioritized and when we all work together, we can reduce the risks and protect what matters most.

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Wildfire Resilience Week: More Important Than Ever

By Sandy McKellar, Editor
The Tree Frog Forestry News
May 4, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada

Tree Frog Forestry News is proud to once again partner with the Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee (WCSIC) to bring you Wildfire Resilience and Awareness Week—now in its fourth year. When we launched this initiative in 2023, wildfire was already a growing concern. Today, it’s a defining reality. Seasons are longer, fires are more intense, and the impacts reach well beyond the burn zone—affecting communities, economies, and public health across the region. That’s why this week continues to matter.

All week long, Tree Frog Forestry News—together with our sponsors and contributors—will feature stories that explore wildfire mitigation, resilience, and adaptation. From on-the-ground practices to broader policy and research, these perspectives highlight what it means to live with fire in a changing landscape.

We encourage you to follow along, dig into the resources, and share these stories with your networks. Because when it comes to wildfire, awareness isn’t optional—it’s essential.

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Vancouver Island Enters 2026 Wildfire Season at Elevated Risk as Mosaic Forest Management Expands Detection and Mitigation Efforts

Mosaic Forest Management
April 27, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada West

Vancouver Island is heading into the 2026 wildfire season under precarious conditions. Island snowpack is below normal, Environment Canada forecasts warmer and drier conditions through June, and there’s a 62 per cent chance of a strong El Niño by late summer — the weather pattern behind the prolonged heat and drought that intensifies wildfire risk. For Mosaic, which manages over 550,000 hectares of private forest land across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast on behalf of two of Canada’s largest pension plans, wildfire preparedness is fundamental to responsible land management. This year, the company is further preparing by expanding its wildfire detection and mitigation capabilities. …This season, Mosaic is set to pilot an integrated detection system in the Nanaimo Lakes drainage, combining cameras, ground-level sensors and low-orbit satellite monitoring to identify ignitions faster and across a wider area. …“Our forests support local economies, local pensions and are cherished recreational spaces,” said Steve Mjaaland, Senior Manager of Forest Protection at Mosaic.

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Business & Politics

B.C. forests minister unveils new federal grant, says aid needs could reach $6B

By Mark Page
The Vernon Morning Star
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Ravi Parmar

B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar announced on Thursday that the federal government is pitching in $21 million to support retraining and retooling forestry workers and operations in the province. The money comes as part of Ottawa’s more than $2 billion commitment to support the sector as it faces tariff tradewinds, stiff foreign competition and a lack of easy access to economically viable timber. It is funded through a $70.4 million workforce support fund announced in March. Parmar says that if a combined rate of tariffs and duties stays as high as it has been, roughly 45 per cent, the industry in B.C. will need billions of dollars more in aid.

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B.C., Treaty 8 First Nations build new partnerships to advance restoration

By Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions
Government of British Columbia
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The Province and seven Treaty 8 First Nations have taken a next step toward creating a thriving and community-centered local economy in northeastern British Columbia. Restoration agreements will restore and protect the environment, provide predictability and stability to existing industries, as well as establish new business opportunities in the region, while ensuring historic Treaty Rights are upheld. “The restoration agreements will build on the strong partnership that we have with the Treaty 8 First Nations, which is a First Nations led approach,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This work is guided by the belief that healing the land and healing the people are inseparable. …This partnership approach to land and resource management will help to uphold constitutionally protected Treaty Rights, while supporting a vibrant economy.”

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Forestry grant supporting workers affected by tariffs

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Forestry workers, employers and communities throughout British Columbia are receiving targeted assistance through a forestry workers support grant, a $20.8-million investment to help employers and communities respond quickly to the needs of the sector, by providing funds for worker retention, wage support and job-creating local projects. “There are serious global pressures impacting forestry workers in B.C., including unfair and punishing duties and tariffs driven by U.S. President Donald Trump,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We are not backing down, we’re going to fight like hell to defend our forestry jobs. The new forestry workers support grant is one tool we’re taking action on right now to protect jobs today.” Delivered through the Northern Development Initiative Trust the grant is anticipated to support 1,400 forestry workers. …“In times of crisis, workers and communities need support from the provincial government and this is a great example of that,” said Jeff Bromley, chair, United Steelworkers Wood Council.

Additional coverage in CBC News: B.C. forestry support grant welcomed by industry stakeholders amid tariff struggles

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Conservative leadership candidate would move some resource officials out of Victoria

By Betsy Kline
The Vernon Morning Star
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Iain Black (Facebook)

B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black is making his way around the Kootenays this week… While he is emphasizing his usual campaign priorities … Black also revealed a philosophy that he has yet to speak of publicly. While in the forest-sector dependent community of Castlegar, Black told Castlegar News that if he were eventually elected as premier, he would like to re-locate some bureaucrats from Victoria to the areas rich in the resource sectors they represent. “Why is the chief forester of British Columbia in Victoria, why isn’t that office out where the forestry is?” asked Black. “We need to get senior officials, that impact the livelihoods of our communities, out of Victoria and in offices elsewhere. He also suggested moving agriculture leadership to somewhere like Abbotsford or Dawson Creek and oil and gas leadership to some place like Fort Saint John.

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eSolutions Furniture Group Announces Closure of Business and Lenders’ Proposed Motion to Appoint Receiver

By eSolutions Furniture Group
PR Newswire
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

MONTREAL – eSolutions Furniture Group, including Bush Business Furniture, Bush Furniture, and Bestar, announced today that the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, as lender and as administrative agent for the Company’s lending syndicate, is expected to present a motion on May 4, 2026 before the Superior Court of Québec under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as receiver over the Company’s assets. …The Company’s financial position has worsened significantly since 2021. The business has faced additional pressure since 2024 due to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government, post-pandemic reductions in consumer demand, increased competition from offshore competitors, and ongoing cash constraints.

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Renewable Fuel Standard Proposals That Incentivize Whole Trees for Energy Threaten U.S. Pulp and Paper Mill Jobs

American Forest & Paper Association
April 29, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) opposes proposals to expand Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) incentives to include whole trees, pulpwood and other woody biomass. These policies would raise wood fiber costs and put U.S. pulp and paper mill jobs at risk. This initiative runs contrary to the Administration’s efforts to reshore U.S. manufacturing. AF&PA supports policies that complement domestic manufacturing and energy markets that can stand on their own because of real demand and innovation – not mandates or incentives that pit fuel against fiber. U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers rely on an affordable and accessible fiber supply to make products that Americans use. Forest products manufacturing supports far more jobs than stand-alone biomass energy …Renewable fuel incentives should not sacrifice U.S. mill jobs by incentivizing wood fiber away from the manufacturing sector. Expanding RFS incentives to whole trees or pulpwood would distort the market for fiber and undermine mill competitiveness.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Inside a Mount Pleasant architecture studio that practices what it builds: mass timber

By Mihika Agarwal
BC Business Magazine
April 29, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

©SLA Architect

Vancouver, BC — Stephane Laroye Architect (SLA), a Mount Pleasant–based firm focused on sustainable, low-carbon design and mass timber buildings across B.C., has set up shop in a mass timber building. Founded in 2016 by urban planner and architect Stephane Laroye, the studio works across everything from master planning and infrastructure to multi-family, mixed-use and single-family housing. A throughline across the portfolio: engineered wood. …SLA’s own office—located inside Vancouver’s On5 building—uses timber panels throughout and is designed to Passive House standards by Vancouver-based Timber Engineering. Much of the structure was prefabricated off-site, allowing for faster installation than conventional construction methods.

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Softwood Lumber Board Update for April 2026

The Softwood Lumber Board
April 30, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

In this update you’ll find these headlines and more:

  • Wood Innovations Grants Accelerate Use of Advanced Wood Products: In 2025, the SLB assumed the role of program administrator responsible for managing and distributing the USDA’s award budget of nearly $2 million supporting 10 projects. 
  • From Momentum to Mainstream: The SLB’s 2025 Annual Report highlights the organization’s impact in expanding and protecting markets while driving measurable growth in softwood lumber demand.
  • C40 Cities Partnership Expands Accelerator Cities Initiative: A new SLB partnership with C40 Cities will help expand the SLB’s Accelerator Cities Program to municipalities throughout the United States. 
  • Amazon Highlights WoodWorks-Supported Mass Timber Logistics Facility: The first large-scale owner-occupied logistics facility in the United States built with mass timber is now on the WoodWorks Innovation Network 
  • WoodWorks and the AWC Help Architect Address Outdated Light-Frame Code Interpretation: This month’s feature project highlights how WoodWorks and the AWC worked together to resolve an outdated code interpretation for a mid-rise, light-frame hotel project.

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Seattle opens its first warehouse for salvaged lumber

By Ayeda Masood
KUOW News and Information
May 1, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US West

The city of Seattle opened its first warehouse for salvaged lumber Friday in SoDo. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson cut a red wood “ribbon” with a chainsaw to mark the occasion. The warehouse, operated by Earthwise Architectural Salvage, will serve as a place where lumber from the demolition or renovation of buildings is collected and sold for new construction, or to make furniture and other DIY projects. “Reuse is better than recycling,” said Katie Kennedy, the Seattle Public utilities manager who helped obtain the grant for the city. “You are displacing the need for new materials.” In addition to saving trees from being cut down for new lumber, the project is aimed at reducing waste and emissions.

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The often-overlooked construction benefits of mass timber: Schedule, sequencing and safety

By Juan Rodriguez – Senior Vice President, McCownGordon
Dallas Business Journal
May 1, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US East

Mass timber is frequently praised for its aesthetic appeal and sustainability benefits. However, what often goes unrecognized are the construction phase advantages it brings to a project—advantages that directly impact schedule certainty, jobsite safety and overall delivery predictability. Beyond appearance and environmental performance, mass timber fundamentally changes how buildings are built. For owners and developers focused on speed to market and reduced risk, these operational benefits deserve just as much attention as design and carbon metrics. Mass timber construction shifts critical decision-making earlier in the project lifecycle. Structural elements such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glulam beams are fabricated off-site and arrive ready to install. There is no waiting on cure times, no extended periods of formwork or shoring, and fewer weather-related delays during structural erection.

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Forestry

More than 5,800 people raised $1.46 million at WWF-Canada’s CN Tower Climb for Nature

By World Wildlife Fund Canada
PR Newswire
May 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

TORONTO – This weekend, 5,805 people took on the CN Tower’s 1,776 stairs for World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Climb for Nature fundraiser. Supported by nearly 23,033 donors and volunteers, they raised $1.46 million (and climbing) for conservation efforts across Canada. “It’s been an awesome weekend for wildlife in Canada.” says Megan Leslie, president and CEO of WWF-Canada. “From protecting areas of the Arctic for walrus, beluga, polar bears and caribou to doing salmon habitat restoration in B.C., arm in arm with First Nations, every step taken and every dollar raised was in support of nature and wildlife across Canada.” …The 2026WWF Climb for Nature is not over. Canadians can step up for wildlife from anywhere (and anytime) or conquer the stadium steps of BC Place in Vancouver this fall.

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Sustainable Forestry Initiative Announces Second Round of Funded Support for Indigenous-Led Climate Smart Forestry in Canada

Sustainable Forestry Initiative
May 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Ottawa, ON—The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is proud to announce funding awards to eight projects to Indigenous partners advancing Indigenous-led Climate Smart Forestry (CSF) in Canada. Building on the momentum of the first round of funding, SFI has committed 2 million in funding to support Indigenous-led CSF projects as they implement innovative strategies that strengthen forest resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and uphold Indigenous values in forest stewardship. The projects are part of the SFI Climate Smart Forestry Initiative – an effort to advance the interpretation and implementation of CSF practices across the SFI Canadian and U.S. footprint of more than 145 million certified hectares. “With this second round of funding, we are broadening the impact of Indigenous-led solutions that will help sustain forest health and advance climate action at a landscape scale.” said Lauren T. Cooper, Chief Conservation Officer of SFI. 

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BC Community Forest Association Conference and Field Tour

The BC Community Forest Association
May 4, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Silvopasture in Action: Collaboration, Innovation, and Climate Adaptation: This is more than a tour. It’s a chance to see innovation on the ground. In partnership with Coldstream Ranch, the Monashee Community Forest is demonstrating how forestry and ranching can work together to manage multiple values on the same landscape. Experience firsthand how silvopasture, integrating trees, forage, and livestock, is being used to support water protection, soil health, biodiversity, wildfire risk reduction, and economic resilience. From silviculture approaches to grazing design, this tour brings practical, real-world learning to life. …This project is rooted in strong relationships and shared goals, offering valuable insights into how collaboration across sectors can build trust, share risk, and support better decision-making. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, practical tools, or inspiration, this tour delivers. It’s a powerful example of how community forests are adapting to changing conditions while delivering meaningful benefits to their communities.

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Digital Tools Supporting BC’s Community Forests

By Jaya Freeman, Business Development Lead
Phoenix Connect in the BC Community Forests News
May 4, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Community Forests across British Columbia play a unique and vital role in forest stewardship. They balance ecological values, wildfire resilience, and local economic development-often with small teams and limited administrative capacity. At the same time, expectations around reporting, documentation, and data management continue to grow. Requirements tied to Electronic Submission Framework (ESF) submissions (RESULTS, FTA, FOM, RRS), spatial data, and operational tracking are becoming more detailed, while boards and communities expect clearer communication and transparency. For many community forests, the challenge isn’t just doing the work-it’s keeping information organized, accessible, and usable across teams. …Platforms like Phoenix Connect are used by many forestry organizations to manage operational data, mapping, and reporting workflows. …As reporting expectations and operational complexity continue to evolve, having reliable, accessible data will become increasingly important, not just for compliance, but for decision-making and communication.

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BC Forests Minister says BC Wildfire Service on the verge of being fully staffed for fire summer

By Michael Potestio
Castanet
May 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The Minister of Forests says the BC Wildfire Service is expected to be fully staffed for the season by Friday. Ravi Parmar visited Kamloops Friday, making a stop in at the provincial wildfire co-ordination centre for a visit. “By this time next week, we will be fully staffed, fully resourced as an agency, but as you’re seeing with fires popping up, our initial attack is responding quickly,” Parmar told reporters. Parmar said the BCWS has up to 700 year-round wildland firefighters. Following recently completed training camps, he said the province will be hiring an additional 250 firefighters for the 2026 season, which, when combined with all the contractors will have more than 2,000 personnel for fore season once again. As for where most firefighters will be stationed this summer, Parmar said they are deployed to areas the BCWS believe they will be busy, noting resources in the northeast have been repositioned due to recent rain.

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Cause of 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire ‘undetermined,’ despite obvious signs of human activity near start zone

By Nicholas Johansen
Castanet
May 4, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Wildfire investigators found a small cabin, a barbecue, a metal campfire ring and shooting targets near where one of the most destructive wildfires in the Okanagan originated. But while the McDougall Creek wildfire was determined to be human caused, the exact cause of the fire remains “undetermined.” The McDougall Creek was first reported to the BC Wildfire Service on Aug. 15, 2023, putting up a small puff of smoke in the hills above West Kelowna. Two days later, the fire had spread rapidly through a number of Central Okanagan neighbourhoods, destroying nearly 200 homes. This past December, the Ministry of Forests completed its Wildfire Origin and Cause Investigation Report… But despite more than two years of investigation by three wildfire investigators, the cause of the massive fire remains “undetermined.” This is largely due to the fire burning back over the area of origin, destroying any evidence of its ignition.

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Look at forestry policies needed

Letter by Peter Rusland
The Ladysmith – Chemainus Chronicle
May 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Dear North Cowichan mayor and council, and Premier David Eby: It’s not surprising a four-councillor cluster voted against a cogent April 15 motion urging our province to review and strengthen our forest policies, including those governing raw-log exports. The difference this time is right-wing councillors Findlay, Manhas, Caljouw Jr., and Hogg seemingly disregarded valley forest workers, and backed corporate timber firms’ desires for less, not more, public land-harvesting rules and regulations. Coun. Chris Justice’s logical, timely motion aimed to boost wood-fibre supplies for Canadian processing and value-added manufacturing — supporting local and Island forestry jobs — partly through a long-sought raw-log export ban. …Admit the current industry’s end is near. Instead, let’s finally explore making alternative, job-rich building materials in North Cowichan and elsewhere.

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Fort McMurray’s 2016 beastly wildfire prompts new firefighting strategies

By Jackie Carmichael
Edmonton Journal
May 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

©AlbertaWildfire

Ten years on, the devastating Fort McMurray wildfire is still teaching Albertans and informing policy. “Even a very large developed community in northern Alberta is not immune from the impact of wildfire, and that really hit hard with a lot of people, and I think there are some lessons that we’ve taken on as an organization that and we’re sort of living those changes now,” said Christie Tucker, information unit manager with Alberta Wildfire of the May 3, 2016 fire that ravaged the northern Alberta city, causing the evacuation of roughly 90,000 residents at the time. …If Fort McMurray had its lessons, one is that wildfire risk isn’t just out where the wild things are. The wildland urban interface is where Albertans are living and working up in resource-based industries, up against what used to be wilderness. That is a space the province is paying a lot of attention to, Tucker said.

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Vancouver park board staff recommend easing tree maintenance policy

By Joanne Lee-Young
Vancouver Sun
May 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Vancouver park board staff want to inspect the health of city trees less often, partly because they can’t keep up with new demands related to maintaining the city’s 150,000 street trees and 38,000 park trees. But an expert in tree risk assessment warns that while a proposal to change the manner and frequency of tree inspections could be cost-efficient, it might not be cost-effective as it could result in dangerous trees being missed. “It comes down to money, but you’ll miss defects in trees that cause tree parts to fail,” said Norman Oberson, a provincially certified tree risk assessor, owner of Arbutus Tree Service, and a board member of the Trees of Vancouver Society. Instead of conducting detailed inspections and pruning every seven years, park board staff are proposing doing this every 10 years for the city’s street and park trees.

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Skies are buzzing in west-central Alberta as prep for wildfire season gets underway

By Maggie Kirk
CBC News
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Air traffic in parts of west-central Alberta has been busier than normal over the last few days as the province prepares for another wildfire season. Newly recruited wildland firefighters are participating in training sessions in Hinton, Alta., about 270 kilometres west of Edmonton. The rookies will learn how to initially attack a fire, a process that includes a helicopter ride. Meanwhile in nearby Edson, Alta., about 90 kilometres to the east, seven planes have been stationed at the Edson Air Tanker Base. The planes, which arrived on Monday, are ready to be deployed in the event a wildfire breaks out in the region, said Derrick Forsythe, an information officer with Alberta Wildfire. The area has seen less snow than other parts of the province.

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Forest Enhancement Society of BC project updates from around the province

Forest Enhancement Society of BC
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC is highlighting a decade of work advancing forest resilience, fibre utilization, and climate action across the province. Framed by Earth Day reflections, the latest update underscores how thoughtful forest management—from wildfire risk reduction to rehabilitation and better use of low-value fibre—can play a meaningful role in addressing climate change. FESBC continues to support projects that reduce slash burning by turning residual fibre into bioenergy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions while creating economic opportunities for communities. The newsletter also points to the importance of collaboration, including Indigenous leadership, in delivering lasting forest stewardship outcomes. Featured stories include a fuel management project with Kenpesq’t Forestry, reflections from former forests minister Doug Donaldson, and recognition of FESBC’s impact at the BC Legislature. A safety tip from the BC Forest Safety Council rounds out the update, reinforcing the sector’s ongoing focus on worker safety.

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Mosaic launches crowdsourced reporting pilot as Ladysmith preps for major forest cleanup

The Lake Cowichan Gazette
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

On May 2 volunteers will converge on the Bush Creek hatchery in Ladysmith to haul illegally dumped waste out of the surrounding forest and watershed. Over the past three years, the community cleanup, run by the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club, has removed nearly 160 tonnes of garbage. “Illegal dumping is a serious offence, one that harms our forests and puts communities at risk,” said Ravi Parmar, minister of Forests. “But because of this initiative, we’re reducing the risks and protecting our environment. We’re adding to the 160 tonnes already removed, through on-the-ground, people-led land restoration.” Mosaic Forest Management, which manages approximately 585,000 hectares of private forest land across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, will once again supply staff volunteers, donated materials and disposal support for the effort. Volunteers can email judsonboys@shaw.ca to get involoved. More information on Mosaic’s reporting pilot will be available at MosaicForests.com this summer.

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Lack of weather radar affects work of firefighters in northern Manitoba, emergency co-ordinator says

By Mike Arsenault
CBC News
April 29, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Extreme weather events in northern Manitoba are challenging to navigate, and the lack of weather radar sites in the northern part of the province only adds to that challenge, experts say. “We experienced that a lot last summer during our forest fire,” said Mike Funk, the emergency co-ordinator for the City of Flin Flon. “We would get reports from Environment Canada, [saying] ‘We’re expecting rainfall,’ and they were great at predicting the time that it would hit [elsewhere]. But by the time it got close to your area, nothing happened.” Last spring, Flin Flon, more than 600 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, was nearly encircled by wildfires. The city of roughly 5,000 was evacuated for weeks. Funk said a weather radar station in the north would give his community a clearer picture of what type of weather they could expect.

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Invasive spotted lanternfly found in Ontario. U.S. officials say stomp it

By Bridget Stringer-Holden
CBC News
May 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

A recent spotted lanternfly discovery in St. Catharines, Ont., is renewing concern about the destructive insect reaching Canada from the United States. There are no established populations of spotted lanternfly in Canada — meaning no confirmed reproducing populations in the wild — but experts say the invasive insect still poses a serious threat to vineyards, fruit trees and hardwoods because it feeds on plant sap and can kill grapevines. Last month, Ontario resident Aidan Dagg found a dead spotted lanternfly and uploaded it to iNaturalist, a social network and mobile app where people post and identify plants and animals. Dagg, who works as an inspector at a nursery in St. Catharines, had been on the lookout for the insect for the past few years. This was the first time he had found one.

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Forest Fire Season Now in Effect on Island of Newfoundland

By Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
May 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

Forest fire season is in effect on the Island of Newfoundland beginning today, May 1, until September 30. Forest fire season will be in effect in Labrador from May 15 to September 30. During forest fire season, a permit is required to burn vegetation, wood or paper. Permits are available from provincial Forest Management District Offices. Permits are not required for campfires; however, when planning an outdoor fire, it is important to check the daily Forest Fire Hazard Map to determine the level of forest fire risk in your area. Following the unprecedented 2025 wildfire season, it is essential to remain vigilant and prepared for any challenges the 2026 forest fire season may bring. Homeowners play a big role in protecting their homes, neighbourhoods and communities from the threat of wildland fire. 

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Saint John takes steps to protect itself better against wildfires

By Nipun Tiwari
CBC News
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

Saint John’s fire department wants the city to adopt a long-term plan to reduce the risk of wildfires and strengthen the ability to fight them. A proposed plan, which includes raising public awareness and improving wildfire training for firefighters, earned the support of the city’s public safety committee at a meeting Wednesday. Recommendations came after a detailed evaluation of wildfire risks based on terrain, weather and climate influences, locations of homes and other factors. Saint John has not experienced large-scale wildfires in recent history, as other areas of New Brunswick have, but the evaluation identified a moderate overall wildfire risk in some areas of the city. Steep hillsides, and extensive forestry, park space and other green areas — particularly near dense neighbourhoods — create risky conditions for the city uncommon in other parts of the province, Deputy Chief Ed Moyer of the Saint John Fire Department told the committee.

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Expansion of the emerald ash borer regulated area in Quebec and Nova Scotia

By The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
PR Newswire
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)… has put in place measures intended to protect Canada’s economy by slowing the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB) to non-infested areas of Canada. Following detections outside of regulated areas, the CFIA has updated its regulated areas for EAB to include three areas in Quebec (one municipal territory and two Regional County Municipalities) and part of one county in Nova Scotia. Preventing and slowing the spread of invasive species, such as EAB, is critical to safeguarding forests, native plants and forestry-related industries. The regulated area now includes the Regional County Municipalities of Bonaventure, Charlevoix-Est and the City of La Tuque, in Quebec, and part of Hants County, Nova Scotia. As a result, ash material (such as logs, branches and woodchips) and all species of firewood cannot be moved outside the regulated area without permission from the CFIA. 

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McMaster expands Forest Nature Preserve and launches first-of-its-kind climate research station

By Peter Rukavina
McMaster University
April 29, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

McMaster University is expanding the McMaster Forest Nature Preserve with the addition of more than 14 acres of ecologically significant, biodiverse land in West Hamilton, strengthening opportunities for research, learning and long-term environmental stewardship. The expansion was made possible through a philanthropic gift from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation, along with land donations from local landowners Mark Tamminga, Joany Verschuuren, Bill Walker, Heather Hill and Ken Vanderlaan. Together, these contributions ensure the land will be protected in perpetuity. The announcement coincided with Earth Week at the McMaster Carbon Sink Forest, where more than 100 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered for the forest’s annual tree planting. “What makes today meaningful is not only what has been protected, but what has been made possible,” said McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe.

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As potentially significant season kicks off, the US Wildland Fire Service’s first chief shares priorities

By Murphy Woodhouse
Oregon Public Broadcasting
May 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States

Brian Fennessy

Brian Fennessy grew up in the Los Angeles area, and got into wildland fire straight out of high school in the late 1970s. He mostly worked on, and eventually led, interagency hotshot crews — among the fittest and most respected firefighters in the country. Even decades ago, he said there were questions about why federal wildfire response was split between multiple agencies. “Throwing dirt is throwing dirt, right? And hiking jeep cans up the hills — doesn’t matter what patch you’re wearing, it’s the same work,” he said. “And you know, why wouldn’t there be one agency?” Nearly five decades after he first dug fireline, Fennessy was hired as the U.S. Wildland Fire Service’s very first chief. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service was formed earlier this year by consolidating the fire programs of several Department of Interior agencies, including those of the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.

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Lumber Shorts | April 2026: Spring Readiness & Global Outlook

The Southern Forest Products Association
April 30, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States

The Southern Forest Products Association’s April update strikes a tone of resilience and forward momentum, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to “pressing on” despite ongoing market shifts, regulatory pressures, and global uncertainty. Preparations are already underway for Forest Products EXPO 2027, highlighting a more connected and automated future for sawmilling. Internationally, uncertainty around participation in the Dubai Wood Show reflects broader geopolitical challenges, while strategic planning continues through the development of the 2027 Unified Export Strategy, with a focus on both emerging and core markets. Exports remain a bright spot, with a record 22.7 billion board feet shipped globally in 2026, underscoring strong demand for Southern Yellow Pine. Domestically, January shipments showed modest gains month-over-month but remain slightly below recent years. The newsletter also highlights new membership growth, seasonal building resources, and an industry-wide cybersecurity assessment aimed at strengthening digital readiness across the sector. Receive your copy of the full Lumber Shorts monthly newsletter by subscribing today. 

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Wildfires are torching state budgets

By Kylie Mohr
The Oregon Capital Chronicle
May 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

…Wildfires burned more than 1.9 million acres in Oregon in 2024. By the time they finally died down at the end of October, the state had spent more than $350 million fighting them, greatly exceeding the $10 million it had allocated. “By July 21, I had already completely blown through my cash on hand,” said Kyle Williams, Oregon Department of Forestry’s deputy director for fire operations. Contractors weren’t promptly paid for services they’d already provided, from digging fuel breaks to supplying meals, and the state had to hold an emergency legislative session to allocate the money. That summer highlighted the flaws in how the state funds both firefighting and the preventive work that reduces the chances of large, destructive blazes in the first place. This year, as drought and a devastating snowpack stack up across the West, officials are bracing for what could be a challenging fire season. The Idaho Department of Lands has roughly $38 million set aside. 

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Rising Jet Fuel Costs Won’t Impact Cal Fire’s Aerial Firefighting Fleet

By Peyton Headlee
KCRA 3 Sacramento
May 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The rising cost of jet fuel is putting pressure on airlines and organizations that rely on planes, but Cal Fire says its aerial firefighting operations will not be affected as crews prepare for peak fire season. Cal Fire operates the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world, with aircraft stationed across California to respond to fires wherever they ignite.  Despite the high jet fuel costs, the organization says it remains committed to fighting fires without interruption and that public safety is non-negotiable. One way Cal Fire saves money is by conducting some of its training sessions in flight simulators instead of using planes and helicopters. This approach reduces fuel consumption and minimizes wear and tear on the aircraft, which lowers maintenance costs.

Related news in Yahoo! News, by Daniel Farr: Shocking cost to fuel world’s largest flying firefighting fleet as California wildfire season looms

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Colorado wildfire leaders warn of ‘very challenging fire year’ amid widespread drought

By Ryan Spencer
Vail Daily News
May 2, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

Colorado wildfire leaders are bracing for what could be an especially busy and dangerous summer for wildfires across the West. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control presented its wildfire preparedness plan to Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday, April 30, during a news conference where state and federal partners affirmed their readiness to respond and called on the public to prepare. “We are facing a very challenging fire year, where our resources will be tested across not only Colorado, but across the West,” said Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Michael Morgan during the briefing at the division’s hangar in Broomfield. Colorado — and most of the West — is heading into summer after some of the worst winter snowpack conditions on record and persisting widespread drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report shows that 100% of Colorado and roughly 70% of the West are facing some level of drought.

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Alaskans, Are You Ready? Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Week Kicks Off May 3

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
Alaska Wildland Fire Information
May 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

May is Wildfire Awareness Month! Today kicks off Nationwide Wildfire Community Preparedness Day which leads us into our very own Alaska specific Alaska Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proclaimed May 3rd–9th, as Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week in Alaska. This serves as a timely public reminder that while wildland fire is a natural part of Alaska’s landscape, it can quickly become dangerous, especially when caused by human activity. The governor stresses that Alaskans must use precaution, practice prevention, and be prepared to protect their communities that are among Alaska’s wilderness areas. 

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Forest Fires

Evacuation alert issued due to wildfire between Williams Lake and Quesnel

By Ian Holliday
CTV News
April 30, 2026
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWildfireService

A large swath of sparsely populated land in B.C.’s Cariboo region has been placed on evacuation alert due to a nearby wildfire. The Cariboo Regional District issued the alert for eight parcels covering 696.57 hectares in the Webster Creek Fire Area on Thursday, citing “potential danger to life and health.” The Webster Creek wildfire was discovered Wednesday. It’s located west of Highway 97 between Williams Lake and Quesnel, two of the region’s largest population centres. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the blaze is currently burning on roughly 66 hectares and displaying Rank 1 and Rank 2 fire behaviour, the least intense levels on the scale. There are 19 firefighting personnel responding to the wildfire, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment.

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