Mercer Mass Timber to receive $7M to modernize and grow its BC glulam production by 25%. In other Business news: Unifor speaks out on the closure of RYAM’s Témiscaming, Quebec plant; the Maine Pellet Fuels Association received $100K for market development; and US housing starts, building permits and completions all rose in June. Meanwhile, the Canadian Wood Council is encouraged by Canada’s Green Building Strategy; the National Wood Flooring Summit kicked off in Washington DC; and the latest on Australia’s Timber Construct 2024.

In Wildfire news: 14 states urge feds to declare wildfire smoke and extreme heat as major disasters; Portland State researchers work to strengthen Oregon’s defences; US Forest Service helicopter pilot hikes to safety after crash in Idaho; wildfire smoke from Canada sweeps into NY City; 47 new wildfires reported in Alberta; BC is at the mercy of weather with thunderstorms in the forecast; wildfire danger raised to extreme on Vancouver Island; and rain is welcomed in Labrador City’s wildfire battle. 

Finally, a new study says the world’s forests continue to capture carbon despite climate challenges.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor