The Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force begins work to restructure and retool Canada’s forest sector. In related news: BC launches Forestry is a Solution at Prince George forum; Nova Scotia pushes back on softwood duty accusation by 3 provinces; North Cowichan mayor seeks Fed support for laid-off Crofton mill workers; Canfor’s mill closure blows hole in Houston, BC budget; and Georgia may end sales taxes to help timber companies. Meanwhile: global markets drop as Trump reignites trade war over Greenland; Canada’s inflation rate ticks up to 2.4%; and US builder sentiment fell 2 points to 37.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada forecasts 2026 to be among the hottest on record; BC postpones implementation of Heritage Conservation Act due to development concerns; the USDA prepares for expanded mandate with 20K fewer employees; New Mexico reports alarming tree-death rise in 2025; Wisconsin tribes oppose the Roadless Rule change; and EU deforestation regulation brings relief to the timber sector.

Finally, Canadian softwood duties on deposit with the US reach a staggering CAD $13.7 billion.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor