Citing pulp markets and fibre shortages, Canfor will permanently close its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, BC. In related news: Minister Ravi Parmar and COFI’s Kim Haakstad renew calls for action; Mercer Torgau’s wood products restructuring will impact 350 workers; and Kruger invests $700M to revitalize its Corner Brook mill. Meanwhile: the Bank of Canada held rates steady; Canada’s housing market forecast weakened; and US mortgage rates edged higher, despite easing inflation.

In Wildfire & Safety news: two people were killed in a helicopter crash on BC’s coast; Nova Scotia completes its wildfire helicopter fleet renewal; northern BC faces lightning threat; Ontario ordered multiple evacuations amid extreme heat; Toronto recorded some of the world’s worst air quality; 17 fires forced evacuations in Minnesota; and the US released its investigation into the fatal hydrogen sulphide release at Maine’s Woodland Pulp mill. Meanwhile: the BC Forest Safety Council reports growing use of mental health program; Oregon’s BLM launches a forestry hiring push; and naturally:wood highlights the science behind old-growth forests.

Finally, from the “you learn something every day” department: wood really is on the menu.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor