Canfor’s recently announced mill closures prompted much commentary: Vaughn Palmer says NDP seems out of touch with forestry woes; Jim Girvan says the government can’t say it wasn’t warned; Linda Coady says BC needs to move faster to stabilize timber supply; David Elstone says BC needs to shed its ‘high-cost timber’ reputation; and James Steidle says deregulation is the problem. In response: BC’s Forest Minister expresses disappointment, Steelworkers branch president is furious; and Prince George’s mayor wants diversification. Meanwhile: Canada takes steps to delay possible railway strike; and Teal-Jones reopens its Virginia, Oklahoma and Mississippi mills.

In Wildfire news: thousands ordered to evacuate near Fort Nelson, BC and Flin Flon, Manitoba; while Fort McMurray, Alberta is on alert; and harmful smoke is heading to the US. In other news: Canada releases boreal caribou recovery report; Oregon’s governor abandon’s nominations to forestry board; and Quebec forest fire workers vote for strike mandate.

Finally, El Nino is nearly gone and La Nina is on the way. Here’s what to expect.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor