Canfor reported strong 2018 earnings despite fourth quarter challenges due to rising costs and falling prices. In related news: Canfor and the United Steelworkers have a tentative agreement for Canfor three independent mills; while Canfor, Interfor, West Fraser and DLA Piper are among those chosen as BC’s top employers for 2019. 

Elsewhere: three eastern premiers talk softwood and tariffs with US lawmakers; more on Northern Pulp and the Fort Frances mill; and NAWLA’s prestigious Mulrooney Award is bestowed posthumously to Jack McKinnon of Forest City Trading Group.

Finally, poplar trees may be cancer predictors and soil sediments in Turkey point to violent forest fires between the ice ages. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor