Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Prime Minister Carney welcomes EU ties, and FPAC’s Derek Nighbor urges both to address existing trade barriers. In related news: President Trump pans the EU proposal, while the US Council on Foreign Relations says economic integration is dead. In other Business news: Ron Anderson & Sons breaks ground on Chemainus expansion; JD Irving to expand its Maine sawmill; Port Townsend Paper is fined; and Canfor’s pulp mill closure impacts Excel Transportation. Meanwhile: West Fraser declared a dividend; and US interest rates rose, housing starts dropped, and builder sentiment fell.

In Forestry news: The Tyee questions BC’s proposed land zoning pilot; the Watershed Sentinel challenges Murray Wilson’s BC is Burning film; the Adams Lake Indian Band opposes logging near Armstrong; US firefighters sound alarm on wildfire preparedness; and a taxpayer group questions the costs of repealing the Roadless Rule. Meanwhile: Western Forest Products helps launch forestry careers; the latest news from UBC Forestry; and CELCO Conference 2026 highlights global supply chain speaker.

Finally, Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones keyboardist, brings Tree Man documentary to the stage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada has been invited to become the European Union’s first “associate member,” as both face deteriorating relationships with the US. In related news: small businesses on both sides of the border face rising costs; a US lumber wholesaler speaks out; and US Customs affirms a lumber duty-evasion ruling. In other Business news: NB Power moves on plan to convert to biomass; BPWood names Ben Meachen CEO; a judge pauses US Forest Service employee relocations; Stora Enso closes its Veitsiluoto sawmill; and Canada’s housing starts and US single-family permits declined.

In Wood Product news: the CWC released its 2025 Wood Design Manual; Western Forest Products showcases thermally modified Hem-Fir; and AkzoNobel makes the case for wood buildings. In other news: the US Endowment announced awards to accelerate wood fiber markets; FPInnovations tests fibre procurement strategies; Mosaic seeks public recreation feedback; the Canadian Institute of Forestry promotes National Forest Week; ForestNet interviews Lenny Joe; and the latest news from FSC Canada.

Finally, David Elstone says BC forest industry transformation without a plan is just contraction.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Citing supply chain challenges, US lumber dealers call for tariff relief and trade stability. In related news: Prime Minister Carney heads to Europe seeking deeper ties; while BC forest leaders say domestic costs are behind the sector’s crisis. Meanwhile: the City of Nanaimo takes raw-log export ban to the UBCM; Castlegar Mayor Maria McFaddin is the new head of Forestry Works for BC; and Canada’s inflation rate held steady at 3%.

In Wood Product news: SFI on the role of wood sourcing in lower-carbon buildings; researchers say building materials can reduce embodied carbon; Thompson Rivers University looks at fire-resilient housing; the University of Toronto opened its mass timber, zero-carbon building; and Clemson dedicated its new SYP mass timber forestry building.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: researchers say roadless US forests burn at the same rate as forests with roads; wildfire experts say competing strategies are hampering US risk reduction; scientists can detect bark-beetle forest stress before mortality is visible; the Roadless Rule repeal faces opposition in Illinois; and Ontario pledges better wildfire communication after criticism. Meanwhile: the BC Community Forestry Association released its 2026 Indicators Report, while BC announced their plan to expand the program.

Finally: BC’s Working Forest Landscape Model’s first candidate area is near Campbell River.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada’s forest sector needs regulatory reform as it navigates the US trade war, says FPAC’s Derek Nighbor; as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks a ‘unique alliance’ with the EU. In related news: US politicians weigh in on the trade war’s impact; while US lumber producers point to the gains. In other Business news: the clock is ticking on Domtar’s Howe Sound pulp mill; David Haley says BC Hydro can help; Unifor has a new forestry pattern agreement for Eastern Canada; Vermont opened an outlet for wood displaced by the Finch Paper closure; US consumer sentiment declined again; and diesel prices reach a record high.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC opens applications for 2027 FireSmart funding; FPBC’s Christine Gelowitz says wildfire mitigation works, while Angela Kane speaks to the fire-intensity challenge; Oregon approves $123M for wildfire costs; Montana’s Ryan Zinke proposes a landscape-scale plan; Wisconsin’s industry says the Roadless Rule repeal won’t boost logging; and Japan’s biomass boom is blamed for deforestation in Indonesia.

Finally, BC Wood’s Kelly Marciniw touts the value of market diversification at the Global Buyers Mission.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Prime Minister Carney calls Trump’s latest trade measures relatively modest and signals restraint. In related news: Conservative leader Poilievre tells US that Canadians are confused; Michigan voters brace for higher prices; an EU envoy signals new partnership with Canada; and a former trade negotiator says Canada needs more than trade agreements. In Business news: Brink Forest Products announced more layoffs; Twain Lumber will reopen Teal Jones’ former Virginia mill; global softwood log supply is forecast to lag demand; US lumber producer prices fell in August; US inflation held steady; and American loggers sound the alarm over diesel costs.

In Forestry news: the US extends the comment period on rescinding the Roadless Rule; two Minnesota forest research facilities are spared, while California’s Fresco lab is closed; Washington State challenges changes to Endangered Species Act protections; an Oregon think tank links declining mill capacity to wildfire risk; and logging is said to jeopardize Nova Scotia’s reconciliation options. Meanwhile: the latest news from Day 1 of the Global Buyers Mission; as well as the US Endowment; BC Institute of Technology, and Woodlots BC.

Finally, Canada is now more than 20 years behind reaching its 2030 emissions target.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

BC forestry leaders say the sector is at a breaking point, calling on Premier Eby to establish a crisis action group. In related news: Prince George backs call for a public inquiry; BC provides $2M to help a Chemainus wood-products firm; and Metsä Fibre moves on layoffs at its Finnish pulp mill. On the Canada-US trade war front: Mark Carney convenes his cabinet; BC Premier Eby and Quebec’s Fréchette back Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs; and Washington’s lumber industry braces for the fallout. In related news: tariffs put pulp and tissue supply chains under pressure; a Mississippi politician defends lumber duties; a former UK parliamentarian says Canada has leverage; and border communities work to preserve cross-border ties.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: AF&PA and FPAC sought changes to the EU’s deforestation rules; the US Hardwoods says they are ready for the EUDR; Canadian Forest Owners says private forests can help with fibre challenges; and the US Congress unites on a major wildfire bill. Meanwhile, AI-powered sensors are being deployed to detect BC wildfires; Thunder Bay receives federal support for planting; and given forest loss—can the world meet the rising demand for wood.

Finally, BC Wood’s GBM kicks-off today; FEA’s Forest Products Forum nears, and CEO Nick Arkle reflects on 50 years at Gorman.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trump retaliated against Canada with import bans and more tariffs and restrictions on US procurement. In related news: Canada rolls out tariff support for Saskatchewan businesses; Maine Senator Collins says the US has underestimated the trade war’s impact; and the National Observer says the trade war sidelines climate action. In other Business news: BC forest sector groups tells Premier Eby that industry is at a breaking point; the future of New Brunswick’s Nackawic pulp mill is uncertain; and Colorado’s Montrose Forest Products may close. Meanwhile: BlueLinx and Trex announce a distribution agreement; and a fire destroys a wood-frame apartment project in Indiana.

In Forestry/Climate news: US forest groups urge the feds to press the EU on its deforestation regulation; European forest industries highlight bioeconomy challenges and opportunities; and an Australian conservationist backs use of carbon credits to end logging. Meanwhile: the Osoyoos Indian Band and Gorman Group formalize a forestry partnership; post-wildfire assessments identify flood risks in BC’s Okanagan; a Vancouver Island helicopter company touts its Sikorsky fleet for wildfire response; and BC Community Forests mark a decade of FESBC investment.

Finally, Perkins&Will offers a mass timber solution to Canada’s housing crisis.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $27.6 billion of US goods took effect today, as Prime Minister Carney warns of tough times ahead. In related news: President Trump threatens Bombardier and the Canadian dollar; Canadian small businesses weigh the cost of shipping south; Kim Haakstad speaks to how Canada can help; while looks to Forest Economic Advisors to find new markets. In other Business news: BC appoints negotiators to keep the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill open; Brink Forest Products cuts 50 lumber jobs in Prince George; and the Coosa Pines pulp mill closure could cost Alabama $7B.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: a Canadian study says fast moving wildfires are more harmful; BC’s wildfire salvage rate sparks debate; BC reduces TFL 30’s harvest rate 17.6%; a Washington judge halts expanded forest buffers; Washington moves to boost salvage logging; and Australia is already on alert as El Nino impacts Europe. Meanwhile: mass timber gains momentum in Washington; Europe looks to timber for affordable housing; and EU researchers develop a flame-retardant lignin resin.

Finally, the deadliest forest fires in American history, and wildfire updates from Oregon; California; Greece; France; and Borneo.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Forest Service has completed its national facilities review, identifying 23 research facilities for closure. In other Forestry news: hundreds of trees were spiked in BC’s Walbran Valley; BC Hydro’s proposed transmission line would cross a protected old-growth area; a satellite study could provide earlier warning of bark beetle attacks; and conservation groups sued to halt a Washington State forest restoration project. Meanwhile: can biomass help Nova Scotia’s forestry sector; and Canada should prepare for a hotter future.

In Business news: Mission, BC businesses say the trade war is taking a heavy toll; Idaho and Maine says lumber tariffs will hurt their states; and Deloitte says a US withdrawal from CUSMA would be severe but not catastrophic. Meanwhile: Canada is non-committal on Crofton navy base proposal; Ontario advances plan to restart the Espanola mill; Canfor and the Shuswap Band signed a new relationship agreement; Great Southern Wood plans a $40M treating plant in North Carolina; Australia announced $150M to boost forestry manufacturing; and a Finnish company launches world’s most carbon-storing building material.

Finally, the United Steelworkers call for stronger labour rights, as Canada and the United States prepare to celebrate Labour Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Ontario is investing $5M in support of a potential restart of the Espanola pulp mill, and $17M in four forest biomass projects. In related news: an Ontario packaging company touts its tariff-free supply chain; and Maine’s governor says her state is not the enemy. In other Business news: Western Forest Products is building an artificial marsh to filter mill runoff; Maine’s Woodland Pulp contests safety fines for toxic gas release; the first lawsuit is filed in Nippon’s Longview tank explosion; and France rejects Fibre Excellence nationalization proposal. Meanwhile: inflation risks rise in Canada; US residential spending weakens; and global lender caution is growing.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests $68M in urban forestry; climate change and pests are reshaping North American forests; a Georgia study says rural views of forest bioenergy are shaped by politics; Oregon protestors push back on Roadless Rule repeal; and UBC researchers link clear-cut logging to increased flood risk in Oregon. Meanwhile: New Zealand members vote for unified FSC governance with Australia; and Australia’s Forestry Standard CEO steps down after 11 years.

Finally, the Canadian government is arguing in court that its climate law is unenforceable.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Citing soft demand, LP Building Solutions will indefinitely curtail OSB production at its Jasper, Texas mill. In related news: Australia clears Kimberley-Clarke’s acquisition; Canadian housing shows signs of recovery, and US construction spending fell in July. In US-Canada Trade War news: Nanaimo forest companies brace for new tariffs; former US Trade Rep. Robert Zoellick says Trump’s threats are self-defeating; Bloomberg’s editorial board says the war serves “no intelligible purpose”; Arizona senator Ruben Gallego calls for a return to CUSMA; and Canada’s counter tariffs pressure Trump-supporting states. 

In Forestry news: BC’s wildlife need an endangered species law; debate continues over BC’s wolf culls and caribou habitat; forestry contractors urge BC to expand thinning; a US Forest Service document warns of Roadless Rule impacts; a lawsuit challenges logging in Alaska’s Tongass, and a former supervisor criticizes the USFS reorganization. Meanwhile: International Pulp Week announces its 2027 conference; PLIB launches an online grader training course; the CWC is looking for a sustainable wood specialist; and why Canada’s private working forests are an essential long-term partner in securing Canada’s future fibre supply.

Finally, Canada’s iconic water bombers are in high demand, but production can’t keep up.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Matthew Reddy is SFI’s new CEO, succeeding Kathy Abusow. In other Business news: a BC lawmaker wants Domtar’s Crofton mill to be considered as a naval base; Témiscaming’s mayor sees a future with RYAM; Northern Pulp has approval to demolish its New Brunswick mill; and Unifor is calling for a strategy to strengthen Canada’s forest sector. Meanwhile: Trump’s trade war with Canada is called absurd and unfunny, and unhelpful vis-à-vis China; Russ Taylor sees bad news for homebuilders; and Canada is set to hold interest rates steady.

In Wood Products news: Canada Wood reports advances in Asian wood markets; wooden wind-turbine blades offer an alternative to EU fibreglass; Michigan opened the world’s tallest mass timber research building; Denver features a 12-storey mass timber student residence; and Clemson opened its new mass timber forestry building. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: New Brunswick unveiled a new wildfire management plan; prescribed burns cut sequoia mortality by half; Texas launched an insurance program to encourage prescribed burning; the US Forest Chief may have a conflict of interest; the US Interior Secretary says a fire contributed to the Grand Canyon flooding; and Algeria seeks the  death penalty for wildfire arsonists.

Finally: archaeology reveals the role of women in Oregon’s early timber industry. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Tariffs are raising costs and disrupting markets on both sides of the Canada-US border. In related news: a call for formal Buy Canadian procurement policy; Northeast loggers are adjusting to Finch Paper’s decision to stop producing pulp; and Japan’s housing starts rose for a fourth consecutive month. Meanwhile: BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission is less than two weeks away; the Independent Lumber Manufacturers’ Association asks “Where’s The Fibre?” ahead of its Osoyoos convention; Northern Innovation Network is offering support to BC workers affected by forestry’s downturn; and the CelCo Conference’s early-bird deadline is today.

In Forestry news: an injunction aimed at preventing logging protests in BC’s Walbran Valley has been extended; BC’s forestry critic is calling for increased salvage of wildfire-damaged timber; scientists are breeding disease-resistant American elms; and funding uncertainty is threatening research in Pacific Northwest experimental forests. Meanwhile: UBC is helping forest-dependent communities explore bioenergy opportunities; new research suggests satellite observations may underestimate forest carbon accumulation; Washington’s Little Giant Fire needs more resources; crews make progress on Montana’s largest fire, and the wildfire in California’s Big Sur region has forced evacuations.

Finally, US tariffs could make toilet paper more expensive — and less soft.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Tariff fallout is mounting for Canada’s forest sector as US duties compound an already difficult market conditions. In related news: tariffs have made a bad situation worse in BC; Harmac Pacific says it is not directly affected; Canada replaced seafood counter-tariffs with levies on wood charcoal and other goods; Minister LeBlanc welcomed a shift in the US position on language and culture; and a US lawmaker says Canada undercuts US forest companies. In other Business news: Northern Ontario municipalities raised concerns about RYAM’s temporary shutdown; demolition of Northern Pulp mill could start soon; and a $750M export logistics hub opened in Prince Rupert.

In Wood Product news: Canada’s mass timber sector faces indirect impacts despite escaping the latest tariffs; US housing costs are set to rise again; and the American Wood Council and the National Association of Home Builders 2027 Building Code wins and losses.

In Forestry news: the Steelworkers endorse BC’s proposed Working Forest Landscape Model; a BC forestry company asks court to extend injunction against Walbran protestors; Washington State forest owners appeal non-fish-bearing streams buffer rule; and Trump rollback of US forest protections could accelerate extinctions. Meanwhile: BC ended its provincial state of emergency; California’s Timber Fire surged again; and Mt. Hood National Forest expands its closure order.

Finally, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers about wildfire smoke & evacuation planning.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The Canada-US tariff war is taking a growing toll on forest products businesses on both sides of the border. Rayonier Advanced Materials is closing its Témiscaming mill; Ottawa announced support for Mercer Peace River Pulp in Alberta; BC’s Richmond Plywood is calling for more support; New Brunswick customers are avoiding US-wood; a Philadelphia company is paying more for plywood, Wisconsin and Nevada are bracing for pain; and Buffalo builders are experiencing higher costs. In related news: COFI’s Kim Haakstad backs Canada’s decision; US Trade Rep. Greer counters on why the talks collapsed; and David Elstone says the counter-tariffs bring US forest products into the crossfire.

In other news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says mounting pressures can’t come at the expense of worker safety; Maine’s ND Paper mill races to survive; creditors seek damages over Enviva’s bankruptcy; and researchers say drought and storms damaged California’s redwoods. Meanwhile, the US Endowment launched forestry student mini-grants; new guidance on managing moisture risk in mass timber buildings; registration opened for the 2027 International Mass Timber Conference; and the Tyee goes into the air with pilots battling a BC wildfire.

Finally: a look back at the Navy crews who battled BC’s devastating 1938 Sayward fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US and Canada could pull back from an all-out trade war, although there is little sign yet that either side will. In related news: Trump suggests US added 11^th hour conditions; Carney stresses Team Canada approach; Gov. Newsome says Trump will change course; BC First Nations businesses brace for trade war; FPAC welcomes Ottawa’s support; Honda may not build a new plant in North America; concerns rise about higher tissue and paper prices; lumber tariffs add to homebuilding costs; and layoffs have begun in Nova Scotia’s white pine sector. Meanwhile: reports of curtailments at Tolko’s Heffley Creek mill are inaccurate; Port Alberni leaders say Domtar’s paper mill is safe; and Brazil’s pulp and paper producers seek import protection.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: an Edmonton Journal story on the trade war’s impact on Canada’s environment; calls for cutting red tape for prescribed burning in BC; and legal challenges expected on US Roadless Rule repeal, as opposition grows in Alaska. Meanwhile, a record breaking Oregon timber sale; BC’s Johnson Creek fire continues to threaten properties; Oregon firefighters are making progress despite new fires; and a Texas wildfire mushrooms in hours.

Finally, Idaho’s state-specific Roadless Rule is being touted as a model for other states.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Tariff fallout is hitting Canada’s forest sector with FPAC’s Derek Nighbor calling for immediate action, and BC forest leaders fearing they will be hard hit. In Canadian news: Prime Minister Carney announced counter tariffs, says he’s open to negotiations but not as a US subsidiary; Port Alberni fears for jobs at its Domtar paper mill; and BC producers weigh production cuts and opportunities. In US news: Trump’s tariffs rattle border state economies; economist Paul Krugman says Trump has already lost; US retailers report higher lumber prices; and US builders warn of slowing construction. In other Business news: more on the fatal Longview paper mill incident; and a takeover bid offers a lifeline for Fibre Excellence’s Saint-Gaudens pulp mill.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the USDA announced new wildfire leadership assignments for its reorganization; an Oregon State study says northern spotted owls are approaching functional extinction; two Canadian commentaries offer differing perspectives on wildfire management; BC wildfires surged following 11,000 lightning strikes; firefighters make progress on Nevada’s Hawk Fire; and California’s Timber Fire has grown beyond 12,000 acres.

Finally, and sadly, a Golden, BC man died in a workplace incident involving a logging truck.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada and the US are digging in after trade talks broke down and a new round of tariffs took effect. President Trump threatened still higher tariffs on Canada; Prime Minister Carney said Canada walked away because the US asked too much; and US Trade Representative Greer blamed Canada. Meanwhile: the WSJ says the dumbest trade war ever just got dumber; the United Steelworkers say Canada should hold the line; Canadian and American businesses are assessing the fallout, and FPAC’s Derek Nighbor opines on what Canada’s forest sector needs to survive. In other Business news: Ken Kalesnikoff says Canadian forestry is in free fall; CPKC electrical workers’ strike has ended; and more on Domtar’s work stoppage on BC’s Sunshine Coast.

In Forestry news: Mosaic installed wildfire-detection cameras on Vancouver Island; Nova Scotia is proposing a new wilderness area; Oregon receives $15M from the US Forest Service; a Montana fuels-reduction project is moving ahead, the Roadless Rule rollback continues to draw opposition, and a Washington judge upheld larger riparian buffers on timberlands. In Wildfire news: crews continue battling major fires in BC, near Boston Bar, Lillooet, and Summerland; and a wildfire near Reno, Nevada forced thousands to evacuate. 

Finally, European wildfires are uncovering—and detonating—bombs left from WW I and II.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Domtar’s indefinite curtailment of its Howe Sound pulp mill raises fresh concerns about BC forestry. BC’s Forest Minister called it an “immensely difficult day,” while the Truck Loggers Association, Council of Forest Industries and Unifor called for action to improve fibre access and competitiveness. In other Business news: Canada and the US are close to a trade deal, although the treatment of  wood products remains uncertain; BC Premier Eby’s position is being watched for its implication for lumber; BC First Nations are exploring a new sawmill; Ontario invests $1M in support of biomass markets; and Canada launched subsidy investigations into Chinese paperboard products.

In Forestry news: the US homebuilding industry backs Trump’s Roadless Rule repeal, while concerns mount in California and Michigan; Domtar partners to protect biodiversity in Mississippi; and Australia launches a new forest-sector research archive. In Wildfire news: BC’s wildfire-fighting costs have more than doubled; Quebec researchers are testing balloon-based technology to identify forests at risk; and Canadian and US crews battle a cross-border wildfire near Hope.

Finally: UBC launches a wood-foam plastic alternative, and US WoodWorks’ webinar on mass timber’s acoustic performance.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada-US tariff talks continue, with the level of relief for forest products and other key sectors still unresolved. Prime Minister Carney briefed premiers on the negotiations, while Trade Minister LeBlanc says there’s more work to do. In related news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor and COFI’s Kim Haakstad welcome the interim tariff pause; BC’s forest sector says the implications of a potential deal remain unclear; and New Brunswick Premier Holt says US liquor won’t return without relief for softwood lumber. Meanwhile: Unifor is calling for federal support for workers affected by Canfor’s pulp mill closure; and the US issued its injury determinations on Asian hardwood and decorative plywood imports.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada is tracking toward its fourth-worst wildfire season on record; the BC Wildfire Service clarified its role in responding to structure fires; and California adopted the toughest wildfire landscaping rules in the US. Meanwhile, Oregon’s wildfire costs continue to climb, and hot, dry and windy conditions are challenging crews battling fires in BC’s Fraser Canyon and near Summerland. In other news: an Indigenous mass timber museum is planned for Alberta; Vancouver’s Hive combines timber design with seismic performance; and BC Wood highlights WoodTALKS @ the Global Buyers Mission.

Finally, Canada released its first biological control agent targeting invasive common tansy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trump delays 50% tariffs for three days, saying we have a deal, subject to the finalization of documents. Meanwhile, Carney says progress has been made but important work remains. In other Business news: Canada’s corrugated and containerboard industry presses for tariff relief; Tolko curtails veneer production in Kamloops; Ontario invests $2.1M to support forest biomass ventures; Oregon receives $15M for wood innovation projects; work begins toward restarting the Nippon Dynawave mill; and Michigan State University accelerates its mass timber collaborative.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the US administration moves to rescind the Roadless Rule protecting millions of acres of national forest—while ENGOs say it’s an assault on forest protections. In related news: US researchers say climate change is reshaping western forests; Haida Gwaii records its first marbled murrelet nest in decades; Edmonton combats its Dutch elm disease problem; and a BC startup is mapping backroads to highlight wildfire evacuation routes. Meanwhile: news updates from BC Wood Specialities; and the Alberta Forest Products Association; and wildfire updates from Summerland and Kamloops, BC; Ontario; and Colombia (the country).

Finally, BC First Nation Forestry Council’s Lennard Joe on the future of forestry in BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

North American housing starts fell in July with US starts down 12.4%—including a 9.9% decline in single-family; while US builder confidence remained low; and Canadian starts fell 5%. In other Business news: Canada and the US continue tariff negotiations; while a BC plywood producer, and a Michigan furniture maker say US tariffs threaten their businesses. Meanwhile: Jock Finlayson says tariffs aren’t BC’s biggest problem; Prince George wants a bridging to retirement program for Canfor workers; Northwest Ontario mayors lobby for forest competitiveness; and Louisiana’s timber industry is looking for a new path.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada and Quebec invest $22M in wildfire resilience; the David Suzuki Foundation says forest management in Canada makes wildfires worse; Parks Canada released captive-bred caribou into Jasper’s wild herd; researchers say deer overabundance has changed BC’s Gulf Islands; Australia delays a key vote on its native forest carbon credits; concerns grow over biomass power in Japan; and researchers find small species remain missing from restored forests for decades. Meanwhile: major wildfire updates from Summerland and Revelstoke, BC, California, and Utah.

Finally, Vaagen Bros. Lumber tells the story of its Small Log Revolution.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Lumber tariffs have emerged as a sticking point as Canada-US trade talks enter their final stretch. Canada is preparing a trade proposal, while the US industry is resisting any reduction in Section 232 lumber tariffs. In other Business news: Finland’s Kemi pulp mill curtailment is upending wood demand; and US consumer sentiment fell 8% in August.

In Forestry news: BC may divide its forest land base into three zones; protesters want to halt old-growth logging on Vancouver Island; and residents oppose the deactivation of a forest road near Glacier National Park. In the US: states are struggling to pass fire protection rules; the debate over killing barred owls continues; and forest advocates argue that logging and conservation depend on each other.

In Wildfire news: Canada’s wildfire crisis will worsen as the climate warms; extreme fire weather is BC’s new reality; wildfire pressure is increasing demand for Canadair water bombers; Southern BC continues to contend with wildfire smoke; and calls are growing for mandatory FireSmart measures. Meanwhile: Okanagan farmers face mounting wildfire losses; drought and fire are challenging Colorado wildlife; and a new round of extreme heat is fuelling wildfires across Europe.

Finally, Bellevue, Washington is set to get the tallest mass timber office building in the US.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada-US trade talks are moving to the political level, with Prime Minister Carney and President Trump to be given options. In related news: Quesnel braces as Quesnel River Pulp idles 90 workers; Prince George prepares for Canfor’s Northwood closure; Alberta invests in Alberta Newsprint’s Whitecourt expansion; Tolko presses its first structural LVL beam; UFP Industries adds packaging capacity in South Carolina; and a new Mississippi sawmill locates in Albany. Meanwhile the US Endowment launches a new Forest Catalyst Network, seeking to expand markets; and Suzano and Conifex Timber reports their Q2 results.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: wildfires push Canadian forests towards being a carbon source; Wyoming forests took 100,000 years to recover from the last warming; the US Forest Service consolidates its wildfire management authorities; severe fire seasons are testing international cooperation; France prepares to salvage its fire-damaged timber; and the invasive shot-hole beetle is ravaging hardwood forests worldwide. Meanwhile: Penticton’s Indian Band Chief calls for action on wildfire risk; wildfires impact timber supply in 100 Mile House; 7 BC Woodlots have fires burning; and BC seeks input on the Williams Lake timber supply review.

Finally, with data centres driving demand, mass timber may have found its moment.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Wildfire and drought are increasingly the new normal for North American forests. In related news: BC’s Forest Minister is under the gun over wildfire crisis; Premier David Eby met with evacuees in Penticton; Oregon’s Grasshopper fire burned six homes; and California’s Timber Fire threatens hundreds of structures near Big Sur. In Forestry news: New Brunswick’s record drought is blamed for balsam fir die-off; BC pushes back on claims of Crown land transfers to First Nations; and Montana Governor highlights link between forestry and forest health.

In Business news: Western Forest Products reported Q2 net income of $10.5M; the US EPA begins clean-up at Cosmo Specialty Fibers; Canada and the US remain apart on tariff deal; BC Wood received $5.2M through Ottawa’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative; and lawmakers worry about the future of the US hardwood industry. Meanwhile, a UBC-developed biodegradable wood foam enters production; and more on the EU’s new waste packing rules.

Finally, US Census puts wood in 96 of every 100 owner-built American homes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The Canada-US trade talks are facing new pressures as the August 19 tariff deadline approaches. In related news: Canada’s negotiator warned that new tariffs could halt negotiations; Quebec’s premier links the return of US wine to concessions on forestry; David Elstone says the new tariffs are another critical blow; the US Lumber Coalition says Trump is helping curb Canadian lumber; and Brian Menzies argues the US Coalition’s position amounts to protectionism. Meanwhile: Stora Enso plans to close its Veitsiluoto sawmill in Finland; and the outlook for NBSK pulp is cautiously positive.

In Forestry news: Canada’s wildfire season takes a heavy toll on First Nations communities; concerns are raised about coordination of evacuation orders; thunderstorms could increase activity near BC’s existing wildfires; the Steelworkers Humanity Fund donated $30,000 for BC’s wildfire relief; and Northwestern Ontario has 110 active fires. Meanwhile: the Democrats propose 25 bills on wildfire risk and recovery; Oregon explores a proactive approach to fire; why Wall Street supports bioenergy; and more on Maine lumber mill fire investigation. 

Finally, Canada’s wood success stories; Europe’s new packaging regulation; and Hawaiʻi’s newest building material.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Calls are growing for a national wildfire strategy as Canada confronts another severe fire season. In related news: BC restricts off-road vehicle use in several fire centres; experts explain why BC’s Bald Ridge wildfire intensified so quickly; the Okanagan fires offer a glimpse of a worsening crisis; BC’s Ainslie Creek fire continues to push toward Highway 5 Washington State is urged to prepare for megafires; and Europe is told to put more emphasis on wildfire prevention. In Forestry news: ENGOs challenge BC’s Kootenay Lake forest landscape plans; The Tyee questions logging in spotted owl habitat; and BC’s Forest Practices Board will audit biodiversity practices on Vancouver Island.

In Business news: Canada invests $31M to help BC respond to trade disruptions; Trump’s new customs rules threaten Canadian exporters; looming US tariffs raise concerns for Ontario forestry; Canfor says it has sufficient fibre for its remaining Alberta mills; New Brunswick’s AV Nackawic halts wood deliveries; and FPAC calls for a forestry-specific rail strategy. Meanwhile: GreenFirst reports on Q2 results and CEO transition; BC’s loggers release the 2026 Timber Harvest Cost Model; and NeLMA names Matt Pomeroy to replace Jeff Easterling, who is retiring after 25 years.

Finally, the urgent case for bringing back North America’s three-to-five-storey city.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

BC declares state of emergency as wildfires force thousands to flee, and Canada provides assistance. In related news: wildfires are also burning across the western US, where two helicopter pilots and a bulldozer operator were killed; and BC’s Bald Range fire has claimed one life and destroyed homes, while crews battle fires across the province. In Forestry news: protesters target BC’s forest minister over old-growth; researchers examine the link between spruce budworm damage and wildfire in Ontario; Oregon’s detection cameras are helping spot fires earlier; and new research says Europe’s forests are losing more biomass to drought and pests.

In Business news: Interfor confirms plan to move corporate support functions to Georgia; North Cowichan seeks BC support to redevelop the Crofton pulp mill site; firefighters may have unknowingly contributed to the Searsmont, Maine mill explosion; Mercer reports a $76M Q2 loss; Taiga posts $16M in net income; and the US labour market weakened in July. Meanwhile: Meta names Mercer in mass timber pilot, and South Dakota embraces mass timber use; and FPAC welcomes Ottawa’s recognition that forest products need a distinct path forward to improve competitiveness.

Finally, Robert McKellar on recognizing transformational change before it reshapes the forest sector.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada and the US are discussing an interim trade deal, with forest products among the sectors under discussion. In related news: Trump readies wildfire retaliation on Canada for smoke; and Kim Haakstad’s top 3 actions for BC’s struggling industry. In other Business news: Interfor swings back to profits in Q2; Metsä reports an operating loss; German sawmillers face headwinds; US share of Canada’s lumber exports slipped; and lumber futures extend their losing streak. Meanwhile: Gorman’s CEO Ashlee Cribb will present at FEA’s Forest Products Forum; and WoodTALKS at the GBM announced its keynotes.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada’s public service union says job cuts reduce forestry expertise; an investigation into Alberta fish habitat damage was halted due to resource constraints; BC entities debate gate access to the Walbran Valley; Mississauga First Nation received funding to advance wildfire stewardship; the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry in Hilo may be closing; Alaska smokejumpers made their first aerial jump in 67 years; and Washington State says the Spokane fire arsonist had planned the act for weeks. Meanwhile: CWC’s WOOD Design and Building magazine is out; and the latest news on SFI’s Project Learning Tree.

Finally, a University Maine researcher is turning wood fibre into a bio-based cooler insulation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Climate change is making Canada’s forests far more prone to extreme wildfire, according to new research, as experts ask if we’re we’re doing enough, and warn of smoky summers. In related news: climate experts push back on Trump’s criticism of Canada’s response; Chief Terry Teegee makes the case for active forest management; and wildfire updates from Vancouver, Vernon, Boston Bar; and Spokane. Meanwhile: Australia’s Rob de Fégely says ending native forest harvesting is madness. 

In Business news: Canada’s surtax on wood imports is called a good first step; Carney says Canada will maintain its constructive approach to US trade talks; and columnist Robert Ordway says the rise in US lumber prices in the absence of a housing recovery, should put the softwood dispute front and centre. Meanwhile: Mercer Peace River announced a fall maintenance shutdown; Valemount’s sawmill only has weeks of log supply left; Stella-Jones, Acadian Timber; Cascades and Rayonier report Q2 results; Hampton Lumber names Chris Walton as CEO; and the US Forest Service invests US$105M in wood innovation.

Finally, BC wildfire officials introduce the “treepedo“—dead trees that rocket down steep slopes. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

In a Forbes commentary, Monica Sanders argues that wildfire diplomacy should extend beyond sharing firefighters and aircraft. In related news: BC warns of explosive wildfire situation as structures are lost in Clinton and Vernon ; Ontario faces renewed calls for a public inquiry into its record-breaking season; and an Alberta ministry faces safety charges in the 2024 death of a firefighter. Meanwhile: the mega fire crisis nobody wants to own; wildfires point to upside of carbon removal technology; ENGOs contest a Kananaskis logging project; and activists on Vancouver Island are trying to stop old growth logging.

In Business news: Canada invest $1.3M in First Nations-led study for a BC wood processing facility; a Prince George councillor is urging Jim Pattison to deliver cheques to laid-off Northwood workers; and Domtar’s Suwannee Lumber mill fire in Florida is under control. Meanwhile: Kimberly-Clark refutes China’s product quality warning; Vermont supports eight wood product innovators; Trex says wood conversion demand is accelerating its Arkansas business; and BlueLinx posted Q2 income of $6.4M.

Finally, Pliny Fisk III, “beloved mad scientist of the US green building movement”, dies at 82.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Devastating wildfires overwhelm Spokane, Washington and Vernon, BC as firefighters battle to protect lives, homes and infrastructure. In related news: Oregon has surpassed two million acres burned; BC welcomed 300 firefighters from Mexico; Rick Doman argues Canada should invest in carbon to protect its forests; a US judge allowed an Oregon fuel-reduction logging project; and J.D. Irving breeds budworm-resistant trees. Meanwhile: how to minimize the health impacts of wildfire smoke in Canada.

In Business news: Western Forest Products extends its Cowichan Bay sawmill curtailment; Boise Cascade reports Q2, 2026 profit; Canada imposes tariffs on wood cabinets; US states challenge Trump’s latest tariffs in court; the US Lumber Coalition applauds US trade action; Binderholz acquires Finish sawmill Kuhmo; and Fibre Excellence is split by French court rulings. Meanwhile: Kimberly-Clark unveils next-generation hesperaloe fibre; WoodWorks makes mass timber design easier; BC’s Ravi Parmar is On The Brink (podcast), and LP’s Tony Hamill & Timberlab’s Chris Evans join the APA Board.

Finally, inside the rush to build highrises and fire halls out of … wood?!?!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Note to our readers: Today being a civic holiday for most of Canada, the Frogs will be back Tuesday.

Weyerhaeuser reported stronger Q2 earnings; International Paper and Clearwater Paper reported net losses; and Drax’s earnings fell on weaker fibre availability. In related new: Canfor’s mill closures have been “gut-wrenching”; Australia’s Maryvale Paper cuts jobs; Maine’s Woodland Pulp is fined for deadly gas release; and Domtar gives back to local communities. Meanwhile: Canada is launching an office to diversify trade; despite slowing GDP—the US economy is poised for growth; and the Softwood Lumber Board says City Accelerators grow lumber demand. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Michael Ignatieff says Canada should ramp up water bomber production; Port Alberni debates cause of Mount Underwood wildfire; the Kitsumkalum First Nation and Terrace Timber partner on forestry; Fort St. John endorses COFI’s Forestry is a Solution initiative; West Fraser shares nature reporting framework in Alberta; rain isn’t extinguishing Colorado’s fires; Arizona plans to thin 20,000 acres/year; and Wisconsin examines effects of a prescribed burn.

Finally, a dangerous heat wave is gripping the US with 39 million under heat alerts!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canfor and West Fraser reported stronger Q2 results as improved lumber markets helped narrow losses. In related news: Stora Enso  reported a net loss; UFP Industries reported lower earnings; Interfor’s US move is said to reflect the company’s footprint and BC’s competitive position; and the US Fed and Bank of Canada held interest rates steady. Meanwhile: BC wood producers brace for new tariff hit; US labour leaders urge a rethink of tariffs on Canada; and the US released updated preliminary softwood duty calculations.

In Wildfire news: the science behind BC’s fire danger warnings; no word on return for Clinton BC’s evacuated residents; Oregon fires top one million acres burned; and firefighters continue battling blazes in France, Spain and Greece. Meanwhile: BC’s spruce budworm outbreak; Ohio’s only national forest will be auctioned for fracking; an EU study on how trees can help rehabilitate polluted lands; and New Zealand’s timber industry takes umbrage at a cement decision.

Finally, an SFPA EXPO 2027 update, and ILMA’s convention theme: WTF or Where’s the fibre?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Citing fibre and market concerns, Canfor announced the closure of its Fox Creek sawmill. In related news: Steelworkers Jeff Bromley pans Interfor’s move to the US; Kruger’s revitalization plan creates uncertainty for Newfoundland sawmill; Quebec’s Arbec Bois d’œuvre secures $60M tariff-response loan; Clearwater Paper reports Q2 net loss; and conservatives call for change in wake of Northwood Pulp closure. Meanwhile: Canada’s LeBlanc returns to D.C. for trade talks; AF&PA says proposed tariffs on Canada risk supply-chain certainty; Ontario invests $7.2M to protect tariff impacted workers; US trade court upholds antidumping duty methodology; and a US Endowment plan will rebuild markets for forest residuals.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada and US join APEC’s call for crackdown on illegal timber; Canada’s wildfire season fuels calls for national agency; Ontario First Nations criticize wildfire communications; roadside vehicle fires remain a common cause of BC wildfires; and Spain braces for a heatwave and winds. Meanwhile: Murray Wilson comments on the reaction to his BC is Burning film; Two Sides celebrates progress on misleading paper  claims; and Texas highlights the economic importance of its forest sector.

Finally, Oregon breaks ground on one of the largest US mass-timber healthcare projects.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Interfor will establish Georgia as its primary corporate hub, gradually shifting functions from Burnaby, BC. In other Business news: Domtar agrees to reduce emissions in Arkansas; the USDA backs expansion of  Tahoe Forest Products; Port Angeles county backs bioenergy development; and concerns grow over the closure of NY’s Finch Paper operation. Meanwhile: Canada remains among the least-tariffed economies; Nanaimo Mayor defends forestry’s role in BC’s economy; US remodelling is slowing down; and what US lumber dealers see on the horizon.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canadian experts say increasingly severe fire seasons cannot simply be extinguished; Oregon wildfires show no signs of slowing down; and Europe debates how forest management can reduce wildfire risk. Meanwhile: the BC Forest Practices Board will audit three Kamloops-area woodlots; Ontario Nature says new species legislation weakens protections; conservationists protect 78,000 acres in Western Maine; and Ikea strengthens its audit requirements beyond FSC.

Finally, France’s wildfire became so intense its smoke column created its own thunderstorm.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Wildfires continue to rage across France and Spain prompting emergency meetings. In related news: EU firefighters warn it could take months to contain these blazes, as the heatwave persists; BC’s Ainslie Creek wildfire prompts evacuation orders; and Ontario’s Thunder Bay 36 fire is the largest ever recorded. Meanwhile: scientists decry Trump’s blame game on Canadian wildfire smoke; Randy Essex says Trump is dead wrong on the cause; and Shawn Regan says more fuel treatments are required on both sides of the border.

In Business news: US builders say Trump’s new tariffs add uncertainty to housing; BC’s forestry critic says the tariffs could be catastrophic; BC’s Premier says businesses affected can access federal support funds; and Ontario furniture producers say more action is needed. In other news: USDA supports a new sawmill in Clatskanie, Oregon; Arkansas seeks new markets for its wood; and more fallout on Finch Paper’s mill closure in New York. Meanwhile: Canada’s carbon emissions are traced to soil and peat; climate change is impacting how Ontario reforests; conservationists worry about endangered species protections—while Oregon forges ahead; Mississippi State recognizes wood engineering professor; and PLIB expands its online grader training.

Finally, FireSmartBC helps homeowners see their property though FireSmart eyes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

President Trump is imposing new tariffs on 60 countries, using a controversial forced-labour initiative. In related news: trade lawyers say Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods may fail a court challenge; and BC Premier Eby calls for restricting critical mineral exports as a response. In other Business news: the US invests in Nevada and Oregon to expand production and fight fires; Tolko’s fine over 2017 logging-road landslide was upheld; US mortgage rates rose for third week in a row; renewed conflict with Iran adds to inflation risks; and a US survey says woodworking faces an acute skilled-worker shortage.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: US Forest Service chief Tom Schultz appeared before Congress; California cannot replant quickly enough to keep pace with fires; US signs a forest stewardship agreement with New Mexico; lightning strikes sparked thousands of new fires in Oregon; mill closures are undermining BC’s ability to undertake forest restoration work; and McGill University researchers say aspen can slow wildfire spread. Meanwhile: BC’s Matthew Creek fire grew amid wind and dry fuels; and northern Ontario battles 180 fires.

Finally, Portland is building one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest mass timber schools.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Wildfires challenge North America and Europe as fire season intensifies amid persistent heat and drought. In related news: BC’s Fraser Canyon fires force highway closures and evacuation orders; Ontario is battling 145 active fires; a Washington state wildfire crossed into BC; Central Oregon remains under Red Flag warnings; southwest France evacuated 12,000 people due to fire; and Spain continues to battle one of its largest wildfires on record.

In Forestry news: BC Wildfire Service used drones to ignite a controlled burn; the Tyee says BC is pushing into high-elevation forests; Oregon’s western state forests have a new management plan; Alaska advances bill supporting Native communities; and despite opposition pushback, US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz defends his reorganization.

In Business news: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defends proposed tariffs, which represent another blow to Canada’s forest industry; United Steelworkers say the federal government cannot be bullied; West Fraser is assessed limited exposure to US measures; a US trade court upheld softwood ruling on Les Produits Forestiers D&G; Northwood mill closure a gut punch for Prince George community; and next steps in Domtar’s Kingsport mill odor lawsuit.

Finally, Saanich council gives thumbs down to proposed Declaration on the Rights of the Tree.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Carney and Canada’s premiers weigh their response, as Trump’s 50% tariffs raise risks for Canadian forest products and US housing. In related news: Prime Minister Carney says Canada is only interested in a comprehensive trade deal; Derek Nighbor says the tariffs will impact Canadian jobs and US housing; experts David Elstone and Harry Nelson add their perspectives; and a NY Times columnist says this is nothing compared to what’s coming. Meanwhile: a global forest sector outlook report; a BC economic performance report; and the final determination on US duties on Chinese hardwood plywood.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Xat’sull First Nation seeks emergency order to protect caribou; Ontario faces scrutiny over forest firefighter pay and retention; California highlights new investments in wildfire prevention technology; and China unveils an ambitious five-year forestry conservation plan. Meanwhile: wildfire and evacuation updates from BC’s Fraser Valley; and northeast of Madrid, Spain.

Finally, the promise—and pitfalls—of replacing plastics with paper packaging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor 

President Trump imposed new tariffs on Canada that include a range of wood panel, paper and furniture products (lumber and OSB are excluded). In related news: Prime Minister Carney and opposition leaders respond; analysts say the rarely used Section 338 of the Tariff Act is aimed at strengthening the US negotiating position; and reports suggest more tariff announcements are coming. Meanwhile: Finch Paper will end pulp production at its Glens Falls, NY mill; and Nippon’s Longview paper mill workers will continue to be paid during investigation. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Premier Ford defends Ontario’s wildfire response amid criticism from Trump, the US Lumber Coalition and local First Nations; Ontario is on track for its worst wildfire season on record; Manitoba’s logging sector warns of wildfire’s impact on jobs; BC races to protect Kimberley from an out-of-control blaze; and California is making progress on reducing wildfire risks. Meanwhile: what Stanley Park’s dying trees say about climate change; and industrial development is fragmenting Canada’s boreal forests.

Finally, BC Premier Eby appoints former minister Andrew Mercier as new chief of staff.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Wildfires intensify in Canada prompting US warnings over smoke. In related news: US Ambassador Hoekstra says Trump is serious about wildfire tariffs; Ontario Premier Ford calls US criticism unacceptable; smoke from US wildfires is affecting BC’s air quality; Ontario wildfires ravage another First Nation, and disrupt Domtar’s forestry operations; and Oregon governor Kotek invokes the Conflagration Act–again. Meanwhile: University of Calgary researchers warn that wildfire smoke may also affect your brain.

In Business news: fallout from Canfor’s mill closure includes the union seeking retirement bridging; and Vaughn Palmer saying the province was warned years ago. Meanwhile: Stewart Muir says BC’s forest policies are worsening Canada’s climate problem; an Oregon commentator says mill closures make it harder to reduce wildfire risk; Blueberry River First Nations is developing a native plant orchard; and US states can’t offset the weakened federal endangered-species habitat protections.

Finally, on mass timber, the Florida Building Commission can’t see the forest for the trees. Busy news day… see all the stories in today’s Tree Frog.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canadian wildfire smoke is degrading air quality across the eastern US, as extreme heat fuels new fire threats. In related news: forecasters say the El Niño effect is already here; the Northwest Territories warn of extreme fire weather; the Assembly of First Nations calls for federal support for Ontario First Nation; Boston Bar firefighters shift to structure protection; and Pemberton is now on evacuation alert.

In Forestry news: Washington tribes sue Trump to thwart endangered species change; FPInnovations advances drone-assisted reforestation research; commercial thinning is shown to be doable in BC; and Tony Kryzanowski says forestry should become Canada’s leading environmental voice. 

In Business news: Carrier Forest Products will indefinitely curtail its Big River, Saskatchewan mill; Prince George leaders respond to Canfor’s pulp mill closure, and housing data points to a slow recovery in Canada, while US single-family construction remains weak. Meanwhile: Coastland launched a Vancouver Island barge service, the TLA is hiring a communications director; and the latest from the US Endowment, WorkSafeBC; and BC Wood.

Finally, congratulations to Mathieu Blouin—named FPInnovations new President and CEO.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The closure of Canfor’s pulp mill has renewed calls by industry, unions and lawmakers to reverse BC’s forestry crisis. In related news: COFI’s Kim Haakstad says the sector is in “medical emergency” territory; Unifor, the Truck Loggers Association warn of wider impacts; and Resource Works’ Stuart Muir says Ottawa confirms the province’s crisis is largely “homegrown.” In other Business news: International Paper is closing its packaging facility in Texas; Premier David Eby promotes BC wood construction in China; the US imposes new tariffs on Brazilian paper and other products; US builder sentiment remains weak, Canadian housing starts fall, and oil prices face renewed upside risk.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Vancouver Island communities mourn professionals killed in a helicopter crash; Teamsters urge CN to stop running trains through active wildfire zones; Saskatchewan and BC report active fires; and Ontario wildfires destroy homes and force evacuations in several First Nations. Meanwhile: a new study says that Trump’s logging plan threatens drinking water for 25 million Americans; and Tasmania debates the future of old-growth logging. 

Finally, another Seedy Business story by forestry veteran Don Pigott—this time on Haida Gwaii in ’83.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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

Extreme heat grips much of Canada as wildfires force evacuations in Ontario and alerts in BC. In related news: BC crews prepare for renewed fire activity as campfire bans are expanded; Oregon communities face evacuation orders; France arrests arson suspects in historic Fontainebleau fire and FSC toutes responsible forestry for risk mitigation. Meanwhile: BC safeguards 45k hectares in the northeast; Robert Gray asks whether AACs makes sense in an era of wildfire; and Mosaic plans to improve recreation access.

In Business news: Canada invests $17M in support of Quebec’s forest sector; BC includes custom cutters in its value-added timber program; Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper tests mill byproducts in lithium processing; and the US Forest Service is ordered to roll back return-to-office requirements. Meanwhile, BC’s forests critic talks trade with US envoys; Maclean’s features the Cowichan Aboriginal title ruling; Canada invests in a BC mass-timber connection supplier; and Louisiana Tech appoints new lead for its Forest Products Innovation Center.

Finally, the 2026 BC First Nations Forestry Conference highlights report is worth a look!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

A major US housing affordability bill became law without President Trump’s signature. In other Business news: Mercer received a Nasdaq non-compliance notice; Hunt Forest Products begins shipments on new rail connection; International Paper temporarily suspends its Alabama mill; and the EPA requires hazardous chemical removal at shuttered Cosmo Specialty Fibers mill. Meanwhile: Numera Analytics says the Iran conflict has not derailed the global recovery; technology is changing homebuilding in BC; US homebuilders face shortage of skilled workers; Rebox Corp appoints Kyle Otting CEO; and the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau elected a new board.

In Forestry news: the Trump administration narrows Endangered Species Act protections; Californians debate the Fix Our Forests Act; BC outdoor groups prioritize resource roads for recreation access; and a European report says timber producers face fibre supply challenges. Meanwhile: a new warning for tick-borne disease; and why doctors say we need to take wildfire smoke seriously. 

Finally, in case you missed it, we reintroduced political risk expert Robert McKellar, who helps forest sector leaders make sense of today’s relentless news cycle and focus on what really matters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada’s wildfire season remains manageable despite more fires than last year, while Europe faces worsening heat and deadly wildfires in Spain. In related news: BC faces challenging conditions near Boston Bar; Quebec wildfires prompt road closures near Cree communities; Oregon prepares for a busy fire season; Greece deploys AI-powered fire-detection satellites; and Colorado firefighters race to contain the Gold Mountain fire.

In Forestry news: AFPA’s Jason Krips opines on Alberta’s forest asset; Winnipeg protects its urban forest funding; Trump’s “full suppression” wildfire policy draws criticism; Oregon seeks input on logging in national forests; Maine pays landowners to conserve old-growth; and an Australian scientist says ending native forestry shifts environmental impacts offshore.

In Business news: David Elstone argues BC’s stumpage debate should focus on stewardship, not revenue; Alberta’s forest sector remains cautiously optimistic; the US housing affordability bill is set to become law; Pacific Rim softwood markets are expected to tighten; and registration is now open for Mass Timber+ 2026.

Finally, political risk expert Robert McKellar explains how to makes sense of a relentless news cycle and separate the noise from what matters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Western Forest Products’ Cowichan Bay sawmill curtailment is expected to last through September, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing BC producers. In related news: analyst Russ Taylor sees little relief before 2027, the TLA’s Peter Lister says the BC government needs to take urgent action to restore fibre certainty; and Rita Trichur says China is now central to the annual USMCA review process. In other Business news: Bayer seeks to dismiss Roundup lawsuits following court victory; Canada’s reliance on the US declines; and US remodellers remain resilient despite rising costs.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada-BC announce training fund for forestry workers affected by tariffs; Transport Canada warns that drones and wildfires don’t mix; a US heat dome will push up temperatures in Western Canada; Oregon honors three of its fallen firefighters; and more evacuations are ordered as BC’s Boston Bar fire grows. Meanwhile: Selkirk College partners with BCIT on mass timber education; and Anthony Robinson explains Logging & Sawmilling Journal’s name change to Forestnet Magazine.

Finally, a Fraser Institute study questions carbon capture as a climate policy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trade uncertainty has 4 in 10 Canadian manufacturers considering moving production to the US, according to KPMG. In related news: Canada says there’s no basis for US forced-labour tariffs; FPAC wants Ottawa to act on the Transformation Task Force recommendations; and the US Lumber Coalition says US sawmills are expanding despite low housing starts. Meanwhile: Ontario supports Daiken’s wood panel plant in Huntsville; Newfoundland extends power agreement with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper; Hood Industries is closing its Mississippi plywood mill; US senators call for hardwood lumber to be included in China trade framework; and Washington state seeks reimbursement for chemical spill response.

In Forestry news: Vanderhoof and Saik’uz First Nation call for changes to BC forestry; Unifor has a new vision for Quebec forests; McGill researchers say aspen stands can help reduce wildfire severity; and US forest researchers stay focused despite federal upheaval. On the Wildfire front: the Trans-Canada Highway was closed through BC’s Fraser Canyon; 7 new fires were reported in northeastern Ontario; and firefighters battled blazes in Colorado, Utah and Idaho.

Finally, FEA highlights keynote speaker ahead September Forest Products Forum.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The energy shock tied to the Iran conflict is expected to raise wood products costs and strengthen the case for biofuels. In other Business news: Ontario is investing $3.3 million to expand wood manufacturing; a BC Supreme Court ruling sent a chilling message to landowners; RBC says the CUSMA review process leaves North America’s trade framework largely intact; and Washington has expanded inspections at kraft paper mills following the fatal Nippon Dynawave accident. 

In Wood Product news: BCIT’s tall timber student housing project earned another honour; New York’s largest mass timber residential building nears completion; Australia showcases mass timber social housing; England highlights the structural potential of hardwoods; and New Zealand promotes value-added wood processing.

In Forestry news: Canada announced funding to plant 5M trees in Saskatchewan; BC launched three conservation initiatives; UBC researchers link clear-cut logging to flood risk; Oregon’s proposed logging expansion raises habitat concerns; and Vermont adapts to rising insect-driven tree mortality.

Finally, Forestry Works for BC is hiring an executive director.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US declined to renew CUSMA, setting the stage for annual trade reviews while the agreement remains in force until 2036. In other Business news: Ottawa and BC sign a prosperity agreement that includes forest sector commitments; Canfor completed its acquisition of PinkWood; Nordic Veneer will close its Roseburg, Oregon operations; Mercer extends pulp mill shutdown in Rosenthal, Germany; and Alden Robbins died from his injuries in the May 15 Robbins Lumber explosion. Meanwhile: Kevin Mason says US housing will continue to face headwinds; the EPA tightens emissions rules for wood plants; and Europe’s paper industry is slowly eroding.

In Forestry news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor opines on his new wood role and the importance of active forest management; Canada and Quebec reach agreement on caribou recovery; BC’s chief forester halves the AAC in the Kispiox TSA; Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz celebrates US’s 250th; and Utah professor says Congress should reinstate revoked land management plans. Meanwhile: BC is balancing the benefits of fire with the health risks of smoke; and wildfire updates from BC, Quebec, Colorado and Europe.

Finally, science, not paperwork, may become the best defence against Russian timber fraud.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Note to our readers: With Canada Day and the US Independence Day holiday upon us, the Frogs are taking a short break. We are back Monday. Have a wonderful holiday!

The US is expected to formally decline an extension of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement today, triggering the pact’s sunset review process. In other Business news: Trump remains undecided on bipartisan housing bill; a BC judge rejected a bid to reopen the Cowichan Aboriginal title case; Metsä Group expands its use of AI; the US goods trade deficit widened; and Japan’s housing starts rebounded.

In Forestry news: Alberta researchers say some species fail to recover after clearcutting; Coulson Aviation reflects on nighttime aerial firefighting; Canada’s winter isn’t a barrier for the spotted lanternfly; Australia assesses the legacy of Victoria’s native logging ban; and the UK prepares stronger timber due diligence rules. Meanwhile: Capilano University celebrates timber in student housing; sawdust-based foam can replace polystyrene packaging; and updates on the Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s 2026 conference, and the Southern Forest Products Association’s EXPO 2027.

Finally, California celebrates a first as eight inmates earn forestry degrees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

International Paper and Smurfit Westrock announced facility closures—with IP shuttering operations in Kentucky, Illinois, California and New Jersey, and Smurfit Westrock closing a Tennessee plant. In other Business news: BC Premier Eby heads to China to diversify trade; businesses are more resigned to Trump’s trade chaos; while critics declare free trade dead and supporters urge Trump to reaffirm the USMCA pact. Meanwhile: registration is open for Investing in Cellulose—a Celco and Numera Analytics conference; and Portland earned top spot in US airport rankings thanks in part to mass timber.

In Wildfire news: three firefighters were killed battling blazes on the Colorado–Utah border; wildfire evacuations were ordered in the Northwest Territories and Manitoba, and major fires are burning in Colorado and Arizona. In Forestry news: European forest industries urge more realistic EU land-use climate targets; Massachusetts highlights the ecological impacts of overabundant deer; researchers examine LiDAR’s use in forest carbon measurement; and a Cornell study suggests climate models may overestimate forests’ carbon storage potential.

Finally, the Frogs will be taking a short holiday Wednesday – Friday, barring breaking news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Supreme Court backed Bayer in glyphosate-based Roundup ruling with implications for forestry and pesticide regulation. In other Forestry news: South Carolina has a new state forest; the US Forest Service eyes emergency salvage logging; Roger Sabbadini says the US Fix Our Forest Act is no fix; Laurisa Dohm says BC policy fuels forest dysfunction;  Woodlots BC collaborates on tenure pricing; the Forest Enhancement Society of BC highlights new projects; and the Osoyoos Indian Band advances post-wildfire forest restoration.

In Business news: Prime Minister Carney says Canada will only accept a ‘real‘ trade deal; US paper workers press Congress to renew USMCA; Domtar releases its 2025 sustainability report; Califoria’s Mad River Mass Timber brings new jobs to Humboldt; and US GDP rose 2.1%, while inflation hit 3-year high. Meanwhile: the Softwood Lumber Board highlights code wins; England’s fire-safety proposal could restrict timber structures; and Canada’s transition to net zero is called an opening for mass timber.

Finally, a Swedish University and IKEA launch a research lab on rainforest restoration.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Despite bipartisan and industry support, President Trump postponed enactment of the housing bill, saying he will not sign it until Congress passes voter legislation. In other Business news:  BC trade slowed in April as forestry exports declined; US core inflation accelerated in May; new US home sales fell in May; and US sawmill output slipped as industry capacity declined. Meanwhile: Kurt Niquidet announced his departure from COFI and the BC Lumber Trade Council; and Mike Doss was appointed CEO of Global Cellulose Fibers.

In Forestry news: Indigenous-led forest rehabilitation work continues in BC’s Chilcotin; the Syilx Okanagan Nation seeks emergency order on caribou; Newfoundland explores how forest management can benefit pollinators; Arizona employs soil sensors to manage flooding and wildfires; and the UK plans tougher rules to curb illegal deforestation. Meanwhile: Quebec banned open fires in or near forests; the growing severity of California wildfires; and wildfire updates from BC and Utah.

Finally, US firefighters will be encouraged to wear N95 respirators in major policy reversal.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

President Trump is expected to sign a bipartisan housing bill aimed at boosting homebuilding and improving affordability. In other Business news: BC Premier Eby is leading a trade mission to China; the EU eliminated tariffs on US wood products; Louisiana Pacific broke ground on a new Minnesota plant; the EPA denied a challenge to Humboldt Redwood’s air permit; and an update on the Longview paper mill investigation. Meanwhile: Vancouver’s newest timber tower is touted as one of Canada’s most earthquake-resilient buildings.

In Forestry news: BC created a new enforcement agency for the natural-resource sector; ENGOs call for BC to honour its forest-protection commitments; the US Forest Service launched a salvage logging project in Idaho and Montana; Oregon confirmed more emerald ash borer infestations; and SFI secured funding to improve aquatic habitat on certified lands. Meanwhile: the Saw Creek fire near Lytton, BC was declared held; a wildfire triggered evacuations in Utah; and crews made progress on Arizona’s Rock Canyon Fire.

Finally, a detector dog uncovers half a tonne of opium hidden inside industrial paper rolls.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada and Mexico align their positions ahead of next week’s pivotal CUSMA review meeting. In other Business news: a BC mining-rights lawsuit—tied to a First Nations agreement—invoked the 2002 Carrier Lumber precedent; CN Rail was fined $435,000 for a BC wildfire; Seaspan sold its barge division to Hodder Tugboat; China’s softwood log imports declined 17%; and Russia’s lumber is on course to fall 4%. Meanwhile: questions remain as investigators probe the Longview pulp mill implosion; and a new Wood Fuel and Heating Association is launched in the UK.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: officials urge swift action on the Senate’s Canada on Fire recommendations; US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz is sandwiched between political hires; supplier choices by Indonesia-based APRIL challenge FSC’s remedy process; a study says plant diversity in Italy’s Norway spruce plantations is lower than in native forests; and Tasmania corrected the record on native forest logs sent to Victoria for processing.

Finally, a new book says bats are intelligent, trainable and essential to healthy forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Temperatures to exceed 40C in European heatwave, prompting health warnings and wildfire concerns. In related news: firefighters gained ground on the wildfire near Lytton, BC, while Arizona’s Pocket fire and Utah’s Eureka fire prompted evacuations. In other Forestry news: the Sierra Club of BC used the World Cup to spotlight old-growth logging; Ben Parfitt says the Forest Enhancement Society of BC is subsidizing logging; a Canadian Forest Owners survey will assess the importance of private forests; and a US House committee set hearings on conservation and forestry.

In other news: Canada’s inflation rate rose to a 29-month high in May; Forestry Innovation Investment released its annual review; a wood pellet LCA study quantifies GHG reductions; Russian timber is pushing out Australian wood products; and Thailand looks to Sweden for construction solutions. Meanwhile: Rayonier Advanced Materials named Daniel Krawczyk CEO; the BC Institute of Technology appointed Breena Jackson Interim Associate Dean; Mississippi State honored Rubin Shmulsky with a wood science award; and a pillar of Idaho’s lumber industry, Richard Bennett Sr. died at 92.  

Finally, a Quebec municipality has formally recognized trees as living beings with rights.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Lumber futures hit 8-month high, amid rising costs for Canadian softwood and tighter supply. In related news: a Harvard study says housing affordability is dragging housing demand; and the US Conference Board’s economic index rose in May. In other Business news: Cascades invests to increase tissue production in Quebec; Nova Scotia considers alternatives for Northern Pulp’s old sludge; a decision on the future of France’s Fibre Excellence is postponed; and Forbes recognizes Boise Cascade and Georgia Pacific as Best Employers.

In other news: Louisiana governor signs wood pellet bill, a US House bill would give mass timber preference in building projects; Idaho’s Boise and Payette national forests received restoration funding; a new study links heat waves to area burned in the US west; and ENGOs criticize Indonesia-based APRIL for sustainability commitments. Meanwhile: WorkSafeBC’s June safety checklist; Woodlots BC on the role of snags as bee habitat; and the exhibit floor at Mass Timber+ 2026 is almost sold out.

Finally, a Safety Board report says glassy-water conditions contributed to a 2024 fatal seaplane crash.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

A UK regulator closed its probe into Drax, finding no evidence it misled investors over its Canadian wood pellet sourcing. In other headline news: the Canadian Wood Council announced the retirement of Rick Jeffery and appointment of Derek Nighbor as CEO (concurrent with his FPAC role), while Philippe Clune was named CWC board chair. Meanwhile: Cascades released its 5th Sustainability Plan; UPM announced pulp curtailments; the US held interest rates steady; and more ruminations on the future of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

In Forestry news: the Canadian government is sued over its climate policies; BC released new floodplain maps; a US judge’s ruling bolsters Bayer in Roundup lawsuit; longleaf pine restoration gets a boost from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; the US Forest Service signs Montana plan, proposes logging in Oregon/Washington, and says it’s wildfire staffing needs are now fully met. Meanwhile: FSC Canada released its 2025 annual report; Trex announces its 2025 Sustainability Report; and registration is open for BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission. 

Finally, fire-loving fungi are nature’s first responders after wildfire. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US housing starts plunged 15.4% in May, while permits were little changed, signalling continued caution among builders. In related news: oil prices eased, though a return to pre-conflict norms appears unlikely; and the US continues to process tariff refunds. In Business news: J.D. Irving responds to an air quality incident; Stora Enso curtails its Veitsiluoto sawmill in Finland; US lawmakers propose Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act; Oregon State University readies first-of-its kind mass timber lab; and New Zealand tests CLT’s earthquake readiness.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the BC Council of Forest Industries rebuilds public support; Saskatchewan strengenths its wildfire strategy in response to MNP review; all of Oregon officially enters fire season; Georgia wildfires are up 90% in 2026; ENGOs raise alarm over the Roadless Rule repeal; and utility operators push for passage of the Fix Our Forests Act.

Finally, New Zealand battles invasive contorta pine, it’s most damaging wilding tree. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

California launched a Mass Timber Coalition, linking in-state manufacturing with forest health. In other news: the US Endowment announced funding for repurposing closed wood products manufacturing facilities; builders look to solve London’s housing crisis with timber; and Green Building Canada opines on life cycle analysis. Meanwhile: Unifor expressed concern for New Brunswick pulp mills; the US will retain duties on Chinese moulding and millwork; Canadian housing starts fell 6%; and US homebuilder and consumer sentiment rose but remain depressed. 

In Forestry/Climate news: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says El Niño is growing in strength; new research says trees may store less carbon than expected; BC woodlot owners focus on practical solutions; an Ontario harvesting dispute is headed to a listening circle; Oregon uses AI to support species recovery; a battle is brewing over glyphosate near Lake Tahoe; and New Zealand’s FSC certification changes could reduce worker risks.

Finally: an Oregon chainsaw competition helps spark interest in forestry careers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US ambassador to Canada said Trump’s suggestion that the US may not renew CUSMA should be viewed as an invitation to negotiate. In related news: Senator Tuberville says Canada is undercutting Alabama’s lumber industry; and a hike in US interest rates is possible amid inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile: the cause of death is released at Washington paper mill tank implosion.

In Wood Product news: New Zealand studies prefabricated mass timber modules; and wood is showcased in two award programs: US WoodWorks, and the American Institute of Architects. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: more debate over old-growth management in BC parks; the Cowichan River braces for another dry summer; US forest and wildfire research programs face funding cuts and relocations; and a new study says low-severity fire can reduce wildfire smoke impacts. 

Finally, scientists map the world’s largest living network—an underground web of fungi.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled his Fortress North America strategy in support of renewing CUSMA. In related news: Trump says he’s not looking to renew; Pennsylvania’s governor says that’s reckless; but US industries want it preserved. In other Business news: Ontario supports Bernie McGlynn Lumber’s expansion;  Louisiana supports C&C Forest Products’ sawmill rebuild; Stora Enso secures food packaging certification; and West Fraser strengthens UK timber partnership. Meanwhile: US inflation bypassed housing; lumber futures rose to 8-month high; and Japan’s lumber producers are gaining share.

In Forestry news: Canada’s Senate report calls for better wildfire coordination; BC’s Forests Minister visits Revelstoke; US lawmakers revive efforts to repeal the roadless rule; US budget cuts reduce fuel treatments; and France adds 157,000 hectares of protected forest. Meanwhile: more kudos for Ontario WoodWorks’ Marianne Berube; and the latest on the upcoming Wood Pellet Association of Canada AGM.

Finally, could logging practices help save New Hampshire’s moose from winter ticks?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canfor is expanding its value-added business with the acquisition of Calgary-based PinkWood. In related news: US Trade Rep Greer blames Canada for lack of trade progress; columnist Matthew Lau is skeptical of Canada’s new forest plan; Domtar appoints John Graves general manager of its Sanford, Florida mill; the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady; and US inflation climbed above 4%. 

In Wood Product news: Ontario sees jump in mid-rise wood construction, a BC study explores biophilic design and employee wellbeing; Ireland looks to increase timber use; and new wood showcases via Vancouver’s amphitheater, and the University of Tasmania’s The Forest.

In Forestry news: a Senate committee report highlights Canada’s wildfire crisis; Ontario’s NDP released a forestry strategy focused on jobs, BC ENGOs push for less logging; California ENGOs say ending the roadless rule would be bad; and inside the chaos at Vermont’s Forest Service offices. 

Finally, 30 years after Canadian wolves returned to Yellowstone, scientists debate their impact.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Lumber Coalition welcomed the nomination of three commissioners to the US International Trade Commission (ITC), saying the appointments will help ensure enforcement of US trade remedy laws. In other Business news: New York’s Packaging Reduction Act fails to advance; Russ Taylor says North America’s housing recovery remains stalled; US homebuilders say regulations add $130k to the cost of a new home; and Sherwin-Williams partners with Do it Best.

In Forestry news: BC is investing $20M to strengthen wildfire prevention; the Kaslo & District Community Forest receives FESBC award; researchers assess BC’s western screech owl decline; ENGO’s new Forest Act roadshow hits Nelson; Oregon’s new state forester states her priorities; drought is testing Tump’s logging-to-fight-wildfire strategy; and the USDA is challenged, as Minnesota forestry workers are ordered to relocate.

Finally, did you know that before the Boston Tea Party, there was a battle over New England’s white pine forests?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Industry leaders say Canada’s forestry future depends on improving fibre access and restoring investor confidence. In other Business news: JD Irving plans sawmill expansion in Maine; a pallet fire destroys an east Michigan business; US pulp market sentiment remains divided; the US labour market improves; and US and Canadian interest rates are likely to stay put.

In Wildfire news: Canada’s wildfire-fighting plan is called a start; why Canada’s wildland firefighters aren’t firefighters (officially); Nova Scotia’s Firesmart practices may reduce insurance premiums, California fast-tracks wildfire prevention projects; Northern Arizona fire officials are on high alert; and new research on wildfires and permafrost critical zones. In Forestry news: SFI’s Project Learning Tree secures funding for youth jobs; the US is said to be pillaging its national forests; Washington’s owl-kill program is underway; and ENGOs sue to stop logging near Port Angeles, Washington. 

Finally, the BC Ministry of Forests and the BC Community Forest Association awarded the 2026 Robin Hood Memorial Award for Excellence to Nakusp and Area Community Forest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The Forestry Transformation Task Force report adds details to Canada’s transformation agenda. In related news: Canada’s Private Forest Owners welcomed recognition of their contribution; while AFPA, Steelworkers and SFI expressed support. In other Business news: Interfor added a second shift at their Grand Forks mill; Western Forest Products’ workers in Chemainus join the Steelworkers; and International Paper completes acquisition of NORPAC. Meanwhile: Ottawa extended consultations on environmental assessment reforms; the US proposed a 25% tariff on Brazil linked to deforestation; lumber prices hit 8-week high; and US mortgage rates rose again.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC supports wood-waste innovation in the Kootenays; the US Endowment partners on forest residues study; Nova Scotia takes action on spruce budworm outbreak; California expanded it firefighting fleet; new research on how wildfire spreads in urban areas, New Zealand new forestry rules explained; and the UN says progress on forestry goals is too slow.

Finally, new kudos for mass timber, and reasons to exhibit at Global Buyers Mission 2026.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada unveiled a forest sector transformation plan, and new funding to strengthen competitiveness. In related news: Minister Hodgson said the forest sector is the trade ‘canary in the coal mine‘; while FPAC, COFI, and Unifor urge quick implementation. Meanwhile: the BC Lumber Trade Council says CUSMA could solve the softwood lumber dispute; Saothair completes acquisition of EAM Corp. from Domar; and West Fraser released its 2025 Sustainability Report.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Kelowna tops Canadian cities most at risk from wildfires; updates on Ontario’s Gogama fire and BC’s Swede Creek fire; US Forest Service offers incentives to employees ahead of relocations; scientists inject elm trees with a killer fungus to save them; and a Michigan seedling census predicts future forests. In Safety news: Canada marked Clean Air Day with a focus on wildfire smoke; and a worker was killed at an Alabama lumber mill. 

Finally, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association awards Jeff Derby Cedar Champion Award to Gorman Group’s Nick Arkle.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada tabled new trade proposals as the US threatened a new tariff over forced labour trade practices. In related news: the European Parliament advanced legislation tied to last year’s US-EU trade deal; and ERA’s Kevin Mason says global supply chain pressures have surged to a four-year high. In other Business news: questions continue on deadly Nippon Dynawave mill implosion; Smurfit Westrock announced a €600 million investment in France; a new report on solutions for Canada’s housing shortage; and US single-family construction declined in Q1, 2026.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada and BC will invest $355 million to plant 125 million trees; a new study says Canadian forests are losing their climate-cooling effect; Thompson Rivers University tests an alternative to slash burning; Ontario faces questions over wildfire funding; and a Georgia senator backs legislation to speed wildfire response times. Meanwhile:  Louisiana approved a pro-wood pellet bill; and California made changes to is cap-and-invest program.

Finally, birch bark as a bio-based moisture barrier for paper and paperboard packaging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada formally notified the US and Mexico that it wants CUSMA renewed. In related news: Ontario municipal leaders discuss impending closure of Interfor’s Nairn mill; Canfor’s former Fort St. John sawmill has officially been sold; Robbins Lumber resumes production following deadly explosion; Fibre Excellence submits a bid to take over its mills in France; and Russia’s lumber industry struggles with weak demand. Meanwhile: mass timber legislation is reintroduced to Congress; Trump modifies some tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper; and pulp and paper educator and pioneer Dr. Michael Kocurek is dead at 83.

In Forestry news: the Syilx Okanagan Nation seeks protection for caribou habitat; a new analysis examines the economics of caribou recovery; questions are raised about the future of BC logging licences; Oregon forestry groups promote collaboration through Private Forest Accord; and former Australian scientists challenge the science behind native forest harvesting bans. Meanwhile: perspectives on Prime Minister Carney’s change of course on climate change; and Canada Wood reports market progress in Asia and Europe.

Finally, why Procter & Gamble, maker of Bounty and Charmin, hired a forester.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Despite a slow start to the 2026 wildfire season, experts warn that hot, dry conditions could change the outlook. In related news: prescribed burning gains attention in BC; a new report says 2025 had the world’s second-lowest area burned; the BC is Burning documentary earned four award nominations; a spruce budworm outbreak near Whistler prompts aerial spraying; pine beetles are devastating Colorado’s ponderosa pine; and Calgary has a forest tent caterpillar problem. Meanwhile: lawmakers examine changes at the US Forest Service; while former officials raise questions that need answering. 

In Business news: CPKC will continue rail operations despite worker strike; the EU clears Suzano’s acquisition of Kimberly-Clark’s tissue business; and Selkirk College and BCIT collaborate on mass timber training. Meanwhile: Trump plans to appeal a tariff refund ruling; the Longview and Robbins Lumber mill tragedies raise environmental questions and highlight manufacturing risks; AF&PA reports decline in recovered paper consumption; EU timber groups call for EUDR changes; and carbon finance may help Japan’s forest industry.

Finally, beneath Oregon’s Blue Mountains lies the world’s largest known fungus.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to hear the Wolastoqey First Nations appeal on Aboriginal title claims in New Brunswick is welcomed by governments and forest companies. In related news: BC says the ruling may strengthen their position on Cowichan Nation title case; and the K’ómoks treaty nears approval in BC despite overlapping claims. In other Business news: the US and Mexico scheduled trade talks without Canada, as Prime Minister Carney promotes renewed Canada-US partnership; recovery crews continue at the Longview paper mill disaster, where the confirmed death toll has risen to eight; and UPM and Sappi combine their European graphic paper businesses.

In Forestry news: BC faces the highest and most sustained fire risk this summer; Parks Canada announced $47.8 million for wildfire preparedness; and a University of Montana ecologist argues that high-severity fire remains an essential part of forest ecosystems. Meanwhile: the Softwood Lumber Board focuses on high-growth segments; the Forest Enhancement Society of BC latest project updates; and the SFPA’s EXPO 2027 is open for business.

Finally, on final day of Forest Safety Week: vehicle inspections on resource roads, training programs that strengthen workplace safety, and the risks of logging near powerlines.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor