Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The Government of BC approved a tenure transfer from Weyerhaeuser to Gorman Group—marking a rare bright spot for BC forestry. In related news: BC First Nations gain control of three Clayoquot Sound forest areas; a COFI’s 2026 panel will tackle fibre access and competitiveness; Trump’s logging push faces new forest challenges in Oregon; a Swedish study says managed forests store less carbon; smokeless fuels may be bad for your health; and the winner-and-loser species from the 2021 heat wave. 

In other news: Kruger’s hydrogen plan for Kamloops may not be more efficient; LEGO employs mass timber for its office building; and Domtar touts its status as the world’s largest holder of both FSC and SFI management certificates. Meanwhile: perspectives on the Canada-US-Mexico trade negotiations; California recycling labeling law is being challenged; and the paper industry says it’s ready for ‘Made in Europe‘ recycling policy.

Finally, Canada and allies signal willingness to participate in US effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

BC forestry crisis deepens as policy pressures and job losses mount. In related news: US Trade Representative Greer says Canada is lagging behind in talks; Trump’s child labour probe is called a pretext for new tariffs; and Unifor says Quebec’s forest industry should shift to value-added. Meanwhile: Domtar restarts its Arkansas sawmill; the US Fed pauses rate reductions; and US building material prices continue to rise.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s climate plan is said to be at risk and carbon pricing is key; Canada released a National Freshwater Science Agenda; BC Timber Sales prepares cut blocks near Penticton; ENGOs host water and climate forum in Kelowna; study says Idaho can’t afford to manage more federal lands; a Montana lawsuit claims a thinning project may harm whitebark pine; and the deadline to comment on the plan to increase logging in Oregon is Monday.

Finally, your voice matters—a forestry coalition is asking for British Columbians to weigh in.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Amid war-driven uncertainty, Canada holds interest rates steady and the US Fed is expected to follow suit. In related news: the gulf war is upsetting forestry supply chains and freight rates; and US lumber imports fell sharply in the last half of 2025. Meanwhile: naturally:wood released a new guide in support of mass timber buildings; Georgia Tech researchers developed a plant-based plastic substitute; and University of BC fire ecologist Kira Hoffman was named 2026 National Geographic 33 Honoree. 

In Forestry news: Canadian Forest Owners’ partnership creates new insurance options for private forest owners; Interfor and Osoyoos Indian Band partner on forest management; the mild winter is helping Oregon’s planting crews; Virginia Tech launched a Sustainable Forest Supply Chain Collaborative; and Maine’s woodlot owners face new pest problems. Meanwhile: COFI’s Forestry is a Solution platform gets some pushback; is Fix Our Forest a free pass for US loggers; and a book review on  Suzanne Simard’s When a Forest Breathes.

Finally, a new Vancouver exhibit follows the tugboats, beachcombers and arborists behind BC’s changing forest sector.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The United Steelworkers ratified a four-year deal covering nine Domtar paper mills in the US. In related news: BMI Group creates zones to facilitate pulp mill to bioproducts redevelopment; Plantation Pine Products invests to reopen Georgia lumber mill; and Domtar begins wastewater trial at its Kingsport, Tennessee mill. Meanwhile: lumber futures rebound; Canadian housing starts edge up; US consumer sentiment falls; and European laminate flooring declines.

In Forestry/Bioenergy news: BC prepares for wildfire season amid warnings of hot year ahead; harvesting BC’s burned trees may come with ecosystem risk; Trump hosts event prior to EPA’s biofuels mandate decision; the US Bureau of Land Management wants to increase logging in Oregon; and the EU’s bioeconomy strategy may understate wood’s importance.

Finally, a boost for mass timber insurance, as the Canadian Wood Council backs a new framework to assess project risk.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Negotiations begin today to renew a trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada. In related news: BC’s forest minister says market diversification is key; a BC lawmaker says softwood lumber should be a priority; a US economist on how to spur starter homes; and Ukraine’s forest industry rebounds. Meanwhile: lumber futures hit 4-week high; US homebuilder sentiment inched up; Canada’s housing starts rose 4.5%; Canada’s inflation rate fell to 1.8%, and UK timber imports dropped 2.2%.

In Forestry news: the Alaska court ruling halting old-growth logging was led by the US Dept. of Agriculture; BC ENGO’s push for forest conservation and a new Forest Act; a new book by Suzanne Simard—When the Forest Breathes; transforming how Cal Fire manages its forests; and Montana targets 400,000 acres for forest management.  Meanwhile: Woodlots BC’s latest highlights.

Finally, Canada’s wildland fire agencies want better masks. If only it were that easy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Senate passed a bipartisan housing supply bill to improve affordability, but builders warn of negative consequences. In other Business news: the Iran war strands some timber shipments; Fibre Excellence suspends French pulp mill; what to do with Crofton’s water; and a BC First Nation sounds alarm on pollution.

In Wood Product news: the Canadian Wood Council has a new mass timber calculator; a New York symposium features StructureCraft’s Lucas Epp; Australia’s timber-push by Wood Solutions’ Christine Briggs, the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower nears completion; and new research on wood treatments and bacterial survival.

In Forestry news: BC ENGOs bemoan progress on old growth protection; a US judge dismisses push for more logging in Alaska; Oregon scientists thwart whitebark pine blister rust disease; and Washington state restores its wildfire funding. Meanwhile: Woodlots BC’s latest newsletter; and a feature on Weyerhaeuser’s historic sawmill office.

Finally, BC research trio track Sasquatch across Vancouver Island.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada’s housing agency forecasts a multiyear slump in housing starts amid weaker demand and rising costs, while the US economy shows resilience with stable layoffs and mixed housing signals. In related news: the US launched a process to rebuild tariff pressure on 16 countries; the Iran war may accelerate changes in EU lumber flows; and economist Jock Finlayson says US tariffs aren’t BC forestry’s biggest problem. 

In Forestry news: ENGO’s worry that Mark Carney’s new nature strategy will lack funding; Alberta’s drought conditions create wildfire concerns; Taan Forest is Canada’s first FSC verified impact forest; and a US Forest Service video on reducing roadside ignitions. Meanwhile: COFI’s convention includes a State of the Forest Economy panel; Canadian Woodlands Forum’s Spring Meeting is in Moncton; Ontario’s Professional Foresters gather in Pembrook in April; and the BC is Burning video comes to Nanaimo March 25.

Finally, new data for timber products weighs up the carbon impacts of material choices.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

BC Premier David Eby had a ‘frank discussion’ with US ambassador Pete Hoekstra on the lumber dispute and tariffs. In related news: Canada is investing $229M to help retrain tariff-hit Ontario workers; and the US Department of Labor is supporting laidoff workers at Roseburg’s Dillard mill. Meanwhile: Domtar’s Seth Kursman responds to report claiming Canadian firms supported US election deniers; and Sweden’s Södras pulp mill pursues renewable hydrogen.

In Forestry news: Quesnel City Council endorses Forestry is a Solution campaign; the importance of Mosaic’s new stewardship pilot in the Kohsilah watershed is stressed; access to Washington’s private forests is said to be in decline; the Roadless Rule gets more pushback from Oregon and Montana ENGOs; and IKEA faces timber traceability test un EU Deforestation Regulation. 

Finally, the WorkSafeBC surplus debate: prudent rate management—or a rainy-day fund already spent?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

A US trade court judge has extended the deadline for refunding $166 billion in tariffs, citing the administrative challenge facing US Customs. In related news: the Steelworks’ Jeff Bromley says Canada’s tariff response still still leaves some workers behind; Canada engages FPAC to create a Talent Pipeline Management Pilot for the forest sector; and municipal procurement can be part of the solution to help improve prospects for Canada’s forestry sector. Meanwhile: mass timber highlights and advancements from Vancouver, BC; Lakewood, Washington; and London, England.

In Forestry news: Mosaic Forest Management is testing a new approach to forest management in the Koksilah watershed; the City of Mission sees profits from timber sales; the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) launched a new climate and biodiversity strategy; Montana and US Forest Service operationalize their new forestry agreement; and a University of BC webinar—Uninvited guests: Invasive pests, diseases and the fate of our forests.

Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins buy forest carbon credits to offset their footprint.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Natural Resources Canada announced 10 new forest sector projects, including $2.3M for Alberta’s Western Archrib. In related news: Canadian Wood strengthens collaboration with Vietnam; the Municipality of North Cowichan calls for support for laid off workers; Canfor Pulp approves take-private deal by Canfor Corp; Doman reports Q4, 2025 net income; and Stora Enso announced leaders for new forest asset company. Meanwhile: the US Dept of Commerce is starting its annual duty reviews for Canadian and Chinese wood imports; US stocks tumble on Iran war concerns, and US construction employment declined again.

In Forestry/Climate news: Washington State joins California and Quebec carbon market agreement; a new study warns of climate’s impact on European forests; Oregon’s timber wars are revived under Trump’s call for more logging; Colorado reports-out on its Forest Action Plan; and Wisconsin has a new roadmap to protect its timber economy.

Finally, the City of Powell River endorsed BC Coalition’s Forestry is a Solution campaign. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

More than 20 US states sued to block President Trump’s new tariffs, as the labour market unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs last month. In related news: US homebuilders identity forces impacting housing demand; Canada ups training monies for laid-off  forestry workers; a Q&A with BC Forest Minister Ravi Parmar on mill closures; and Ottawa is  accused of preferential treatment with rail subsidies. Meanwhile: Canfor reports Q4, 2025 net loss; Western Forest Products starts-up new kiln in Chemainus; Roseburg restarts construction on Oregon MDF plant; and Hampton Lumber parts way with CEO Randy Schillinger.

In Forestry news: Canada announced $5.2M for 31 species-at-risk projects; a Quebec firm says activists vandalized logging equipment; Alberta released a new wildfire mitigation strategy; BC ENGOs seek old-growth protections near Revelstoke; and the BC budget includes $30M for FireSmart program. Meanwhile: more pushback on Trump’s Roadless Rule repeal; the US Forest Service plans to increase logging in Montana; and two foresters say conservation plan won’t protect Maine’s forests.

Finally, today’s the last day of early bird rates for COFI’s 2026 Convention.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

A US court ordered refunds for tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court, as US Secretary Bessent signals plan to raise new global tariff rate to 15%. In related news: the US Lumber Coalition pans US homebuilders support for a tariff relief bill for building materials. Meanwhile: the Canada-Musqueam Indian Band Agreement raises alarm and questions; Conifex restarts its BC sawmill; Cascades invests $6.9M in its Quebec boxboard plant; Northwest Hardwoods lays off 70 in Washington; and Rayonier AM reports Q4 loss of $21M.

In Forestry news: Drax’s exit from BC sparks forestry debate; a University of BC study says drinking water remains at risk long after wildfires; Colorado’s beetle outbreak task force faces significant challenges; Tump employs obscure law to boost logging; and Oregon seeks federal support for wildfire preparedness. Meanwhile: the Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s latest newsletter; the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship launches new podcast; and the Tennessee Division of Forestry passes SFI audit.

Finally, mass timber can help hospitals heal both patients and the planet.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

February mill closures across North America hit pulp, paper and packaging workers hard. In related news: Metsä Fibre halts its Joutseno pulp mill (again); federal politician hosts town hall on Cowichan, BC mill closures; no word on the future of Ear Falls, Ontario sawmill; and a fire destroys the Neopit, Wisconsin wood mill. Meanwhile: a new bill could prevent tariffs from driving up US housing costs; and builder sentiment on housing remains cautious.

In Forestry news: ENGOs say Drax’s pellet announcement won’t impact BC forests; the Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) Support Act of 2026 is introduced in Washington D.C.; and Scotland considers its future productive tree species list. Meanwhile: SFI released tools for forest climate risk identification; Project Learning Tree Canada is helping job seekers; and FSC Canada’s latests news on its forest management initiatives.

Finally, the Musqueam Indian Band chief says only federal lands are in play in rights agreement with Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US financial markets pull back, oil prices surge and mortgage rates jump in response to Iran conflict. In related news: the Middle East crisis threatens Finland’s forestry exports, and US furniture importers. In Business news: Canada announced $13M in tariff funding for Kalesnikoff Lumber and 8 others; New Brunswick’s royalty rate change cost $45M; and Wisconsin seeks to strengthen its forest industry. Meanwhile: Canada signs aboriginal rights deal with Musqueam Indian Band encompassing Vancouver; and BC Premier Eby loses key staffer on DRIPA law.

In Wood Product news: Canada Wood Group highlights Premier Eby’s trip to India and other wood market news; University of BC opens six-storey mass timber Gateway Health building; and Oregon’s Mass Timber Coalition is featured on ‘All Access with Andy Garcia’. In Forestry news: WWF calls out Canada on biodiversity funding; Prince Edward Island’s auditor general gives province a failing grade on forest management; and BC truck drivers have the most injury claims—and driver fatigue is a contributing factor.

Finally, ERA’s Kevin Mason on forest product markets and tariffs post US Supreme Court-ruling.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Nova Scotia’s approach to forest land protection raises concerns among industry and environmentalists. In other Forestry news: what’s driving BC’s forest industry decline; a new study on the economic importance of Maine’s logging industry; paper mill closures have reduced logging in Wisconsin; and the University of Montana names Libby Metcalf dean of Forestry.

In Business news: US duties on Chinese hardwood plywood start today; a Senate bill seeks relief from US tariffs on building materials; a Michigan State study on why modular mass timber isn’t scaling (yet); Northern Ontario looks to diversify its forest base; and BC improves permitting process for post-disaster activities. Meanwhile: upcoming conventions (west and east) address industry challenges; and the latest from the Forest Genetics Council of BC; and the Western Forestry Contractors Association.

Finally, how West Michigan survived 60,000 logs in the ‘Great Log Jam’ of 1883.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada’s economy contracted as weaker US-bound exports dragged on growth. In related news: US mortgage rates fell below 6%, and Japan’s housing starts ticked down. In Business news: Canada remains optimistic on US trade, while the US signals concessions are required; Western Forest Products is expanding its Vancouver, Washington mill site; Canfor turns down bid for its Houston, BC holdings; Ahlstom downsizes its Moninee, Wisconsin paper mill; and Drax launches review of its Canadian pellet operations.

In other news: the Royal Architectural Institute Canada touts new mass timber guide; BC reports progress on chronic wasting disease in deer; Mosaic sells its Nanaimo marsh lands to the Regional District; PacifiCorp owes $1B in an Oregon wildfires class-action suit; and Cal Fire opens grant program to support forestry. Meanwhile: could shifting gears from forestry to tourism pay the bills in BC, and why BC’s lumber crisis is also a climate challenge.

Finally, London, Ontario ‘The Forest City‘ is this year’s Forest Capital of Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada defends forest industry support amid US Lumber Coalition pressure, says diversification will reduce lumber dependence. In related news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor welcomes Canada’s diversification program; RBC Economics reviews the decades-long softwood dispute; FEA’s Paul Jannke updates the Section 122 duty implications for wood products; and more on BC Premier Eby’s trade mission to India. In other Business news: paper industry trends; lumber futures new low; and Q4 earnings reports from Stella-Jones, Drax and Cascades.

In Forestry news: Mosaic tests a new approach to forest management in Koksilah Watershed; a First Nations coalition prepares to take over Canfor’s timber allocation; and Bayer faces new court challenges after Roundup deal. Meanwhile: entries open for the Marcus Wallenberg Prize; news from SFI’s Project Learning Tree and the BC Forest Safety Council; annual convention updates by COFI (April 8-10), and OFIA (April 28-29); and CWC’s webinar on affordable housing and mass timber (March 5).

Finally, when firefighters choose to sleep in a wood building, that tells you something about how far mass timber has come.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US trade representative Jamieson Greer said any trade deal with Canada will include tariffs. In related news: President Trump makes a new case for tariffs; Canada launches program to retool the forest sector; the US Lumber Coalition pans BC’s stumpage deferral program; and Quebec scraps its annual royalty charge for sawmills. Meanwhile: Ontario starts building first of its kind mass timber bridge;  Steelworkers ratify BC forestry agreement; International Paper downsizes in South Carolina; and Boise Cascade and BlueLinx report Q4 earnings.

In Forestry news: the US Forest Service and Alaska sign forestry agreement; eight Western US states oppose Trump’s rollbacks; and BC Timber Sales include commercial thinning projects. Meanwhile: the Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s new safety plan; a CIF forestry event in Sault Ste. Marie; a Montreal conference on building with wood; and BC’s College of Applied Biologists’ 2026 conference keynote.

Finally, citing competitiveness and safety, BC business groups pan PST tax hike.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Fallout from the US Supreme Court tariff ruling has Europe preparing to retaliate; US homebuilders and building material dealers calling for cost relief; Canada worrying about the tariffs still in place; and FEA explaining the 15% Section 122 duty implications for wood products. Meanwhile: Prime Minister Carney heads to Asia for trade relief; and President Trump prepares for his State of the Union address.

In other news: Quebec First Nations file lawsuit to curb logging; BC mayor renews call for EI benefits for laid-off workers; BC looks to expand Indigenous-led forestry businesses; Newfoundland forestry assumes responsibility for emergency services; Oregon proposes logging ramp-up on public lands; North Carolina warns of spring wildfire risks; and Arkansas deploys urban forestry personal to neighbouring states.

Finally, Record-breaking storms brings snow-pack relief to both West and East coast mountains.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US Customs said that it will stop collecting tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. In response: Trump said he’ll use another law to raise tariffs; Quebec expressed mixed reactions; BC may challenge the lumber tariffs; the EU said their trade deal must be honoured; and China wants the tariffs cancelled. Meanwhile: Unifor says Canadian jobs remain at risk; the DOW dropped 600 points; ING bank says new tariffs means new uncertainty; and US builders says uncertainty will stall new construction.  

In Forestry news: BC is rethinking its FireSmart funding model; Oregon opens up more lands for logging; Arizona needs another biomass-burning power plant; Colorado Governor appoints Ponderosa Mountain Pine Beetle task force; the American Forest Foundation plants millionth tree; and after logging bans—Australia turns to forest thinning. Meanwhile: FPInnovations‘ latest technology updates; and FSC Africa partners to protect forests.

Finally, sustainable timber and steel hybrid solution specified for UK sports centre.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Supreme Court ruled (6-3) that President Trump’s emergency tariffs are illegal, declines to comment on possible refunds. In other Business news: the US Lumber Coalition added subsidy allegations to its Canadian lumber complaint; Coastal Forest Products is accused of evading US trade remedy laws; Western Forest Products and Tla’amin Nation agree on TFL 39 Block 1 sale; and Unifor seeks meeting with Kruger over Corner Brook mill. Meanwhile: Acadian Timber appoints Malcolm Cockwell CEO; Clearwater Paper reports Q4 net income; and Canfor supports Whitecourt, Alberta’s new event centre.

In Forestry news: First Nations chiefs file lawsuit over forest land title in Quebec; and Oregon and California railroad lands are set to allow more logging. Meanwhile: the US Forest Service announced $95 million for wood innovations; Massachusetts considers staircase code change; a PEFC webinar on agroforestry and urban forestry; SFI training programs across the US; and the latest news from WorkSafeBC, BC Wood, and the Softwood Lumber Board.

Finally, BC raw log exports—an emotionally charged phrase that obscures value and jobs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Globe and Mail commentators and FPAC’s Board Chair outline a structural reset for Canada’s forest sector. In related news: BC’s budget includes forestry measures but fails to mention “path to 45 initiative“; Canfor announces asset write-down; Weyerhaeuser employs natural gas logging trucks; Drax faces scrutiny over wood pellet sources; Domtar installs new tissue line in Tennessee; and Alabama-based Southern Parallel Forest Products is set to close. Meanwhile: Canada invests in Quebec’s Cecebois; and US homebuilders elect new board leadership. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: new research findings report that forest loss can make watersheds leakier; wildfires can be leveraged to increase forest resilience; bird diversity hotspots face threats from high-severity wildfires; and the US Roadless rule repeal increases risk of more fires. Meanwhile: FPAC opens awards for Innovation in Forestry;  and the Tongass Forest Plan is open for public comment.

Finally, the US environment agency is sued over scrapping rule behind climate protections.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The BC government’s 2026 budget forecasts a record deficit amid tough times in forestry. In response: the United Steelworkers point to several positives, COFI says falling harvest levels can be reversed; and the Tyee noted the absence of forest policy reforms. In other Business news: Kruger’s Corner Brook mill is partially operating again; JD Irving secures support for New Brunswick paper mill; Louisiana Pacific reports Q4 loss; and Woodland Pulp reports a 2nd worker died from gas exposure. Meanwhile: US single-family housing starts rose in December after full-year 2025 drop.

In Forestry news: Alberta is adding five water bombers to its firefighting fleet; a BC First nation is suing the province over Interfor’s timber licence extension; Oregon counties push for predictable logging levels; Wyoming’s first woodland firefighting teams gain momentum; and Montana seeks to avoid several wilderness designations.

Finally, Bayer has agreed to pay $7.25 billion to settle Roundup weedkiller lawsuits.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The housing outlook weakened in Canada and US as affordability and uncertainty dampened activity. In related news: US builder sentiment ticked lower; and Canada’s inflation rate edged down. In Business news: Canada announced its new CUSMA trade negotiator; Bell Lumber & Pole is expanding in Arkansas; Metsä created a lignin demo plant in Finland; and factory-built housing makes headway in Ontario and California.

In Forestry news: Tree Canada launched an urban forestry platform; the University of Alberta is creating new growth and yield models; activists spiked trees in Quebec’s Maurice region; a BC ENGO says herbicide use has declined but the NDP planned to phase it out; the mountain pine beetle outbreak intensified in Colorado; Vermont’s forests need management not mandates; and Georgia announced its Forestry for Wildlife award winners.

Finally, why Richmond Plywood refuses to shut down even when demand tanks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trump’s move to revoke the 2009 ‘endangerment finding’ — the legal basis for regulating GHGs — is drawing both support and criticism, with court challenges expected. In related news: USDA appoints Sarah Fisher deputy chief for Fire and Aviation Management; and boreal forest tree planting could improve Canada’s GHG removals. Meanwhile: Nanaimo’s Regional District reverses course on raw log exports; Forest Nova Scotia recognized its forestry leaders; and Weyerhaeuser sells 107,000 acres of Virginia timberlands.

In Business news: BC’s forestry critic bemoans the domino effect of pulp mill closures; Interfor Corporation and Mercer International report negative Q4, 2025 results; Structurlam’s bankruptcy fight with Walmart returns to court; and Target Technologies expands its Illinois plastic lumber facility. Meanwhile: BCIT toutes national construction training program; and early bird rates are ending for International Pulp Week.

Finally, the mystery of Friday the 13th, the dark origins of Valentine’s Day, and and Canada’s Family Day — sounds like the perfect excuse for a long weekend. Back Tuesday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Duties and tariffs, southern yellow pine oversupply and weak housing weigh on West Fraser’s Q4 results. In other company news: Fibre Excellence may close two pulp mills in France; Nippon Paper is acquiring a New Zealand wood fibre company; and Acadian Timber and Rayonier report their Q4, 2025 earnings. Meanwhile: US job growth rebounded; Canada’s building permit values rose; and BC outperformed Canada on exports.

In other news: the US EPA is proposing updates to its formaldehyde emission standards; Nebraska’s Horizon Biofuels is fined for July 2025 wood-dust explosion; a study says climate change set the stage for devastating fires in Argentina and Chile; and climate scientists say tipping point to hothouse earth may already be upon us.

Finally, despite Trump’s bridge threat and the House vote opposing tariffs, the upcoming CUSMA negotiations offer a sign of hope.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The collapse of the NDP–Green deal fuels early election talk, clouds future of BC forestry review. In related news: Canada considers new fines for GHG emissions, the United States plans to repeal its key climate regulation; FSC Canada’s series on climate change and forests; ENGOs sue Ottawa on BC caribou habitat inaction; and new research on post-fire carbon and fuel profiles.

In Business news: Canada’s unions issue warning ahead of CUSMA review; trade fears linger even as Canada’s outlook improves; US construction prices are on the rise; Western Forest Products and Suzano reported their Q4, 2025 earnings; Russia’s lumber production fell again; and experts warn of pulp overcapacity in Finland. Meanwhile: Forest Professionals BC honours their top members; Silvacom is one of Alberta’s top employers (again) and CWC’s Wood Design & Building is out.

Finally, insurance companies wouldn’t be pricing in climate risk if it was a hoax.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

North American housing demand softens, as Canada forecasts reduced housing starts and the US reports weaker mortgage demand. In Business news: BC appeals DRIPA ruling to the Supreme Court; Irving criticizes New Brunswick’s response to its land swap; Smurfit Westrock closes a paper machine at La Tuque, Quebec; and more on Roseburg’s recent plywood layoffs. Meanwhile: WoodWorks BC is partnering with BUILDEX 2026 in Vancouver; Canada Wood’s latest market news; and the US Green Building Council’s takeaways from COP 30.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s FireSmart program is running short of funds; NuPort partners with Domtar and Chantiers Chibougamau to test autonomous trucking in Quebec; and SFI launches a tool to align SFI standards with key sustainability reporting frameworks. Meanwhile: a BC documentary on forestry flood risk screens in Toronto; and a Montana forester pushes back on recent timber lawsuits.

Finally, illegal cannabis farms said to pollute California’s forest lands and watersheds.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Unifor selected Domtar as the target company in eastern Canada for the upcoming round of bargaining. In related news: support for BC workers ramps up after Crofton and Chemainus mill curtailments; tariffs mean boom and bust for Maine sawmillers; and Kentucky’s hardwood industry is at risk of collapse. Meanwhile: Canada and China renew cooperation on wood construction; Michigan jump-starts 9 mass timber projects, wood windows are returning to high-end residential architecture; and the US Lumber Coalition says lumber prices are not a factor in housing affordability.

In Forestry/Climate news: the Canadian Tree Nursery Association sounds alarm over seedling shortage; Indigenous leaders make their voices heard in BC and Washington; a GOP rep pans Washington state’s barred owl-kill plan; warming enhances soil carbon accumulation in boreal peatlands; NASA confirms northward shift of boreal forests; and more on BC’s forest management report by columnist Tom Fletcher, and ENGO Wildsight.

Finally, Norway spruce trees may not have been anticipating a solar eclipse after all.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The 2026 Olympics kicks offs in Italy with PEFC-certified forests at the heart of its sustainability aims. In related news: Canada presents bill to support Build Canada Program; UC Berkeley’s mass timber research is decarbonizing construction; wildfire home insurance is under fire in Southern California; New Brunswick minister says no to JD Irving’s land swap idea; and University of BC researchers say wolf reduction boosts caribou survival in rugged terrain areas.

In Business news: New Brunswick’s Susan Holt says no end is in sight for softwood lumber dispute; Canada Wood Group’s Bruce St. John opines on BC’s race to find alternative markets; Cascades exits honeycomb packaging and partition business; Remsoft acquires INFLOR forest management systems; and Metsa Group reports Q4, 2025 net loss. Meanwhile, the USDA firefighting-agency merger is proceeding without Congress’ approval.

Finally,  a new study ties wildfire smoke to 24,100 US deaths per year.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Uniboard started up its new particleboard line in Val-d’Or, Quebec. In related news: Roseburg cut 146  jobs at Riddle Plywood in Oregon; and the Crofton Pulp union opposes a proposed BC mill-closure study. Meanwhile: China’s lumber imports fell 12%; US mortgage rates declined; SFPA’s Expo 2027 is heading to Savannah; and registration for International Pulp Week is now open.

In Forestry/Climate news: Rob Shaw says the BC forestry review puts NDP government in a bind; the Government of Yukon announced a new forest fund; Michigan State University’s Forest Carbon and Climate Program receives two SFI awards; Mississippi State toutes forest carbon credits; a new study says remote sensing can detect early forest decline; and forest soils will absorb more methane as the climate warms.

Finally, mass timber construction can spur Canada’s economy, and reduce construction accidents in New York.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Following the BC forestry council’s call for a fundamental policy shift, industry and labour groups, politicians and environmental organizations offered sharply differing views — while Vaughn Palmer questioned whether the government will act. In relate news: a new report calls for better coordination of BC’s wildfire reliance efforts; US lawmakers debate the Fix Our Forests Act; while Washington state considers changes to riparian buffers.

In Business news: BC’s Attorney General will take the lead on future Walbran prosecutions Ontario’s mill closures raised in House of Commons; a Montana economic report points to forestry woes; and Chinese imports are threatening Australian jobs. Meanwhile: Russ Taylor joins the BC’s Forestry Innovation Investment board; the BC Foresters’ conference kicks off today; and the latest from FSC Canada.

Finally, US Department of Energy scientists blast climate report ordered up by boss.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

A report by BC’s new Provincial Forestry Advisory Council says BC’s forest management system needs to be overhauled. In response: 

• The Truck Loggers Association supports the shift from volume to area based management
• Forest critic Ward Stamer says the report fails to address challenges facing the industry
• The Ancient Forest Alliance says the report fails to protect BC’s old growth
• The BC Green Party backs the call for major reforms in forest management

In Forestry/Climate news: high-tech imaging could improve Alberta’s forest industry; the US Forest Service approves logging in Alaska’s Tongass; New Hampshire balances logging and forest carbon offsets; the BC Community Forest Association launches an educational video; and a new book by Richard Hutto celebrates the upsides of burned forests.

Finally, ERA’s Kevin Mason opines on lumber’s price momentum, and Robert McKellar’s latest piece on Trump and trade.

JD Irving proposed a lands swap to help New Brunswick meet its conservation goals. In related news: a new study on Boreal tree planting and carbon neutrality in Canada; carbon credits could help Georgia’s forest industry; BC First Nations acquire some of Canfor’s timber rights; BC Timber Sales grapple with watershed logging in West Kootenay; Ontario invests in natural resources research; IKEA completes forest land acquisition; and Vietnam focuses on sustainable timber sourcing. Meanwhile: the latest news from the BC First Nations Forestry Council.

In Business news: Ontario helps Kap Paper complete its market-pivot study; Oregon counties get pay bump from logging; CN Rail reports tariff hit and forest products revenue drop; and Canada’s Real GDP was unchanged in November. Meanwhile: Unifor Canada toutes forestry for sustainable jobs action; and mass timber news from Cleveland, Ohio, and Redmond, Oregon.

Finally, On World Wetlands Day—a focus on forest conservation and climate resilience.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Weyerhaeuser and International Paper reported disappointing Q4, 2025 earnings as forest sector headwinds persist. In related news: Cascades sells BC packaging plant to Crown Paper; US remodelling growth is expected to slow; lumber is looking up; and Japanese housing starts fell to 62 year low. Meanwhile: Prime Minister Carney says premiers are united ahead of CUSMA review; while President Trump ordered decertification of Canadian aircraft, including those used for wildfire suppression.  

In Forestry news: a new study reveals gap in Canada’s post-wildfire reforestation efforts; a BC First Nation sues to reclaim land on central coast; Unifor shares its Fight for Forestry plan in Ontario; Oregon’s new forest plan is ready for public input; and Wyoming researchers track long-term tree health. Meanwhile: the latest news from Woodlots BC; the BC Community Forest Association, and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC.

Finally, BC Institute of Technology launches national platform to advance construction education and training in Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Lumber Coalition calls for USMCA dispute panels to be scrapped in upcoming trade review. In related news: an iPolitics story on Canada’s market diversification problem; praise for BC Premier Eby’s reconciliation efforts; and another call for banning of raw log exports in BC. Meanwhile: International Paper splits into two companies; Louisiana Pacific has a new Board chair; and Woodland Pulp reports accidental death of a University of Maine student.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: mass timber construction is going mainstream;  PEFC Canada partners in support Indigenous-led certification; ENGOs sue US over public comment requirements; Washington’s industry fears timber harvest cuts; and the US Intertribal Timber Council speaks to downsides of EU’s deforestation regulation. Meanwhile: BC’s FireSmart program needs more funding; and Corner Brook, Newfoundland pilots national wildfire resiliency template.

Finally, Anthony Robinson interviews Bruce Blackwell on the Stanley Park logging project.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The Conference Board consumer confidence index fell sharply in January, surpassing its Covid-19 pandemic depths. In other Business news: Canada prepares for upcoming CUSMA talks; First Nations urge BC to keep DRIPA as is; BC’s forest sector faces tough 2026; Arkansas’ industry faces challenges of its own; and Fibre Excellence navigates markets troubles in France. Meanwhile: the Rayonier / PotlatchDeltic merger is approved; the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association has a new name; and Canada holds its interest rates steady, while the US is expected to do the same.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC updates forestry metrics for climate mitigation; Drax faces headwinds as Japan cuts wood pellet subsidies; biomass-to-jet fuel projects are on the rise; and an interview JP Gladu, a member of Domtar’s new External Sustainable Advisory Committee. Meanwhile: MNP is hiring a forestry consultant; and BC Wood sets date for the 2026 Global Buyers Mission.

Finally, the 2026 Forest Professionals BC Conference and AGM kicks off next week.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Four former US Forest Service Chiefs oppose repeal of the Roadless Rule in a bipartisan op-ed. In related news: Ducks Unlimited to showcase a new film on Word Wetlands Day; BC ENGO calls for a species at risk update; fire history has shaped US longleaf pine forests; and make sure the nature credits you buy are real. Meanwhile: BC Forest Professionals’ AGM kicks off next week; and after 18+ years at the helm, SFI’s Kathy Abusow is retiring in 2026. 

In Business news: union leaders call for Thunder Bay paper mill to diversify its product lines; North Cowichan braces for potential impacts if Chemainus sawmill closes; and Vietnam wood businesses sees opportunity in Trump’s tariff postponement. Meanwhile: Home Depot launches an AI tool for builders; and no change expected to Canada’s interest rate this week.

Finally, Nick Arkle and John Mohammed are awarded UBC Alumni Builder Awards.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Prime Minister Carney says Canada is not pursuing a free trade deal with China, as President Trump threatens 100% tariffs. In other Business news: BC Premier Eby said there are no quick fixes for forestry; Western Forest Products extends its Chemainus mill curtailment; Atli Resources’ Jonathan Lok reacts to BC chip mill closure; and Ontario workers call for action on the Ear Falls and Ignace sawmill closures. 

In Forestry news: a 60-year trend analysis points to fewer fires but greater destruction in Canada’s forests; Drax launches a biomass tracker to boost fibre transparency; New Mexico lawmakers seek exemption from the Roadless Rule rollback; and Minnesota releases its annual forest health report. Meanwhile: after 10 years Frank Varga is stepping down at Burns Lake Community Forest; and Revelstoke Community Forest’s Kevin Bollefer addresses stigma around cutting blocks.

Finally, WorkSafeBC updates measures to manage all types of combustible dusts.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Atli Resources, a First Nation-owned wood chip plant on Vancouver Island is shutting down after Crofton mill closure—CEO says this is “a necessary pause — not an exit”. In related news: the Natural Resources Forum focused on BC forestry challenges; and more on why Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper is exiting the newsprint business. In Wood Product news: the Softwood Lumber Board continuance referendum is postponed; Canada released its 2025 Model Building Code; Ontario WoodWorks focuses on prefabrication systems; and US homebuilders focus on affordability crisis.

In Forestry news: Oregon’s governor picks first woman state forester; Wyoming’s governor signs stewardship agreement with USDA; ENGOs sue Oregon over spotted owl habitat; Rogers Satellite courts Canada’s foresters; and BC’s professional accounting association (CPABC) releases commentary on sustainable forestry reporting.

Finally, Chile’s wildfire emergency follows a pattern seen in wildfires around the world.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor