Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Wildfire expert Bruce Blackwell on what we’ve learned two decades after the Kelowna Mountain Park Fire. In related Wildfire Resilience Week news: the Nature Conservancy’s roadmap forward; Jasper, Alberta’s risk reduction work; and the import of the Goldilocks effect to improve forest health. Meanwhile: a new study on logging near salmon-bearing streams; mass timber’s pending green revolution; and Real Cedar’s upcoming summit and cedar school.

In Business news: Pactiv Evergreen to close its Canton, North Carolina paper mill; CP Rail announces US Midwest agreement; as CN Rail faces strike action in Canada; and Stella-Jones reports positive Q4, full year results. On the Market front: ERA’s Kevin Mason opines on the highly challenging year ahead; Fannie Mae on homebuyer’s sentiment; and Realtor.com on the US housing shortage.

Finally, Drax’s Liezl van Wyk celebrates women in forestry on International Women’s Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forsite Consultants kick-off Wildfire Resilience and Awareness week with a feature on full-circle fire resiliency. In related news: the US West struggles to recover from wildfires; climate smart forestry can save carbon without harvest change; and Simpcw First Nation pushes back on BC’s old-growth strategy.

In other news: Kruger gets Kamloops City support for fibre access; Cooper Creek Cedar is investigated for Kootenay Lake clearcut; DroneSeed acquires Cal Forest Nurseries; and some wood innovations courtesy the Northern Forest Center. Meanwhile: the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau has a new grading rule book; and the UK timber industry launches a wood and fire safety website.

Finally, why are ecologists yelling at frogs in the forest?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CN Rail unions vote in favour of strike action after talks break down. In other Company news: Unifor ratifies agreement with West Fraser Barwick mill; Drax responds to biomass criticism; Gorman Bros seeks relief on pause of old growth cutting; and Aspen Planers’ workers bemoan lack of permits. In Product news: Dezeen Magazine on the dawn of the Timber Revolution; Yale 360 on bio-based product momentum; and earthquake-ravaged Turkey reconsiders timber construction.

In other news: BC extends old-growth ban in spotted owl habitat; Ben Parfitt on the closure of monster mills; US lawmakers propose $60 billion for forest resiliency work; new technology offers alternatives to Montana’s slash piles; and Carlton Owen on retirement and giving back to the forest sector.

Finally, Tree Frog News hosts Wildfire Resilience and Awareness Week.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires in boreal forests released a record amount of CO2 in 2021, new research says. In related news: two NGOs deliver conservation in the Northwest Territories; the Kaska Nation in BC plants trees for climate action; and a global summit on who should pay to save the world’s forests.

In Forest Product news: BC developer Adera is halfway to 1000 mass timber homes; UK Wood For Good closes its doors; the UK Green Building Council on wood substitution; IKEA seeks forest supply chain clarity; and avoiding palm oil is harder than you think. In Business news: Home Depot and Lowe’s muddy outlook; Australia & New Zealand wood export woes; and more on Canfor’s Q4 and Tolko’s operations.

Finally, on World Wildlife Day a squirrel hides its wares in a Subaru Forester.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko Industries will restart its curtailed BC mills in Armstrong and Soda Creek next week. In other Business news: Mercer secures major mass timber contract; Enviva updates plans for new pellet production; and Drax launches a new global foundation. Meanwhile: US construction spending edges down, as other homebuilding materials fail to follow lumber’s price decline.

In Forestry/Climate news: two studies—one US and one Canadian—point to threatened ecosystems; Colorado releases its forest health report; Minnesota looks to biochar to reduced emissions; Vermont conservationist seek more forest protection; and the University of Toronto’s carbon offsets are called a waste of time. 

Finally, drone footage show swaths of New Zealand’s forests obliterated by cyclone.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor Corp and Canfor Pulp reported Q4 losses, full year 2022 results. In related news: no path to restarting Canfor’s Taylor mill, while others look to hire displaced workers; and BC’s budget forecasts forestry revenue to fall. In other Company headlines: Kruger seeks fibre to keep Kamloops mill going; Paper Excellence welcomes Resolute into its family; First Quality celebrates purchase of Domtar mill; JD Irving gets loan from the feds; Prince Albert Pulp Mill reunion planned; and Enviva reports Q4 loss. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests to conserve Ontario wetlands, support Indigenous biomass energy plant; New Brunswick First Nations sign forestry agreement; US Endowment supports USDA’s wildfire crisis strategy; and the Softwood Lumber Board opens 2023 competition in support of mass timber building projects.

Finally, BC Forest Safety Ombudsperson, Roger Harris is stepping down in 2023.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Domtar/Paper Excellence announced the sale of their Dryden, Ontario pulp mill, paving way for Resolute acquisition. In other Company news: Canfor Pulp layoffs take effect in two months; Mercer announces new CFO; and JELD-WEN and Rayonier AM report positive Q4s. In other Business news: the US Climate plan requires Canada to up its competitiveness; and hard-hit BC forest dependent towns look for budget relief. 

In other news: Canada invests to reverse biodiversity loss; Alberta splits wildlife branch into two; researchers say human-wildlife conflicts are on the rise; Michigan forests altered by climate change; and Minnesota assesses worst case climate scenarios. 

Finally, a tragic logging truck accident in Alberta, and a new risk management award program in Ontario.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s resource sector provides the highest paying jobs for Indigenous workers. In other news: a rail service revival is touted for Vancouver Island; US economists still expect a recession, as new home sales rose in January, GDP was up 2.7% in Q4. Elsewhere: Taiga Building Products reports lower Q4 earnings; Södra looks to expand in Sweden; and Russia’s logging falls 13.5%.

In Forestry/Climate news: Neil Young surprises at Victoria old-growth rally; Dave Elstone says BC mill closures blamed on incorrect notions; US invests in forest nursery and native seed partnerships; California detects Pine Ghost Canker fungi; Sierra Nevada sees rise in high-severity fires; and the spotted vs barred owl conundrum.

Finally, Keith Atkinson is named new chair of BC’s Forest Practices Board.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Britain drops legal action against Drax over wood dust health and safety concerns. In other Business news: Smithers, BC to assess impact of mill closure, as more BC closures called inevitable; New Zealand cyclone closes Pan Pac pulp mill; and Russian plywood is still reaching US shores. 

In Forestry/Climate news: FPAC releases annual report, promotes forest’s role in curbing climate change; an EU study on boreal forests and climate mitigation; Suzanne Simard defends her trees talk research; federal protection for BC’s spotted owls; timber harvests may help West Virginia songbirds; and the European Space Agency sets out to map Earth’s old-growth forests.

Finally, whittle by whittle, Vancouver, BC and Levis, Quebec look to mass timber.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian and American federal agencies are proposing protection for their at-risk spotted owl populations. In other Forestry news: time for BC to fight fire with fire; positive audits for Babine First Nation, and Williams Lake Timber Sales; Ontario’s Black Ash recovery called too restrictive; California’s Sierra Nevada forests are becoming stranded; Oregon works to reduce wildfire risks; chemicals tell bark beetles which trees to infest; and mass spectrometry can identify smuggled wood.

In Business news: Canada’s foreign home buyer ban slows construction; First Nations may have right to say yes to economic development; Cascades reports positive Q4 results; and the strong start to US economy is not expected to last. 

Finally, Forests Ontario recognizes contributors to forestry and the environment.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Forest Service announced 14 new projects in support of wildfire mitigation and forest resilience. In Company news: BC unions seek court order related to cyberattack on Paper Excellence’s payroll system; PRT acquires Alberta’s Woodmere Nursery; Sappi’s Somerset, Maine investments sustain operations; Boise Cascade reports positive Q4; and Adams Lumber pleads guilty to tax fraud in Virginia. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada mum on rejoining environmental timber trade regulation group; BC cities seek to divert building demotion waste; and the EU Emissions Plan is causing carbon prices to surge.

Finally, SFI community grants and BC First Nations Forestry Council scholarships are open for applications, and MNP  supports Alberta’s Business of Distinction Awards.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Conifex Timber announced a 2-week curtailment of its Mackenzie, BC mill. In related news: Sierra Pacific is rebuilding its Lane County, Oregon mill; a fire temporarily closes Idaho’s Tamarack Mill; Louisiana Pacific reports Q4 loss; Home Depot misses revenue expectations; and another strike hits Finland’s paper industry. In Forestry news:

• There is no conspiracy in logging emissions (John Mullinder)
• B.C.’s forest loss can be seen from space (Global Forest Watch)
• The time is right to create Working Forests in BC (Jim Stirling)
• Time to stop using virgin forests as a resource for toilet paper (NRDC)
• Cowichan Forest can generate positive ROI (Friends of the Municipal Forest)
• BC changes don’t go far enough to protect against wildfire (Robert Gray)

In other news: Oregon’s new forest plan has its critics; New Mexico’s law to help with wildfires; North Carolina plan spurs logging fears; and a wildfire in Cuba threatens hundreds of residents.

Finally, forestry law practitioner Mark Oulton joins Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor 

CP Rail secured a two-year collective agreement (with Unifor) for its mechanical employees in Canada. In other Company news: Livingston, Montana braces for R-Y Timber closure; and Western Forest Products and Mercer International report reduced Q4, 2022 earnings. On the Market front, US housing starts fall, the market share for townhouse construction rises; printing paper shipments fall; and a building material dealer opines on where we go from here.

In Forestry/Climate news: Industry welcomes BC’s new old-growth measures, while ENGO’s call it a move in the right direction; Ontario invests in tree planting; Oregon stays the course on habitat conservation; a Georgia company plants genetically modified trees; and North Carolina studies the carbon footprint of different fibres.

Finally, Kenworth celebrates 100 years with a 1923 one-log-per-load logging truck. Monday is Family Day where the Frogs reside—so we’re back on Tuesday (barring breaking news).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Premier Eby announced new measures to protect old growth, increase forest landscape planning and spur innovation. In related news: BC’s plan—welcomed by ENGO’s, Green Party and Unifor—will harness financial clout of conservation groups, and downgrade import of timber supply. In other news: Oregon considers carbon sequestration plan, and the meteoric rise of mass timber.

In Business news: Canfor’s Houston mill is back on line after fire; R-Y Timber closes its fire-damaged Lavington mill; the demolition of Tolko’s mill a loss of Kelowna history; Port Hawkesburry Paper agrees to harvest less; and Russia approves IKEA factory sales. Elsewhere: the Buy American plan is called bipartisan folly; a study on post-hurricane recovery challenges; and US builder confidence is up but housing starts are down.

Finally, the folly of focusing on local GHG reductions instead of what’s smartest and best.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser Timber reported a Q4 loss on weak lumber demand. In related news: Clearwater Paper also reported a Q4 loss; lumber prices fall in 8-day losing streak; Canadian housing activity declines; and US progress on inflation slows. In other Business news: One Sky Forest Products is closer to breaking ground on OSB mill; and Nippon is closing its Australian white paper mill. Elsewhere: Auburn University’s Edward Loewenstein is retiring, and BC foresters are recognized by their peers.

In Forestry/Climate news: identifying alternatives to wood waste in BC and California; forest landslides and roads in the Pacific Northwest; wildfire risk reduction in Arizona, and California’s melting snowpack. Meanwhile: Apple backs forest conservation in the US South; and Global Canopy’s climate wake-up report. 

Finally, more coverage and pushback on the research connecting forests and fungi.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

Researchers say the idea that trees can communicate, share resources and protect their seedlings is intriguing but unproven. In other Forestry news: a Californian goes to jail for setting wildfires, Washington wants to sell carbon credits; Oregon ups penalties for assaulting rangers; and Purdue University secures grant to help forest landowners.

In other news: Canada’s freight railways are cost efficient; BC’s Top Employers include forest notables; and an Alberta advisory group offers eye-opening forestry insights. Meanwhile: perspectives on using biomass to produce power; truck driver logging devices introduced in BC; Mosaic thrives on sustainability, and Paper Excellence contributes to salmon restoration.

Finally, Spring is early in the east and despite its dark origins, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

*Please note: our website server will be performing maintenance between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm PST which may cause service interruptions.

US home builders believe housing development may be excluded from the new Buy American standard. In other Business news: Camden Timbers opens new sawmill in Arkansas;  Nova Scotia’s Port Hawkesbury Paper deal called balanced; Woodtone Industries fined for safety violation; Aspen Planers’ workers protest lack of permits; and production delays cited for Walmart’s cancellation of Structurlam contract.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC ENGO’s call for more forest protection; industry groups denounce Oregon’s forest plan; thinning forests won’t help the Great Salt Lake; scientists work to restore the whitebark pine; and a US Forest Service study links tree planting with mortality rates.

Finally, the many uses of charcoal—it’s a killer, a saviour and a trickster.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Due to delays, Huber Engineered Woods cancels its plan to build an OSB pant in Minnesota—looks for another state. In other Business news: Canada cautious on Buy American plan; US Pulp & Paper Council reps lobby Capital Hill; and Kruger to transform its Turcot mill as its Kamloop’s workers focus on fibre. In Market news: US housing starts drop in December as affordability falls (again); kitchen cabinet sales are up; West Fraser leads top-ten lumber list; Interfor reports Q4, 2022 loss; and Sylvamo Paper reports positive results.

In Forestry/Climate news: the American Forest Foundation expands access to carbon credits; the importance of forests for CO2 storage; bioengineered poplar trees can store more carbon; Japan aims to turn wood into aviation fuel; and a New Zealand company seeks to use wood over coal. Elsewhere: Oregon’s beaver restrictions, and Tanzania’s silent frog. 

Finally, an ultra-thin building material could regulate temperature like a chameleon.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Biden’s Buy America plan is concerning to Canadian manufacturers and BC lumber exporters, but also US construction groups. In other Business news: Domain Capital acquires more Southeast timberland; Minnesota’s R-Y Timber hit with mill fire; Port Hawkesbury Paper secures fibre agreement; Acadian Timber reports positive Q4 results; and Canfor Houston workers can apply for early retirement.

In other news: Canada invests in wildlife disease surveillance; FSC Canada highlights Indigenous Peoples’s rights; Crownhill Packaging attains FSC certification, while Asia Pacific Reourses seeks to regain its lost affiliation; Wisconsin’s budget includes a boost for forestry; and the U of Minnesota’s forest research center may be ceded to local Band. On the Safety front: US ups its focus on combustible dust; Hancock lumber gets firearm scare; and poor building construction blamed for Turkey’s high death toll.

Finally, Gord Chipman is the new General Manager of the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mercer International and West Fraser Timber announce an eight-week curtailment at Quesnel, BC mill. In related news: West Fraser Mills receives funding to study innovation opportunities; the Town of Smithers creates a portal on Canfor mill closures; Houston Pellet to remain open for now; and Nippon Paper set to make a decision on Australian paper plant. Meanwhile: Canadian lumber exports fall 10%, Russian lumber exports fall 25%; US wood pellet exports rise 10%; and global wood fibre costs for pulp trend up.

In Forestry/Climate news: good news on the Coulson firefighting aircraft that crashed in Australia; a new study reinforces carbon neutrality of biomass in the US Southeast; despite rains – California’s forests are still impacted by drought; a global study on the relative importance of forest management and climate change on ecosystems; and many more headlines on our website.

Finally, Crazy Canucks bring home best (wood) sled award in US tobogganing meet.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Skeena Sawmills in Terrace, BC is closing down temporarily due to a lack of fibre and weak markets. In other Company news: Canfor wins right to use fingerprint technology; Resolute joins the Working Forests Initiative; Hampton sounds alarm on Oregon Conservation Plan; Domtar celebrates 175 years of manufacturing; and Simpson Manufacturing reports positive Q4, full-year results. Meanwhile; the aging housing stock is good news for US remodellers; and Russia all but cedes its eastern forests to China.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada urged to double down on biodiversity agreement; the US Forest Service invests to lower fire risk; California researchers test wildfire fuel management; Maine to study the drought resilience of western forests; and the future of flight in a net-zero world means lots of biofuels. Meanwhile, SFI’s Black Faces in Green Spaces publication, and the CIF search for the Forest Capital of Canada 2024.

Finally, frozen frogs and butt-breathing turtles — how Ontario wildlife survive winter.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Stimson Lumber is curtailing two Oregon mills to align operations with available fibre. In related news: Aspen Planers reopens amid cutting permit uncertainty; BC closures put pressure on Kruger’s pulp mill; Cascades upgrades its Piscataway mill; and Michigan approves support for Escanaba Mill. Meanwhile, BC’s Premier highlights import of trade; AF&PA announces new leadership; US job growth rebounds, and solid wood prices are sluggish, while pulp & paper and packaging are moving down.

In Forestry/Climate news: unplanned human ignitions cited for shifting Pacific Northwest fire regimes; ENGOs target urban sprawl in Vermont; EU industry groups call for heat pumps in paper mills; and firefighters battle wildfires in Cuba and Chile.

Finally, when it comes to restoring the world’s shrinking wetlands, look to the beaver.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

North Carolina allows Enviva Pellets to expand in exchange for new air pollution controls. In other Company news: West Fraser’s Hinton Pulp Mill transition update; Mercer’s Peace River pulp mill is a Top Employer; Kruger’s Kamloops mill get’s Union nod; International Paper on Fortune’s Most Admired List; Paper Excellence supports Ducks Unlimited Canada; and Rayonier reports positive Q4, 2022. Meanwhile, some trend-stories on lumber and forestry costs, building permits, and new-home lot inventories.

In Forestry/Climate news: addressing Ontario’s forest sector labour shortages; praise for increased freight data in Canada; Thunder Bay to promote its resource sector; and an Indigenous forester says using biomass for energy can help the carbon balance.

Finally, according to Vox, palm oil is actually not that bad (anymore).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian Competition Bureau has agreed to investigate ENGO claims that SFI ads are false advertising. In related news: a BC industry forester pushes back on old-guard hypocrisy; Canada to fund match-maker for cleantech and forestry; Biden’s oil and forest announcements are polar-opposites; building schools with wood cuts carbon emissions; and the USDA’s Wood Innovations Grant program is back.

In Business news: CP Rail expects regulatory approval for KCS merger; JPMorgan acquires 250,000 acres of Southern Pine forests; Stella-Jones upgrades North America’s telecommunications lines; BSW Group invests for UK growth; Pfeifer Group completes purchase of northern Finland’s largest wood processor; and the US Fed rate increase is viewed as a positive turning point for housing.

Finally, if you love forests, you also need to love loggers, sawmills and paper mills.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Housing experts at the International Builders Show point to a downturn this year but recovery in 2024. In other Market news: US home ownership is unchanged; the US housing shortage persists; US consumer confidence declines; and Canada’s GDP ticks up. In Business news: Alberta seeks rail service upgrades; Alabama timber is on the rise; Canoe Forest Products is stable; Kruger Kamloops is profitable; WestRock reports on Q1, 2023;  JD Irving bemoans cost increases; and Parkside, Australia closes two mills.

In Forestry/Climate news: PEI announces new forestry commission; FPInnovations looks at logging truck emissions; the US Endowment supports Dept of Defense’s forest protection challenge; a UK investor group bans carbon credits for tree planting; and the proposed EU ban on biomass heating creates energy uncertainty.

Finally, as tornadoes get more destructive, momentum builds for new building codes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

International Paper, PotlatchDeltic and Stora Enso report mixed Q4, full-year financial results. In related news: Mercer Celgar’s curtailment could be short; second round of layoffs at Vaagen Fibre; and Michelle Ward on Canfor’s recent announcements. Meanwhile: US housing affordability is down, as lumber prices are set to tick up. 

In Forestry/Climate news: some good news from the 2022 State of Canada’s Forest Report; US forests and wood products are carbon sink positive; the roll-out of BC’s old-growth plan; artificial intelligence points to more dire climate forecast; and New Mexico seeks to protect its forests from climate change.

Finally, CIFOR has a new CEO, and the BC’s Forest Professionals have a new name.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Starting on a sad note, Bill Dumont, one of Canada’s most distinguished and powerful forestry advocates, died January 25, 2023. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC transfers land back to the Lake Babine Nation; David Elstone opines on the end of the BC mountain pine beetle era; the Huu-ay-aht First Nation on the future of Western’s Alberni mill; Alberta dodges the proverbial beetle bullet; Arizona’s loggers plead for more logs; California’s trees struggle with a warming world; and climate change may cut US forest inventory by 23%.

In Forest Product news: BC and Oregon are optimistic on the future of mass timber; the SLB on monetizing the carbon-storage properties of wood; and TimberTED courses hit the UK. Meanwhile: Russ Cameron on BC’s value-added timber announcement; and Anthony Britneff on the BC government’s response to mill closures. 

Finally, the US Dept of Commerce released its preliminary reviews on Canadian lumber.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

A Western Forest Products working group will explore manufacturing solutions for its curtailed Port Alberni mill. In related news: Port Alice, BC pulp mill demolished after 104 years; Domtar’s Espanola paper mill is for sale again; and more on Canfor’s sawmill closures by MLAs Mike Bernier, John Rustad, and Doug Routley, and ex-Chetwynd mayor Merlin Nichols. In other Business news: BC defends stance on value-added timber; IKEA replaces Russian wood suppliers; and lumber rebounds on supply curtailments. 

In Forestry/Climate news: US biofuel push targets aviation industry; a Georgia company to make jet fuel from wood chips; net-zero roadmaps look to mass timber in Canada and the UK; carbon offsets for tree planting is panned; a new study on the Amazon rainforest; and using satellites to map the world’s forests. 

Finally, the latest from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and BC Community Forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor will close its Chetwynd sawmill and rebuild its Houston mill to align BC operations with available fibre. In related news: reactions by Forest Minister Ralston, Union head Bromley, and RBC analyst Paul Quinn. In other Business news: BC joins Ottawa on US lumber duties, as deposits paid create a $US 6.1 billion incentive to negotiate; BC pulp & paper group praises decision on fire-damaged timber; John Brink say BC’s value-added decision is too small; and Forest Ontario’s Rob Keen receives achievement award. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada launches conservation plan for Ontario; US reinstates roadless rule for Tongass National Forest; and Interfor gives up forest tenure as BC protects 75,000 hectares of old-growth forests near Revelstoke.

Finally, Bourbon makes forestry cool in the quest to save America’s White Oak.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US intends to raise lumber tariffs on several of Canada’s largest producers while lowering duties for others. In other Business news: BC to allocate 10% of BC Timber Sales to value-added wood manufacturers; Kitwanga sawmill is thriving under First Nations’ land-use plan International Paper sells Russian joint venture; 84 Lumber announces expansion plans; UK pension funds look to invest in trees; and demand for fibre-based packaging is on the rise.

In other news: BC compensates Blueberry River First Nation for timber loss; PEI’s Auditor General raps province’s forest management; Oregon’s wildfire risk map is put on hold; and a new study identifies Oregon’s priority conservation forests. In Safety news: WorkSafeBC seeks input from young workers; Oregon fines Halsey pulp over air emissions; and Arizona fines Hixson Lumber over preventable worker death.

Finally, the EU banned Russian wood pellets; South Korea took them all.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sinclar Group is curtailing three of its BC sawmills for two weeks. In related news: Tolko extends downtime at two of its mills; fire delays Houston Canfor mill re-opening; Mirax Group is acquiring Lyle Forest Products in Chilliwack, BC; Drax expands its Aliceville, Alabama pellet plant; and US LBM divests three divisions. Meanwhile: Keith Baldrey on BC’s forest industry woes; Rayonier announces new leadership; and Louis Bélanger joins FSC Canada’s Board.

In Forestry/Climate news: logging said to threaten Alberta bison; researchers work to protect Nova Scotia hemlocks; US Forest Service unmoved by North Carolina forest plan objections; protests continue in Atlanta’s urban forest; pushback on Fort Drum, New York biomass plant closure; Greenpeace says UK distorts its biomass stance; and Brazil works to reverse deforestation. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With government support, Paper Excellence will retool and restart its Crofton Catalyst paper line in BC. In related news: chip shortages forecast PG Pulp mill closure; BC industry unclear on government’s vision for forestry; Grand River Pellets expands in New Brunswick; International Paper invests in Cedar River, Iowa mill; and Opal Australia mill curtails paper production. Meanwhile, wildfire experts Frontline Operations joins Forsite Consultants.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario industries start paying carbon tax; BC drought causing fir die-offs, Oregon researchers say lack of humidity is the bigger problem; warm weather curbs US Northeast logging; and Mercer salvages burnt timber after wildfire.

Finally, 13 forest companies sold their Russian assets, others remain.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US launched a new effort to reduce wildfire risk across the West, using $930 million from its 2021 infrastructure law. In related news: a US forestland taxation bill advances; and BC commits $50 million to increase fibre supply from fire damaged timber. In other Business news: CN touts Prince Rupert as gateway to Asia; Simpson Strong-Tie acquires Estiframe; West Fraser ups relationship with Arkansas State University; and Premier Eby set to make announcement at Crofton mill. 

In other news: Derek Nighbor on the future of forestry; BC’s forestry woes explained by entrepreneur John Brink; Parks Canada thins forests around Banff, Alberta; Atlanta area forest-protest turns deadly; and Brazil seeks criminals in anti-deforestation raids.

Finally, Australia’s first wood stadium and Canadian buildings that make people healthier.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

An uptick in US builder confidence signals turning point for housing. In related news: single-family starts tick-up in December, and building materials price growth slows. Meanwhile, the future of forestry in British Columbia is discussed at the Natural Resources Forum and the BC Truck Loggers Conference. Related commentary includes:

• Kevin Falcon says the NDP process for getting permits needs fixing
• Unifor points to the damage done when the Liberals were in power
• David Elstone looks to the data to understand what is happening
• Linda Coady says its fibre shortages, cost issues and skill shortages

Other headliners include: Kruger’s all-electric trucks; Structurlam’s temporary curtailment in Arkansas; Cascades’ sustainability nod; Maine’s Ashland mill status; and Waratah’s 50-year celebration. Meanwhile: BC reaches agreement with Blueberry First Nation; and a new Centre for Sustainable Building in Toronto. 

Finally, carbon offsets take a hit as researchers encourage carbon capture and storage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre shortages, Mercer announces downtime at its Celgar mill in Castlegar, BC. In related news: Premier Eby promises $90M for BC communities hurt by forest industry downturn; Domtar’s Kingsport, Tennessee mill resumes operations, as the potential sale of its Espanola, Ontario mill is still in doubt, and valued-added updates by Teal Jones’ and Arbor Wood. Meanwhile, on the pundit front, more opinions on the PG Pulp closure by Will Verboven, Nathan Giede and Ben Parfitt.

In other news: Nova Scotia releases details on high production forestry zones; the Northwest Territories’ carbon pricing plan; an Oregon study evaluates cause of forest landslides; a low-carbon tour comes to Prince George, BC; and Finland defends its carbon sink calculations.

Finally, musician Chuck Leavell is in Duluth, and a 90-year-old builds his own hobbit house.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia dedicates land for high production forestry with focus on timber production. In related news: Burgess BioPower reinvigorates New Hampshire mill town; Premier Eby says BC forest industry is facing a reckoning; ex-BC Minister Pat Bell says Canfor mill closure can be reversed; and Greg Jadrzyk ex-NFPA president, says pine beetle inaction is to blame.

In other news: Biden signs wildfire remediation law; RCMP say injunctions justify costs on resource standoffs; Montana invests in forest health; and BC invests to switch diesel to renewable energy. In Forest Product news: US groups say wood is the new concrete; opportunities in Japan’s building sector; Australian sustainable timber construction; and BC Wood’s updated Export Training Program.

Finally, a first-of-its-kind wood-traceability project at Portland International Airport.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

All eyes are on Premier Eby to support the struggling BC forestry sector at upcoming events. In related news: the economic impact on Prince George could be severe, local rally planned in wake of troubling trend, and amid tough demand outlook, more sawmills closures are expected in 2023. In other Business news: fire devastates PEI bioenergy company; BC First Nations in Campbell River and Terrace are on the move; and Northern Alberta wants better rail freight service. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Quebec and BC caribou populations are in decline; the pros and cons of improving forest health by logging in Montana; North Carolina forest plans are on hold pending US Forest Service review; and warm weather keeps Maine loggers out of the woods.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fallout from Canfor’s mill closure spurs debate over blame and solutions for BC forestry:

• Forest companies won’t invest in BC without changes
• PG Pulp union blames BC forestry policies for closure
• BC Liberals slam government for lack of solutions
• PG Editor, ENGO rep. point at industry & province
• Provincial crisis response team coming to Prince George
• Mayor Yu weighs in on Prince George mill closure
• Fallout from climate, forest practices and the mountain pine beetle

In other Business news: Aspen Planers could reopen soon; BC Labour Relations Board sides with Canfor in Mackenzie; a chemical spill points at Sunbelt Forest Products; Stora Enso considers curtailments in Finland; and US Hardwood Coalition wants duties on Chinese imports to continue.

In other news: toxins from toilet paper found in BC killer whales; Alaska wants to profit from carbon credits; BC Wood kicks off new export training program; and PRT Growing Services adds to its executive team.

Finally, it’s Friday the 13th … what else can we say!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor Pulp ‘right-sizes’, closes pulp line at its Prince George Pulp and Paper mill. In related news: the BC Government weighs in on Canfor closure; Interfor announces plans to reduce its lumber production; and sawmill cut-backs struggle to buoy lumber prices, as builder cancellation rates spike. In other Business news: Ontario’s Huron Railway gets funds to continue operating; and Koopman Lumber is LBM Journal’s Dealer of the Year.

In Forestry news: torrential rains benefit California’s forests despite wreaking havoc on urban trees; researchers assess redwood’s climate resilience; dry air is more stressful than drought for Oregon’s Douglas-firs; an auditor general report speaks to PEI forest policy; UBC expands 3D modelling software; and perspectives on Canada’s forest management by Derek Nighbor and David Suzuki.

Finally, the golden age of CLT and the impossibility of living a day without plastic.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing profitability challenges, West Fraser to indefinitely curtail its Perry, Florida sawmill. In related news: Aspen Planers in Merritt, BC remains closed; Kamps Pallets completes acquisition of John Rock Inc; and Paper Excellence donates to the Canadian Red Cross. On the Market front: US housing outlook remains grim despite improvement in homebuyer sentiment; and wood pellet exports and printing-writing paper shipments decreased in November. 

In Forestry/Climate news: US legislation seeks to improve forest collaboration with private landowners; Premier Eby to address BC Natural Resources Forum; an old-growth rally is planned for Victoria, BC; forest buffers help manage water in North Carolina; and researchers say climate change is a key driver in dead plant decomposition.

Finally, the USDA announces Paper & Packaging and Christmas Tree Promotion board appointments; and Jessica Gurevitch is the new head of Forestry at Purdue College.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor