Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Evacuations announced as California braces for a ‘parade of cyclones‘ and weather-swings uproot trees. In related news: what are atmospheric rivers? In other Business news: Skeena Sawmills to curtail operations in Terrace, BC; Anthony Timberlands pauses sawmill in Malvern Arkansas; Canada’s bank regulator weighs mortgage constraints, as high interest rates push lumber prices down and recession-risk up.

In other news: BC encouraged to scrap its stumpage system; Montana group sues to halt logging in grizzly habitat; the USDA appoints four to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board; and honors for Florida’s retiring state forester and Weyerhaeuser’s Jeff Grogan. 

Finally, the first mass timber boutique hotel in North America wins award in Austin, Texas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Joseph Hardy of 84 Lumber fame, a 2-by-4 among toothpicks, dies on his 100th birthday. In other Company news: Paper Excellence commits to Resolute transaction; Boise Cascade to lay off Elgin Plywood workers; Vaagen Fibre is closing in Midway, BC; and Red Rock Biofuels faces foreclosure in Oregon. Meanwhile: Canada seeks railway data for supply chain transparency; Forests2Market’s six predictions for 2023; the Michigan Timberman have a new Executive Director; and Auburn University’s former forestry dean retires. 

In other news: USFS logging plans proceed in Hoosier National Forest; the US debate over what counts as ‘renewable‘ for energy; Oregon’s practical attitude to timber harvests; the cost of policing BC’s logging standoffs; and the ingenuity of Roman era concrete is revealed. 

Finally, lumberjacks, the most meaningful, least stressful job in America. Seriously!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada Wood Korea and China accelerate adoption of wood building technologies. In related news: American Hardwoods releases a new species guide; JBM packaging unveils wood-based biodegradable film window; Mercer celebrates a mass timber unsung hero; Enviva on Netherland’s biomass subsidy motion; and Sweden transforms a concrete building with CLT. Meanwhile: some leadership changes at Snavely, Arcadia; and the IAM Woodworkers.

In Forestry/Climate news: examining carbon credits that set aside BC forest land; how to save the US whitebark pine; using woodchips for water quality practices in Iowa; growing and reforesting Brazilian timber (concurrently) on the same plot of land; and more on the TLA convention from Bob Brash, Premier Eby and Forest Minister Ralston.

Finally, Russians caught disguising their military fuel trucks as logging trucks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Surveys undertaken in British Columbia and Oregon demonstrate mixed but strong support for forestry. In related news: BC’s new Chief Forester, MNP’s Jason Fisher, and First Nation Joe Gilchrist share their visions for the future of forestry. Elsewhere: New Mexico legislators oppose prescribed fires; New York state is encouraged to emphasize forest conservation; and West Virginians worry about clear-cut logging.

In other news: woody biomass could fuel Ontario’s steel and mining industry; forest restoration as a defence against climate change; and mass timber highlights from Vancouver, BC, Waterloo Ontario, and Madison, Wisconsin. Meanwhile: some lumber price, wood pellet and furniture market outlooks.

Finally, leadership changes at International Paper and the BC Log & Timber Builders.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor extends production curtailments at “select” BC sawmills for a further two weeks. In related news: Brian Menzies & Jake Power on BC’s value-added conundrum; the Domtar-Resolute merger gets green-lighted; Nova Scotia Power’s new biomass requirement; and the legacy of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber. Meanwhile: US consumer confidence rebounds; and negative economic forecasts for Canada and the US.

In Forestry/Climate news: Quebec’s tree canopies rebound after spongy moth infestation; severe flooding is expected as atmosphere river hits California; a Norway fund will reduce Amazon deforestation; exceptional specimens of long-lived trees; and the debate over the future of Sweden’s carbon sink.

Finally, the significance of upfront carbon; and lignin’s anti-viral and battery potentialities.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko extends BC mill curtailments into 2023, adding to end-of-year gloom hanging over BC’s forestry industry. In related news: Jock Finlayson says BC government policies exacerbate the fibre shortfall, Vaughn Palmer says the sector has been in decline for a long time; and COFI’s Linda Coady says flashpoint issues also create future opportunity. In other Business news: Canada’s Competition Bureau reaches agreement on Domtar/Resolute deal; Canada’s first Indigenous-owned bioenergy facility opens; and Mercer employs bioenergy certification scheme.

In Forestry/Climate news: Biden’s old-growth directive puts Oregon timber project on hold; Grassy Narrows marks two decades of logging prevention; an investigation affirms BC’s enforcement of its Wildfire Act; and CN Rail is on the hook for starting 2015 wildfire near Lytton, BC.

Finally, the Hawaii Lumber Products Association is closing; GreenFirst’s Rick Doman retires; and a North Carolina professor is named Conservation Scholar. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The polar vortex brings travel warnings, dangerously cold weather to North America. In related news: what is the polar vortex; and look out for falling iguanas. In Business news: Canfor’s wood fibre challenge; Georgia Pacific’s capital projects; and Louisiana’s mill expansion. Elsewhere: Webcor Timber’s mass timber ventures; the Softwood Lumber Board’s Q3 highlights; and Timmy’s goodbye plastic, hello wood shift.

In Forestry news: FPAC says Canada practices climate smart forestry; ENGOs say SFI’s sustainability claims are ‘misleading‘; Parks Canada says beetle populations have plummeted; Oregon quarantines to slow the emerald ash borer spread; and Finland’s forests shift from sink to source.

Finally, the polar vortex be damned… Santa is cleared for travel! But not us Frogs, we’re homebound until January 3rd. Merry Christmas to all our readers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The pending US omnibus bill affirms forest bioenergy’s carbon neutral status. In related news: New York State forces Fort Drum biomass plant to close; and Australia reverses biomass policy on native forests. In other Business news: US Commerce amends their 2020 CVD administrative review on softwood lumber; Port Hawkesbury Paper/Unifor reach labour deal; and a positive end to 2022 for Canada’s inflation rate, US GDP and US consumer confidence.

In Forestry/Climate news: US omnibus bill includes money for wildfire recovery; a BC judge denies old growth protester conditional discharge; and the Parks Society says Albertans want more conservation.

Finally, viewed as a pagan symbol, New England forbade Christmas trees in the 1800s.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

GreenFirst is selling its two Quebec sawmills to Chantiers Chibougamau, owner of Nordic Structures. In related news: Dryden’s sawmill workers ratify contract with Resolute Forest Products; RoyOMartin upgrades its Louisiana lumber mill; and Enviva signs wood pellet contract with EU firm. Other Business headlines include: Belarus timber products flow to EU via Central Asia; and China is surprising helpful at COP15.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC Premier Eby warns of ‘exhausted forests‘; Canfor addresses deficiencies revealed in forest audit; Drax says MP’s biomass claims are misinformed; a California startup looks to bury wood for carbon removal; paper mills are among Mississippi’s top polluters; and early forests found to have played minor CO2 role.

Finally, Canada’s plastic ban spurs coffee chain giant to switch to wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre shortages, Canfor temporarily curtails its Prince George Intercontinental Pulp Mill. In related news: lumber falls to new 2022 low; US housing starts continue their decline; homebuilder sentiment drops again; containerboard prices decline; packaging and writing paper shipments decrease; and fuel prices are up. Meanwhile: millwork distributor Metrie acquires Fred Tebb & Sons; and SFPA has a new communications manager.

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia will use more biomass to generate electricity; the Japan/Canada partnership on wood pellet energy; Alaska seeks to monetize carbon credits; ENGO gives failing grades to paper producers; the pros and cons for logging in Cowichan, BC; and some post-COP15 buzz from Montreal.

Finally, a BC sawmiller’s tale of love, sabotage and life at the mill.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

At COP15, 190 countries adopted a biodiversity agreement, pledged to protect 30% of their land and oceans by 2030. In related news: Canada’s medical association endorses nature prescriptions; ENGOs pan a US Forest Service land swap deal; and South Carolina inks a stewardship pact. Meanwhile, how urban society conflicts with rural forest use; and your chance to input into North Cowichan, BC forest reserve debate.

In Business news: Drax contributes to Louisiana’s economy; Anthony Timberlands Center receives donation; and Western Forest Products supports the Salvation Army. In other news: how climate smart forest products can help tackle climate change; and the Softwood Lumber Board sees momentum for mass timber, as do Australian and Danish developers.

Finally, real trees are better than fake ones. ‘Says’ Tree Canada & ‘Sings’ Ryan Reynolds.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Global Cement and Concrete Association says it seeks ‘fair comparison’ with timber. In related news: a new study says only 1 in 8 see sustainability as their product-choice driver. Companies making news include: Western Forest Products (community donations); Fort St. James Green Energy (lawsuit); Aspen Planers (curtailment); Port Townsend Paper and Westrock Tacoma (air quality fines); Boise Cascade (expansions); International Paper (forest certifications); and Stora Enso and Mondi (divestments).

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada funds spruce budworm research; forest carbon credits sought for Alaska; native biomass is no longer carbon neutral in Australia; and the latest from COP15 courtesy of Canada, the United States and Ukraine. 

Finally, timber experts Fast + Epp won two structural engineering awards in 2022.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — philanthropic deeds by Canfor (College of New Caledonia); Mosaic Forest Management (Kw’umut Lelum Foundation) and JD Irving (New Brunswick). In Business news: Mondi joins the forest products exodus from Russia; Trifecta acquires the International Mass Timber Conference; Crown Paper appoints Will Lindsay CEO; and the Canadian Wood Council renews Rick Jeffery’s CEO contract. 

In Forestry/Climate news: developing countries walk out of COP15; BC Elders call for end to old-growth logging; Bill Dumont on North Cowichan’s forestry debate; Alberta notches win against the mountain pine beetle; Whitebark Pine now officially listed as threatened; USDA research on the benefits and threats to wilderness; and loggers opine on their cost and access challenges.

Finally, an audacious plan to build forests on… planet Mars.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s largest forestry firms saw employment growth in 2021 and 2022. In other Business news: Roseburg begins settlements after Mill Fire; Port Townsend Paper extinguishes mill fire; two new pellet plants for California; and buyers line up for Russian-based Segezha’s European factories. In other Business news: logging in Oregon delivers $97 million; Maine awards forestry recovery grants; and 2023 predictions of Canadian supply-chain turbulence and US housing decline.

In COP15 news: the focus turns to financing; reversing forest loss is said to be key; Canada names Ducks Unlimited to deliver on conservation; and Manitoba signs tree planting agreement. Meanwhile: progress on Golden, BC’s Community Forest; Oregon’s Elliot State Research Forest and Minnesota’s Wildlife Management Areas.

Finally, Weyerhaeuser partners to store (below) and sequester (above) CO2 in Mississippi.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

At the halfway mark of COP15, anxieties rise on the need to reach a global biodiversity framework. In related news: Canada pledges support for forest restoration, tree planting and a youth council; Nova Scotia creates more land reserves; the Montreal Economic Institute says Canada’s managed forest are a net carbon sink; Scott Stevens opines on California’s remarkable wildfire year; and more on the die-off of fir trees in Oregon and Washington.

In Business news: firms report bioenergy breakthroughs in Thorold, Ontario and Kelowna, BC; Snavely Forest Products expands to the mid-states; Nuveen acquires more timberlands; and US inflation cools in November. Meanwhile: the Forest Enhancement Society of BC has a new chair (Dave Peterson); the Australian Forest Products Association CEO (Ross Hampton) is stepping down; and sadly, former Natural Resources Canada Minister Jim Carr dies at 71.

Finally, New England has an overlooked and abundant firefighting ally—in the beaver.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Homebuilders are buoyed by stable material prices and a backlog of home orders, but cancellations are on the rise. In other Business news: the World Trade Organization says the US violated trade rules; Paper Excellence is in the spotlight (again); Kruger faces water critic; and Westrock’s labour dispute continues. Elsewhere: the US Endowment has new leadership.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests in nature based leadership; the US Forest Service forms federal advisory board; COP15 goals will fail without Indigenous leadership; and ENGOs support BC’s new conservation goal. Meanwhile: attacks on Canadian forestry strain credulity; Canada’s commitment to protecting forests is questioned; and defending the tall and the mighty.

Finally, if you’re a Canadian wood pellet producer, your association says ‘get certified‘.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

COP15 news releases abound as governments, NGOs and others make their case. Examples include:

• What ’30 by 30′ conservation means for Canada (The Canadian Press)
• Nature based solutions & climate friendly forestry (Council of Cnd Academies)
• Conserving forests and wetland ecosystems in BC (Nature Conservancy)
• BC pledges to protect 30% of province by 2030 (The Narwhal)
• Burning trees for energy is catastrophic for biodiversity (Treehugger)
• Calls for a new mindset in our approach to trees (UK Forestry Commission)

In other news: Alberta on track to meet renewable energy goal; Nova Scotia releases plan to cut emissions; what Quebecers will pay for an greener home; and North America’s mass timber potential. Elsewhere: a gaggle of US housing forecasts; and the 7 senses of architectural design.

Finally, forest genotypes and the scientists that helped solve a Missouri murder.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Prime Minister Trudeau says 120 countries are ready to agree to ‘30 by 30‘ biodiversity framework. In related news: ENGO’s say the planet is in peril, action is required to save Canada’s boreal forest and endangered species; US signs conservation agreement with Nature Conservancy; BC poised to announce new protections; and Quebec group plans to develop biodiversity indicators. In other Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s budget officer is said to have debunked climate alarmism. 

In Business news: BC’s new cabinet involves changes for forestry, housing and climate; Nelson Bennett on roadblocks for BC’s value added wood producers; David Elstone on lumber’s new normal; NAHB on custom home building market share; and Fannie Mae on impediments to housing recovery. Meanwhile: UBC embraces mass timber (again); and registration is open for COFI’s 2023 convention.

Finally, 2 million year-old DNA reveals Greenland’s lost world of animals and trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The slowdown in US housing has taken its toll on lumber prices, which experts say will struggle until mid-2023. In related news: Canada’s housing correction is widespread; and US furniture sales fell 26% in September. In other Business news: a BC court rules that Tolko must pay for escaped debris-pile fire; Canfor curtailments to impact its Plateau mill; and GreenFirst and Abitibiwinni First Nation sign agreement. Meanwhile: a Japanese forestry company expands to North Carolina; and the Sinclar Group’s Greg Stewart is named chair of the BC Council of Forest Industries.

In Biodiversity news: Trudeau welcomes the world to the COP15/Montreal conference, as FPAC’s Derek Nighbor releases new report, and First Nations affirm their desire to participate. In other Forestry news: Alberta makes headway against the mountain pine beetle; and North Carolina’s old-growth uncertainty.

Finally, the world’s first cellulose-based screw-cap plant opens in Sweden.

Kelly McCloskey

Citing weak markets, Canfor is temporarily curtailing it Canadian lumber production. In related news: lumber prices are at pandemic lows; Woodland Pulp workers may strike in Maine; deep cuts in Wisconsin’s paper industry; and an Australian paper mill faces downtime due to timber shortage. In other Business news: Enviva’s green claims challenged by an insider; the Southern Forest Products Association announces new officers; and SFI and PEFC partner on May 2023 conference in Vancouver.

In Forestry/Climate news: COP15 kicks off in Montreal tomorrow, aims to broker new biodiversity agreement; a new EU law prevents import of deforestation goods; the World Economic Forum’s five drivers of forest loss; and forest resilience like to higher mortality risk.

Finally, forests and nature-based solutions courtesy of the UBC Faculty of Forestry and Clemson University.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In the run up to next week’s COP15 Biodiversity Conference, NGO groups speak out against burning trees to make energy, and SFI certification. In related news: Paper Excellence’s COP27 declaration;Ontario’s Grassy Narrows blockade secures Weyerhaeuser pledge; Montreal works to restore Mount Royal’s biodiversity; and how plants adapt their lignin to face climate change. In other news: Ontario loses one of its forest champion; WorkSafeBC’s latest faller videos; and fallout from Vancouver Island’s floatplane crash.

In Company news: the private money behind Teal Jones’s US expansion; WestRock completes its Mexican acquisition; Envoy Solutions buys Penn Paper; Twin Rivers Paper sells its New Brunswick sawmill; Westervelt announces leadership changes and MNP expands to Kelowna. In other news: molded pulp packaging makes headway; and FPInnovation shares carbon capture, utilization and storage webinars.

Finally, when innovation and nature merge – RBC’s latest Thought Leadership article.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US economy staved off a rail strike with Senate vote, and it may even avoid a recession. In related news: US construction spending is down, as housing uncertainty continues; and lumber reaches a new floor. In other Business news: Paper Excellence’s corporate structure challenge; Domtar to resume Kingsport, Tennessee operations; and wood research updates from UBC (biodegradable packing foam); U of Maine (biochar and soil moisture); and UC San Diego (10-story earthquake test).

In Forestry/Climate news: regrets from Canada’s climate minister; US EPA’s renewable fuels mandate; and news from the Canadian Institute of Forestry; Canada’s Forest Trust; the Alberta Forest Product’s Association.

Finally, Christmas ‘flash-mob‘ performers advocate for old-growth protection.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Focus shifts to Senate after US House passes legislation to avert a rail strike. In other Business news: Canadian lumber groups say US lumber duty orders violate new trade agreement; Nelson Bennett on how the resource sector spends its windfall profits; Interfor completes purchase of Chaleur Forest Products; and Enviva celebrates opening of Mississippi port facility.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests $34 million on species at risk; Canadian Ambassador says EU deforestation rules are burdensome; Ontario is panned for monies spent on invasive species; ENGO’s say BC rainforests are near ecological collapse; and ENGO’s seek review of P&G’s supply chain claims. Meanwhile: Manulife moves into the carbon offset market; and forest recovery updates on the American Chestnut and Whitebark pine. 

Finally, an ‘On The Brink‘ interview with well-known BC forester Jim Girvan.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products will temporarily reduce its BC lumber production by 20 million bf. Other company headlines include: Interfor (Sault Ste. Marie union deal); Paper Excellence (youth donation); Domtar (CEO transition); Canfor (stock appeal); and Resolute (drone use). On the Market front: the odds-are-up for a Canadian rate hike; US home prices and consumer confidence decline; Southern Timber prices trend lower and weather’s impact on wood pellet demand.

In Forestry news: the US reclassifies the northern long-eared bat as endangered; a look at species at risk in Canada; Nova Scotia takes action on lichen species; and Quebec’s woodland caribou challenge. Meanwhile: the future of North Cowichan’s municipal forests is up for grabs; and updates by the BC Forest Safety Council and BC Forest Practices Board. 

Finally, New York’s 82-ft Christmas tree, and Bob Villa on composite vs wood decks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US President Biden asked Congress to intervene to prevent economic fallout from a railroad strike. In related news: the Railway Association of Canada announces its 2022 Safety Awards. Meanwhile: lumber futures give way to a narrow price band; pellet prices rise as US jumps on the bioenergy bandwagon; and cardboard producers can barely keep up with demand.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests in Habitat Stewardship Program; Canada’s forest sector partners with Indigenous communities; BC Business Council/First Nations announce new Climate Change Council; BC and Oregon invest to reduce wildfire risk; a Washington study shows benefits of prescribed fire; and the UK funds its woodlands and timber industry.

Finally, earthquakes can boost tree growth via a short-term fertilizing effect.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative hires conservation scientist Dr. Healy Hamilton as Chief Scientist. In other Business news: Irving announces sustainability goals for tissue manufacturing; Saskatchewan recycles its old wood grain elevators; WoodWorks converts timber interest to timber buildings; and mass timber gets a kick-start in Australia.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada touts progress on Species Protection Week; giant trees still fall amid BC old-growth funding lag; BC Timber Sales said to endanger caribou herd; labour organization says RCMP response group should be disbanded; massive die-off hits Pacific Northwest firs; and two EU perspectives on bioenergy and carbon capture and storage.

Finally, what kind of Christmas tree is best; and the world’s first liquor from trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Resolute Forest Products’ Menominee pulp mill could remain idle until 2023, as UPM’s new Uruguay mill and Arauco’s new Chilean mill prepare for start-up. In other Business news: LP’s Fort. St. John plant extension is approved; with Canadian government support, Cree Lumber company is launched; pulp shipment growth decelerates, and paper recovery prices decline.

In other news: sadly, no survivors found to date after logging camp/floatplane crash in BC; forester Herb Hammond resigns, speaks his mind; the BC Community Forest Assoc. has a new Board; and the BC Woodlot Assoc.’s new GM, Gord Chipman is at the helm.

Finally, happy shopping on Black Friday, and meet the mice of forest migration.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s new climate strategy includes cash to fight wildfires, floods and extreme heat. In related news: BC’s climate report says progress is being made; incorporating climate resilience into US forest plans; Ducks Unlimited and Irving Oil’s wetland research; and Forests Ontario helps Fed’s 2 Billion Trees program. In other Forestry news: ENGO’s screen boreal forest film in Ottawa; and a police officer shows concern re: Fairy Creek protester arrests.

On the mass timber front: San Antonio Spurs’ new training facility; London’s latest timber office building; Japan’s recycling of new and old buildings; and overcoming barriers to growth in New Zealand. In Business news: Interfor’s Sault Ste. Marie labour deal; Weyerhaeuser’s Oklahoma tornado recovery donation; and Weston Forest’s business award.

Finally, restoration of a working Shay Locomotive at the BC Forest Discovery Centre.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s a quiet news day on the eve of US Thanksgiving. On the Business front: no resolution yet on the US railway unions vote; FPAC’s Nighbor seeks support for wood in government procurement bill; a fire is reported at Cherry River Lumber in West Virginia; US housing sentiment falls; and lumber prices stay flat. Other updates include: SFPA’s safety awards; Wood WORKS! Alberta’s wood solution fair; SFI’s latest newsletter; Arbor Day Foundation’s urban forests world forum; the Federation of BC Woodlot’s fall update; and the latest issue of the Dust Safety Journal.

In other news: COP27 boosts carbon trading; carbon pricing comes to the Maritimes; the conditions for success for bioenergy with carbon capture & storage; early wildfire detection sensors tested in Europe; and a redux on the before and after photos of BC old-growth.

Finally, a happy Thanksgiving to our US readers. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Record shipments of Russian timber are being processed in China for export to Australia, the UK and beyond. In related news: exiting Russia is complicated for International Paper; Europe’s energy hypocrisy; and Paper Excellence’s evolving challenge at Crofton Pulp and Paper. In other Business news: consumers will pay if US railroads strike; a recession is still expected in 2023; and Enviva receives ‘growth leadership’ award.

In Forestry/Climate news: the UN’s conference on biodiversity is heading to Montreal; spurring pre-event commentary at the federal and provincial (BC) level. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia reveals its provincial lichen; bringing the white pine back to Minnesota; and a meta-review on US firefighter safety.

Finally, measuring how plants smell to assess the effects of climate stress.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The COP27 Climate Conference reached a new emissions deal with agreement to help poor nations. In related news, a new UN report was tabled on the importance of forestry’s role; Canada’s Guibeault lauds the overall results; and ENGO’s say it does little for the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference. In Forestry news: Canada’s urban forests are shrinking; and stories on the ups and downs of prescribed burns in Nelson, BC, California, Washington and Oregon.

In Business news: a major US rail union rejects contract — raising strike risk; in Maine, the Woodland Pulp mill may go on strike, while the Pixelle paper mill closure has been delayed; and West Fraser and Canfor are among BC’s most profitable firms. Meanwhile; a US Endowment grant program opens; and US custom home building, and US paper shipment are both up.

Finally, biodegradable computer chips part made from Austrian Ganoderma. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Forest Service was allotted $10 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to fund forestry work. In related news: the US invests to increase wood processing capacity; Canada introduces a supply chain bill; and John Horgan’s legacy is under scrutiny. In Company news: Unifor/Domtar talks break down; GreenFirst gets softwood duty review; PowerWood seeks security of wood supply; US hardwood producers looks for a tax break; and Stora Enso has a new forest leader. On the market front: G20 interest rates compared; and the latest from Dodge, NAHB and Housing Wire.

In Forestry/Climate news: the importance of species at risk,  biodiversity and Indigenous people, are pitched at COP27; perspectives on the role of forestry, logging and climate change on wildfires; and a new study on how to recruit more women into forestry careers.

Finally, drought and dwindling farms cut into Christmas tree supply this season.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

US builder confidence declined for the 11th consecutive month as housing weakness continues. In related news: US housing starts are down 4.2% in October; US forest industry prices are softening; and Canada’s Consumer Price Index rose 6.9%. In other Business news: the Port of Prince Rupert is expanding; Pivot Furniture secures Saskatchewan timber; Western Forest Products supports Search and Rescue; and Enviva recieves praise from regional forestry associations.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada seeks nature commitments at COP27; the USDA releases survey for forest managers; BC partners with First Nations to accelerate salvage of fire-damaged trees; and an EU group says biomass energy is not renewable. Elsewhere: mass timber stories from Kelowna; Denver and Brooklyn.

Finally, Early Bird prices ends tomorrow for the BC Truck Loggers Association Convention.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A third railroad union has rejected a proposed contract, raising the odds of a US freight-workers strike. In other Business news: Interfor targets the holidays for lumber cutbacks; Stora Enso partners to produce wooden turbine blades; lumber prices firm up but building materials continue to trend down; Canada’s housing starts fell 11% in October; and Jim Girvan re-joins Industrial Forestry Service.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada looks to Indigenous communities to manage its forests; the US Forest Service launches map of its wildfire reduction projects; BC’s old growth protest-leader pleads guilty; a New Brunswick professor is tracking forest CO2 absorption rates; the EU reached deal on CO2 removals from forestry and land use; and New Zealand debates ‘native versus exotic’ carbon sinks.

Finally, and sadly, after 30 years on the forestry education frontlines, Canadian Women in Timber is no more.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Thomas Meth is appointed CEO of Enviva as John Keppler steps back to focus on his heart condition. In other Business news: Mosaic signs agreement with Search and Rescue organizations; JELD-WEN names VP investor relations; Home Depot reports strong Q3 results; US and Canadian housing decline in September; and construction supply chain challenges are expected to persist. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC launches new fund to diversify forest dependent communities; Alberta invests in innovation and emission reduction; the US reverses post-fire logging review rule; NSW Australia withdraws its native forestry bill; and Brazil, Indonesia and Congo sign a forest protection pact. 

Finally, a Dartmouth professor argues that biomass energy is sustainable and needed!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Roseburg has resumed veneer operations at Weed, California after its September Mill Fire. In other Business news: Westrock is divesting its packaging and paperboard operations; Bingham, Maine is targeted for a new plywood mill; and Tolko wins Williams Lake, BC Chamber Award. Meanwhile: US inflation slows; the University of Washington opens a mass timber building; and Belgium features a 300-meter timber bridge.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canadian ENGOs and Industry are at odds at COP27; new research says the US wood pellet industry passes carbon neutrality test; Canopy promotes alternatives fibres to protect forests; and Brazil is back when it comes to saving the Amazon. Elsewhere, stories on: Canada’s caribou; Ontario tree planting drones; Nova Scotia forest management; Yosemite’s wildfire plan; and Swedish and Australian old-growth forests.

Finally, ‘fast furniture‘ is cheap, stylish and clogging American landfills.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Unifor workers at the Ear Falls sawmill have overwhelmingly approved a four-year deal with Interfor. In other Business news: gridlock possible as US election results unclear; Georgia approves tax break for timber producers; and Mosaic signs agreement with Search and Rescue. On the Market front: US housing affordability falls; lumber futures are down; and wood chip prices soar.

In other news: FPAC’s ‘Capturing Carbon‘ documentary is featured at COP27; McDonalds get pushback on its UK switch to paper cutlery; BC hasn’t taken the fed’s offer on old-growth; the evolution of tree roots may have have driven mass extinctions; and how nature has become popular at tech conferences.

Finally, tomorrow is Remembrance Day in Canada, a day to honour those who died in military service. Nearly 8 decades since he and his family were liberated in World War II, forestry entrepreneur John Brink speaks to the day’s import. The Frogs are back on Monday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The war is driving EU pellet prices up, creating competition for small-diameter logs with pulp. In related news: Zelensky says Russia has destroyed 2 million hectares of Ukraine’s forests. In other Business news: Kalesnikoff Lumber wins business award; McDonald’s shifts to FSC/paper cutlery; and positive financial reports by Stella-Jones; Conifex; and James Hardie; but net-loss for GreenFirst.

In Forestry/Climate news: ENGO’s push White House for old-growth protection; Brazil’s new president vows to save the Amazon; a UBC Big Tree Registry update from the Kootenays; and what post-carbon design looks like in the UK. 

Finally, wood-based batteries for electric cars, and Mary Kay’s tree planting celebration.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Today at COP27, the launch of a Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership to halt and reverse forest loss. In related news: US rolls out ‘nature based‘ solutions; Trudeau champions ‘carbon pricing‘; the Swiss pay poorer nations to cut emissions; and ENGOs put BC’s new premier on notice. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia’s forestry is at a crossroads; and South Dakota’s timber industry wins appeal.

In Company news: Hixson lumber partners with Fibron; Green Fox invests in plastic lumber; and a redux on Western Forest Product’s Port Alberni curtailment. On the market front: wood pellet exports are up; furniture orders are down; lumber construction may be curtailed due to building code changes; and biofoam innovation could replace plastic packaging.

Finally, why forest restoration and mass timber are key to the net-zero transition.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As the COP27 climate talks kick-off, the UN Chief warns of a climate catastrophe, but some say progress is being made. In related news: despite shortfalls, COP27 countries seek to shore-up their end-of-deforestation pledge; news on Europe’s bioenergy shift and its shrinking carbon sink; and carbon offset updates from Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile: Canada’s wildfire season by-the-province; a call for entries on Wood Design & Building; Alaska’s Forester Awards; and Louisiana’s Forest Products Innovation Center.

In Business news: the housing slowdown may mean more downtime for lumber; BC seeks to bolster lumber sales to Japan; a Maine biomass firm files for bankruptcy; GreenFirst sells its Ontario private forest land; and Taiga Building Products reports positive Q3 results.

Finally, are trees talking underground? For scientists, it’s in dispute. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor