Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Meta’s news ban (think Facebook and Instagram) may leave Canada open to more fake news. In related news: Meta ramps up its blocking of news, as Canadian media groups ask the Competition Bureau to investigate; and who needs Meta when you can have the RSS [and the Tree Frog Forestry News] for free. In other Business news: Stella-Jones reports positive Q2, 2023 results; Rayonier AM reports net loss; wildfires lead to a drop in Canadian exports; and Europe fills the gap as Canada’s lumber output shrinks.

In other news: why it’s so hard to forecast wildfire smoke, will planting trees help offset carbon emissions; why the Amazon is so important to protect; the Green Building Initiative’s new net-zero program; and the latest on Australia’s Timber Offsite Construction Conference; and the UK’s 2023 Forestry Conference. 

Finally, the first ever forest-producing cemetery in North America opens in Quebec.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two firefighting helicopters collided in California killing three, and a vehicle accident took the life of a 21-year old in Oregon. In other Forest Fire news: fire risks increase across Northeast Ontario; evacuation orders for both sides of BC’s Adams Lake; landowner-victims to be compensated in New Mexico; thousands lose power in Catalonia, Spain; and a multinational force helps out in Cyprus. Meanwhile: US and Canada team up on oak wilt disease; a judge orders USFS to consult again on grizzlies; Brazil defends its progress on deforestation; and a new appreciation of the importance of living roots.

In Business news: BC port workers voted to ratify new deal; Sinclar’s curtailment impacts Saik’uz First Nation; Huber and LP settle their patent infringement lawsuit; Canada’s lumber production continues to decline; North Carolina timber prices are down; and the lesson of China’s failed Australia trade bans.

Finally, anti-logging blockaders return to Fairy Creek. Local First Nation asks them to leave.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian wildfire emissions double previous record as flames rage on. In related news: BC’s wildfire crisis deepens; human-caused wildfires may be overstated; California’s Joshua trees are at risk; and wildfire updates from Whistler and Adams Lake, BC. Meanwhile: new research on within-species spatial repulsion; and 1,200 years-long time series on tree rings say current warming is unprecedented. 

In Business news: the BC port strike vote is underway; an electrical fire at Georgia Pacific Brunswick Cellulose; Western Forest Products and Mercer both report a net loss for Q2, 2023; and UK housing fell sharply in July. 

Finally, a B-day reminder for Gerry Burch parties; and the Timber Offsite Construction conference (downunder) opens for registration.

Tomorrow is a holiday for most of our Canadian readers (and us Frogs)–so we’re back Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sinclar Group Forest Products is curtailing its lumber operations at Nechako Lumber in Vanderhoof due to lack of log supply. In other Company news: Canada’s Competition Bureau approves buyers of two Domtar mills in Ontario; Oregon-based DR Johnson Lumber is fined; Green Diamond releases its sustainability report; and Cascades and Sappi report positive financials.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada says its 2 billion tree program is attainable, pledges to plant more trees; a new study links BC flooding to forest cover loss; the US Intertribal Timber Council calls for more forest funding; and Amazon deforestation fell 60% in July (y-o-y). In Wildfire news: evacuations and properties are destroyed in latest BC wildfires; Canadian firefighter deaths weigh heavily on family and wildfire crews; and Oregon’s Bedrock Fire grows to 1000 acres.

Finally, a new study on the positive health and productivity benefits of green buildings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence extended its Crofton, BC paper mill curtailment to the end of August. In related news: WestRock plans to permanently close its Tacoma, Washington paper mill; Clearwater Paper reports positive Q2 results; and Russia seeks investors for its pulp and paper sector. In other Business news: Forbes says the likelihood of a US recession is down to 15%; Construct Connect says housing starts defy economic orthodoxy; and Louisiana Pacific reports lower Q2 earnings.

In other news: the US Agriculture Secretary touts US forestry/climate efforts; BC First Nations celebrate progress on the Great Bear Rainforest; BC researchers develop a national air quality map; Alaska faces a spruce beetle outbreak; an Oregon wildfire shows the limits of carbon offsets; and climate change is increasing the risk of ticks and Lyme disease.

Finally, BC Forestry legend Gerry Burch celebrates 100th Bday. And you’re invited!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Weyerhaeuser, PotlatchDeltic and Boise Cascade reported positive Q2, 2023 results. In related news: Resolute completes sale of its Thunder Bay pulp & paper mill; GreenFirst announces lumber duty rate reduction; and Western Forest Products is hiring. Meanwhile: North Carolina State Dept of Forest Biomaterials secures GHG reduction monies; the future of AI and modular building construction; and the ‘single word’ that prolonged BC’s port strike.

In other news: a study says US tree nurseries need to grow more trees; a Swedish report says second-growth forests are more sensitive to drought; the USDA’s new round of wildfire protection grants; electronic logging devices are now required on BC trucks; smoke from Western Canada prompts alerts in Ontario; and researchers say wildfire smoke may pose risk for brain health.

Finally, who not to invite to your next pool party. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new tentative agreement was announced in BC’s port strike after a federal arbitrator was directed to intervene. In other Business news: Ontario denounced the latest US decision on softwood duties; a Maine startup looks to produce fibre insulation at shuttered mill site; Billerud’s CEO Christoph Michalski is leaving; and an Australian Senator pans Victoria’s native forest logging ban.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: an evacuation order was issued for Osoyoos, BC as a US wildfire travelled north; an Ontario firefighter died fighting the Donnie Creek fire in Northern BC; and forest fire updates from Merritt and Chase, BC; the Northwest Territories; Montana’s Kootenai National Forest; and Northern Arizona. Meanwhile: the BC Forest Practices Board and FSC’s Francois Dufresne speak to forest fire friendly forest practices.

Finally, newsletter updates by the Softwood Lumber Board, and the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian government and industry groups expressed disappointment on the US decision to maintain lumber duties. In related news: the US Lumber Coalition supports trade law enforcement; while BC’s independent wood processors say it’s time to re-engage. In other Business news: the US Senate voted to curb forest/farmland sales; Canfor delays decision on Houston sawmill; Canfor and Canfor pulp report negative Q2 earnings; Drax reports positive 6-months results; and Paper Excellence updates its organizational structure.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: UN chief issues new climate warning; ENGOs blame logging for BC’s species decline; First Nations will co-manage the Great Bear Rainforest; and new guidelines for European sustainable forestry. Meanwhile: Ontario Wood WORKS! secures new funding; and SFI announces community grants.

Finally, Carlton Owen sets the record straight about forests and forest products.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US raised interest rates again but no longer expects a nationwide downturn. In related news: US housing starts decline, European lumber exports soar; West Fraser reports Q2 loss; and Acadian Timber and International Paper report positive Q2, 2023 results. 

In Forestry/Climate news: a scientist who sounded climate alarm in 80s warns of worse to come; a new report says forests are losing their ability to hold carbon; BC weighs the merits of appointing a ‘chief ecologist; conservationists in BC discover Canada’s most impressive tree; northwestern Ontario’s forest sector is poised for growth; California puts beavers to work on water issues; and landowners in Georgia are paid to plant pine trees. 

Finally, 12 new books on wildfires and the tricks animals use to survive them.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CN Rail lowers earnings forecast due to BC port strike and wildfire-related forestry mill curtailments. In related news: as BC port workers mull contract offer, experts say BC’s Asia-Pacific Gateway needs overhauling, and strike action may become more common. In other Business news: fire destroys Tseshaht First Nation mill in Port Alberni; Procter & Gamble drops ‘forest degradation’ pledge; and US consumer confidence improves again in July.

In Climate/Wildfire news: researchers say climate change is behind US and EU heat waves; a UN podcast on the complex reality of forests and climate; Nova Scotia wildfires and flooding are said to be linked; Northern Ontario needs more fire fighters; understanding BC’s wildfire history and solutions; and a call to close US logging roads to preclude human-started wildfires. Meanwhile: specific wildfire updates from BC’s interior and northeast, Oregon; Algeria, Portugal and Greece.

Finally, BC invests in mass-timber training, as professor calls for 20-storey timber towers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As the world gets hotter, the need for human intervention in forests goes up, not down, says Jamie Stephen. In related news: James Smith makes the case for biomass investments; Edward Wilson says we should give foresters more autonomy; and what’s up with the World Resources Institute’s wood is (not so) good report. Elsewhere: a USDA report on the future threats to forest health; and a Texas law targets the rising number of timber thefts.

In Wildfire news: Ontario ‘s forest firefighters aren’t paid enough; another US fire is caused by prescribed burning; and wildfire updates from Kamloops and Invermere, BC and Greece. Meanwhile: US housing demand slows; homeowner remodelling trends down, the US will soon be a net exporter of softwood lumber; and UPM’s Q2 earnings drop 70%.

Finally, relief in the shade, Edmonton and Seattle look to their urban tree canopy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC port worker’s union is recommending it members settle after strike ruling. In related news: Mercer curtails its Celgar pulp mill due to reduced rail capacity; and the strike ruling is called a blow to labour rights. In other Business news: JD Irving completes its Truro mill upgrade; Gorman’s Canoe mill celebrates 58 years of operation; and SFI appoints Dr. Reagan Flowers as Chief Education Officer.

In other news headlines: fighting Canada’s wildfires in the era of climate change; reducing Alberta’s fire risk through forest management; Pheonix employs thinning to protects its water and forests; scientist link extreme weather and climate change; and carbon offsets pick up steam on a Toronto stock exchange. Meanwhile, wildfire updates from Kamloops and Cranbrook, BC; Missoula, Montana; Springfield, Oregon; and Rhodes, Greece.

Finally, how climate change could cause a home insurance meltdown.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Union Caucus for BC’s port workers will hold a second vote on the tentative agreement with employers. In related news: manufacturers are hopeful and Canfor’s Northwood pulp mill restart is continuing despite uncertainty. In other Business news: a biomass-to-plastics mill opens in Sarnia, Ontario; progress is made on the wood-chip fire at Nippon Dynawave mill in Washington; and planners discuss the future of Wisconsin Rapids paper mill. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: a third wildfire death in Canada—a helicopter pilot from Whitecourt Alberta; a photo-essay on BC’s wildfire fight; 100 firefighters from Brazil aid BC’s efforts; and Oregon’s Flat Fire and other updates. Meanwhile: ENGOs announce on-line tracking of old-growth logging in BC; and the US Climate Forests Campaign calls for less logging on federal lands. 

Finally, Europe’s new heat wave; and BC’s drought adds urgency to water conservation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s port workers revoked their strike notice hours after issuing it, signalling a potential end to labour action. In related news: strike warnings courtesy of Justin Trudeau, Derek Nighbor (FPAC), and Kamal Sanghera (San Group). In other Business news: Canfor to decide Houston mill’s future July 27th; a woodchip fire at the Longview Washington papermill; and a look inside one of America’s last pencil factories.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada’s forest fires hit indigenous communities hard; how Canada’s wildfires got so bad so fast; Ottawa offers more military support for BC’s wildfire fight; and Oregon’s Flat Fire grows to 13,000 acres. Meanwhile: making forestry a female friendly sector; and what motivates family forests to manage invasive species. 

Finally, five animals that have evolved to cope with wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC port workers rejected the mediator’s deal, stunning community leaders. In related news: the Employers Association expressed regret; the Port of Vancouver is disappointed, and the Union’s resolve is unchanged. In other Business news: New Brunswick timber royalties are at decade low; the US Dept of Commerce rules in favour of US hardwood plywood producers; and US single-family housing starts fell in June.

In other news: BC invests in value-added manufacturing on Vancouver Island; the University of BC launches micro-certificates for forestry & construction trades; Colorado’s worker shortage spurs free college for firefighting and forestry; Andrew Waugh speaks to why timber buildings rent for more in the UK; and Anthony Timberlands Center nets two more design awards.

Finally, California plans a controlled burn while Phoenix hits 110 degrees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian wildfire smoke triggered air quality alerts impacting 70 million people in 20 states. In related news: Canada mourns two firefighter deaths; wildfire maps and satellites reveal scope of fires; 900 wildfires are burning in Canada amid record temperatures; and BC sets record for area burned with months left in the season. Elsewhere: Oregon’s Flat Fire grows to 5,500 acres; and Greece and Switzerland evacuate hundreds due to fires. 

In Business news: Canada’s inflation rate tumbles to 2.8% in June; positive data lowers US recession risk; Canada joins United States with housing start uptick; US builder confidence edges higher; and no news yet on the timing of Catalyst Crofton’s (Paper Excellence) mill restart. Meanwhile: US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wants to plant a trillion trees; and BC Wood is celebrating its 20th Global Buyers Mission.

Finally, sensors with AI learning can help early detection of wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tragically, Devyn Gale, 19, died after being hit by a falling tree in the BC Interior. Another (unnamed) firefighter also died in the Northwest Territories. In related news: to date—100,000 sq. kilometres has burned in Canada this year; BC wildfires prompt 70 evacuation orders; Zombie fires are occurring more frequently; and Oregon’s Flat Fire roars to 3,000 acres. Meanwhile: safety guidelines are needed for crews working in heat and smoke; the US announced a detailed ‘extreme heat strategy; and Southern Europe braces for a second heat storm.

In other News: Alberta wildfires contribute to the mountain pine beetle’s decline; how forestry can lessen the impact of fires; the downside of US Circuit Court’s Cottonwood decision; and Amazon deforestation is reported to be in decline. 

Finally, Canadian wildfires spur lumber price increase, but will it last?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Union, employers reach four-year deal but clearing idled cargo could take months. In other Business news: Canfor to resume Northwood pulp mill operations; Canadian Craft Paper pursues biomass energy; West Fraser partners with Alberta wind power firm; Health Canada updates formaldehyde regulations; and Alberta invests in forest-based emission reduction projects. On the market front: US remodelling ticks down; building material prices remain flat; and Canadian and US home builders speak out on housing affordability.

In other news: BC’s fire season second-worst on record, as province calls for more firefighters; BC urges water conservation, as heat wave hits US and Europe; students work to become wildland firefighters in Oregon; and a new study on the cost of wildfire smoke.

Finally, the natural building blocks of sustainable architecture—a Ted Talk by Michael Green.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Foresters step forward to correct the record on wildfires—it’s not the climate, it’s the fuel. In related news: Canada’s worst fire season in modern history is not unprecedented; how forest fires impact Canada’s economy (a podcast with Derek Nighbor & Pedro Antunes); Quebec industry calls for government aid; BC’s drought is adding stress on weakened trees; and Arizona is thinning to reduce its forest fuel loads. Meanwhile: the European Union passes a new nature conservation law; and Russia’s largest timber company is logging protected forests.

In Business news: the BC port strike may be resolved today as the parties must respond to the mediator’s recommendation, Canfor will continue with its Northwood Pulp Mill curtailment until the port deal is done; and BC invests in eight mass-timber demonstration projects.

Finally Roseburg appoints Stuart Gray as CEO; and Dale Greene, the University of Georgia’s Forestry Dean, is retiring.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor Pulp is temporarily curtailing its Northwood Pulp Mill, as Minister O’Regan asks mediator for terms to end the port strike. In related news: provincial premiers call for intervention; the union blames company greed; and an RBC report says time is of the essence. In other Business news: Ledcor is shuttering its Chilliwack cant mill; CHAR Technologies expands its biochar operations; Enviva breaks ground on Florida pellet plant; and a Seattle startup plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: insurance losses are dominated by Canada’s wildfires; a US perspective on Canada’s lack of a national firefighting force; BC provides funding for emergency preparedness; a BC man and is fined $100k for starting a forest fire; Oregon is set to update its wildfire hazard map; and Butt Falls, Oregon buys nearby forests to reduce its wildfire risk.

Finally, the Notre Dame Cathedral rebuild is underway using methods of yore.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC port strike is costing Canada about $500 million a day, as US dockworkers refuse to unload Canada bound cargo. In other Business news: Port Alberni looks to diversify its economy; lumber prices stabilize to a new normal, pulp mill waste finds new use with asphalt; and FSC certification comes to an Indian wood panel company.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC declares state of emergency for Northwest BC; no out-of-control wildfires are reported in Quebec—the first time since May; Idaho grapples with high firefighter turnover; and new research on how spruce defends against the spruce weavel. Meanwhile, it’s National Forest Week in the United States; and Japan targets carbon credits with new forestry fund.

Finally, and sadly, BC lost two forestry giants this week. Longtime logger Verne Roberts died at 95, and Weldwood executive Al Coombes died at 88.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser signed a deal to sell Hinton Pulp to Mondi Group—which intends to expand the Alberta facility. In other Business news: Canada supports a new biorefinery in Saskatchewan; and hundreds rally in Vancouver to support the union, as the BC port strike strains the forest sector and the Canadian economy. Meanwhile: Paper Excellence had a hog fuel fire in Port Alberni; New Zealand celebrates its forest industry; and the Government of Tasmania doubles down on native forestry.

In Wildfire news: evacuation orders issued for two BC regions; firefighters’ mental health is an increasing concern; Canada may be ablaze but its forests used to catch fire like this all the time; and researchers say US forests can adapt but not quick enough. Meanwhile: a state-of-the-art woodroom is launched in Alberta; logging of a beetle infested First Nation’s forest is panned; and the role of US forests to address climate change. 

Finally, are ‘mother trees’ real—researchers say the evidence is sparse.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s record-breaking wildfire season is expected to burn hot for months. In related news: what makes this year’s wildfire season different; Quebec announces support for impacted businesses; RCMP suspect some Vancouver Island fires were intentionally lit; an Alberta wilderness group says more prescribed burning would help; and Western US states scramble to thin their overcrowded forests.

In Business news: US-Canada-Mexico trade talks to include softwood duties; an Arizona lumber mill struggles to make forest thinning economic; the slowdown in paper and packaging is impacting fibre costs; and the DIY market is offsetting the sluggish pace of housing, as small builders tap the breaks.

Finally, the World Resources Institute says rising wood use may undermine efforts to reduce GHGs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Production backlogs and supply chain disruptions beget calls for gov’t intervention, binding arbitration in BC port strike. In other Business news: Canada invests in biochar plant to be built in Quebec; Rex lumber fined for 2022 workplace fatality; and Sierra Pacific faces old-growth protesters. In Forest Product news: the tallest wooden wind turbine tower comes to Sweden; and tall wood commercial structures make news in Vancouver and London.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: a BC Forest Practices Board report says changes are required to reduce fire risk; BC’s Wildfire Service expects drought conditions to get worse; Nelson’s wildland urban interface still needs attention; the US Forest Service invests to reduce Utah’s wildfire risk, and El Niño plus climate change means record-breaking US heat. 

Finally, the mysterious disease killing Arkansas pine trees may finally be resolved.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The British Columbia port-workers strike enters day 5, as the economic impacts start to ripple across the Canadian economy. In other Business news: Catalyst Crofton pulp mill shuts down for July; Houston assesses impact of Canfor mill closure; Russ Taylor forecasts lumber use reduction for 2023; Rachel Kagan on the shortsightedness of pitting packaging materials against each other; FPInnovations cites progress on transportation innovation; and the USDA invest $188 million to keep working-forests working. 

In other news: mixed-intensity fire is the solution for giant sequoias; 10 states to sue the US Environmental Protection Agency over wood burning stoves; heat warnings are in place for Ontario and Quebec; and all of Ontario is now under a fire ban as 80 wildfires burn. 

Finally, El Niño is back, and what it means for North America.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Frogs are back from their vacation and so is your Daily Takeaway.

Oxford Economics says wildfires may cut Canada’s third-quarter GDP by up to 0.6 percentage points. In related news: lumber prices rally on supply concerns; and US construction spending is up in May. In other Business news: Teal Jones curtails Surrey sawmill for a week; Houston waits on Canfor decision; San Group keeps busy with mill upgrades; Drax’s compliance is debated in the UK; and VicForests loses harvesting appeal in Australia, while Tasmania expands its native logging.

In Forestry/Climate news: Lomberg says climate-change cash could be better spent on other causes; Palmer asks if a futurist can help BC envision logging’s future; CBC revisits Canada’s Fairy Creek protest; a BC Forest Practice Board report on aspen management; and a report on deploying bioenergy in the US with carbon capture. On the wildfire front: US scientists say wildfires and smoke are the ‘new abnormal‘; fires said to threaten almost half of BC’s public lands; NRCan researchers develop a wildfire satellite system; and Ontario will spare no expense in protecting its residents.

Finally why wildfire smoke smells like burnt plastic.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With two-thirds of the Tree Frog Editorial team on vacation, we will be operating “Tree Frog Light” for one more week. Our website will continue to feature breaking news but Kelly’s Takeaway summary will be on pause. If you haven’t already, please bookmark our news page and visit it daily at your convenience (after ~8:00 am PST). Thank you for your understanding.

Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

With two-thirds of the Tree Frog Editorial team on vacation, we will be on “Tree Frog Light” the next two weeks. Our website will continue to feature breaking news but Kelly’s Takeaway summary will be on pause. If you haven’t already, please bookmark our news page and visit it daily at your convenience (after ~8:00 am PST). Thank you for your understanding.

Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

Stora Enso plans to close four mills producing pulp, containerboard and lumber. In other Business news: wildfires are likely to drive lumber prices higher; the threat of work stoppages concerns BC’s ports; Canadian housing starts fell in May; what’s next with US interest rates; and building greener with mass timber doesn’t mean building weaker.

In Forestry/Climate/Wildfire news: Canada sets timeline for Ontario action on Caribou conservation; ENGOs sue the US Forest Service in Colorado; Canada continues to rely on foreign firefighters; wildlife and ecosystems are called the unseen casualties of fires; and Terrance Corcoran and Ross McKitrick pour cold water on the link between wildfires and climate change.

Finally, a reminder that two of your Frog editors will be on holidays starting tomorrow. We will continue to post stories daily but our email-alert will be on pause. If you haven’t already, please bookmark our news page and visit it daily at your convenience (after ~8:00 am PST). Thank you for your understanding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada is said to be creating its own definition of “forest degradation” after the EU passed a deforestation law. In other Business news: Quebec wildfires force some to pause operations; Skeena Sawmills resumes operations in Terrace, BC; Unifor strikes at Kruger Paper in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec; Europe’s log trade shows dramatic decline; and BC’s Port Alberni highway remains closed by wildfire, as logging roads offer limited alternative.

In Forestry/Climate news: researchers say the boreal forest is more southern-like, and contracting as it shifts northward; Alabama’s longleaf pine makes a comeback; and Western Australia’s controversial prescribed burns. Meanwhile: the latest wildfire updates from BC, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia; and California.

Finally, a heads up. Friday is the start of a two-week vacation (Spain/UK) for two of your Frog editors, and we will be on ‘Tree Frog Light’ mode. Our website will continue to populate daily with stories but our email alert will be on pause. Please bookmark our page and visit it daily for current news. Thank you for your understanding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US inflation rate slowed to its lowest level since March 2021, but housing inflation keeps interest rates elevated. In other Business news: Western Forest Products temporarily curtails some BC production; Canada invests in International Paper’s Grande Prairie mill; Quebec holds softwood talks with US homebuilders; and PacifiCorp is found liable for Oregon wildfire. Meanwhile: mass timber shines in warehouse construction and modular homes.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: 1% of Canada’s forests just burned; wildfire season puts BC’s year-round strategy to the test; is Eastern Canada following the West on fire; Florida undertakes 532 acre prescribed burn; and updates from BC-North and West, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Meanwhile, Montana’s Flathead Forest plan passes Appeals Court endangered species review.

Finally, wildfire smoke is said to be ‘just as safe’ as cigarettes and fossil fuels.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s worst-ever spring wildfire season has forced sawmills to shutter. In related news: hundreds of South African and EU firefighters arrive to help; US will soon need its firefighter volunteers back home; how the fires are being fought across Canada; and specific updates from Quebec, BC, California; and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, perspectives on the degree to which climate change is the root cause of the fires (yes, no, and maybe so), the role of older vs younger forests; and the legal obligation of government to protect its residents from climate change.

In Forest Product news: the USDA invests $43 million in wood product innovation; North America’s first mass timber parking lot is coming to BC; hybrid timber floors in tall wood buildings; and Oregon to study the effects of fires on mass timber structures. Elsewhere: optimism despite Enviva’s operational woes; and the US extends its duty investigation on Vietnam plywood.

Finally, a ‘forests from the trees’ conversation with MNP’s Jason Fisher.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Biden sends firefighters, aid to Canada as wildfire smoke blankets much of the US. Related headlines include:

• International help rolls in to fight persistent Canadian wildfires
• Travellers cancel plans on Vancouver Island as concerns grow
• Alberta Premier downplays link between fires and climate change
• Climate change is exacerbating forest fires and vice versa
• US East Coast sees worst air quality in years
• Alberta is in a weather-free zone during heat wave
• Wear masks outdoors to protect against wildfire smoke
• U.S. Senate panel debates wildfire strategy
• CN adjusting rail operations amid wildfires
• Forests’ ability to trap carbon ‘goes up in smoke’

In other news: Drax carbon capture and storage consultations launched; US foreclosure activity sees spike; and US housing affordability posts solid gain.

Finally, could mass timber solve the US housing crisis?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A judge found Canadian Pacific Kansas City guilty of contempt of court for employees working long hours. In other Business news: DC Equipment acquired world-renowned Madill brand; Huber plans to build an OSB mill in Mississippi; West Fraser declares a dividend; and Greenpeace fails to recover its legal fees in Resolute case. On the market front: Maine loggers are hurt by the paper market slowdown; RBC says Canada’s economy is beating expectations; and US homebuying and home-selling conditions diverge.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada marks Clean Air Day with the worst air quality in the world; ENGOs sue federal minister over spotted owls; and timely stories on what it takes to be a forest firefighter, and the stresses of wildland firefighting. Meanwhile: wildfire and smoke updates from Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and New Jersey.

Finally, and very sadly, a logging truck mechanical failure kills three near Cranbrook, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

On Clean Air Day, tens of millions of North Americas have been warned about dangerous air quality. In related news: Canadians take their air quality seriously; Quebec smoke spreads to large swath of Ontario; Canadian fires worsen US air quality; and tracking the smoke to the eastern seaboard. In other wildfire news: experts say Canada needs a national fire service; forest fires could destabilize Quebec wildlife; campfire bans are coming to BC; and the US Forest Service is not obligated to follow state law on prescribed burns.

In Business news: West Fraser plans mill expansion in McDavid, Florida; Hampton Lumber names Randy Schillinger CEO; Louisiana Pacific retools their Wawa, Ontario mill; and BC’s port workers are taking a strike vote. Elsewhere; China pushes carbon capture despite IPCC warnings.

Finally, Waugh Thistleton brings clarity to timber systems, TJ Fiala launches tree-free lumber.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s emergency preparedness minister says 2023 is on track to be the worst fire season ever. In related news: millions of Canadians will face extreme fire danger this summer; much of Quebec is in haze and smoke; Toronto is feeling the effects of Quebec fires; and specific fire updates from Quebec, Ontario and Michigan; and Port Alberni & Fort St. John BC. Meanwhile: Fungi may offer a ‘jaw-dropping’ solution to climate change. 

In Business news: Paper Excellence’s owner could face parliamentary summons; stage set for Structurlam reopening; BC Asia trade mission seeks to diversify trade; a 10-story wood building seems earthquake proof; and push back and push forward on Australia’s native forest bans.

Finally, a recipe for gridlock for the BC forest products sector.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires are straining Canada’s resources and it’s going to be a hot, hot summer. In related headlines:

• What happens to the animals during a fire
• How drones and data are being used to predict fires
• Good plans are in place but they may not be enough
• Northern hemisphere fires cause record emissions
• Smog warning issued as 150 wildfires burn in Quebec
• Quebec unable to bring its fires under control
• And updates from BC, Ontario, Quebec, and New Jersey

In other news: its the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day; benefits to Canada went unquestioned in Paper Excellence buyouts; Resolute/Unifor ratifies woodlands agreement; Walmart looks to recycled paper to reduce packaging waste; and BC extends the Fairy Creek old-growth deferral.

Finally, a counterintuitive climate defence — harvesting forests to combat emissions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two years on, Lytton wildfire survivors shift to rebuilding—Teal Jones stands by with lumber donation. In related news: mass timber helps resurrect a burned California town; an unprecedented start to Canada’s fire season; what’s behind Nova Scotia’s raging fires; urban sprawl adds to firefighter risk; Albertans stay to protect their communities; Oregon/Washington sue companies making firefighting foam; and specific fire updates from Nova Scotia; Quebec; and New Jersey. Elsewhere: new research on the health effects of wildfire smoke; and drifting smoke begets New Jersey air quality alerts. 

In Business news: more questions on Paper Excellence ties to Asia Pulp & Paper; BC Forest Practices Board audits Interfor’s Clearwater operation; Western Forest Products supports Ladysmith’s Seniors Centre; and West Virginia pursues yellow popular CLT. Meanwhile: the Canadian Wood Council and Forest Professionals BC are hiring; and Port Metro Vancouver’s CEO is retiring.

Finally, TUSHY photo gallery seeks to end boreal forest harvests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada has approved more resources to help fight the raging wildfires in Nova Scotia. In related news: the BC Forest Safety Council on preparing for the wildfire season; a prescribed fire in Eugene, Oregon becomes a wildfire; and a California utility settles for $50 million on the Zogg Fire. In other news: Tim Caddel is named Ontario Conservation Officer of the Year; and Ernie Demote is honoured by the Ontario Woodlot Association.

In Business news: Massive Canada Building Systems eyes Williams Lake, BC for new plant; Unifor wants a wood supply agreement for Thunder Bay’s new mill owner; and North Carolina considers code changes after deadly construction fire. Meanwhile: Canada’s GDP rose; US paper and containerboard are down; Nordic lumber imports decreased, and EU lumber exports to the US reach new highs. 

Finally, the future of the world’s largest hockey stick is questioned.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mercer International gets bankruptcy court to approve its acquisition of Structurlam Mass Timber for $81 million. In other Company news: Drax under UK investigation over sustainability of wood pellets; Paper Excellence faced lawmaker’s questions over Canadian ownership; Vermette Wood Preservers faces closure over regulation change; West Fraser releases new video; Maine researchers look to biomass energy; and help for BC businesses hurt by forestry changes.

In Wildfire news: Nova Scotia bans all forest activities; Ontario closes highway as wildfire danger rises; Vancouver Island hit with Sayward fire smoke; Montreal under open-fire ban; and a campfire turns raging in Northern Michigan. Meanwhile, does Canada have enough firefighters?

Finally, nominations for BC’s Leadership in Safety Awards for forestry are now open.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor