Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Paper Excellence signed a deal to sell its pulp and paper mill in Thunder Bay, Ontario—as required by its Resolute Forest Products acquisition. In related news: Paper Excellence is temporarily idling its Crofton and Port Alberni mills; John Brink is pausing his Pleasant Valley Remanufacturing plant in Houston, BC; and Ontario’s Ian Dunn welcomes the province’s decision to fund forest biomass innovation. 

In Forestry/Climate news: interface fires are increasing in frequency in Canada; El Nino has Oregon worried about an extended fire season; Colorado receives monies for wildfire barriers; and fire updates from Halifax and Shelburne, Nova Scotia; Timmins and Cat Lake, Ontario; Fort St. John, BC; Saint Andrews, New Brunswick; and Springfield, Oregon.

Finally: the mystery sickness that’s attacking Arkansas’ loblolly pine, rebuilding Notre Dame’s roof, and tackling hay fever by planting pollen-light trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A state of emergency is declared near Halifax as a massive wildfire causes power outages and evacuations. In related news: a fire near Saint Andrews, New Brunswick prompts evacuation order; two new fires hit Sudbury, Ontario; open fires are banned in parts of Quebec; and lighting ignites new fires in Alberta. Meanwhile: reintroducing fire to manage Cranbrook BC First Nation land; rehabilitating Montana’s 2021 Harris Mountain fire; and a Montana judge rules fire retardant can still be used despite polluting streams.

In other news: Ontario invests $19 million in forest biomass innovation, launches updated biodiversity strategy; Montana pushes back on Endangered Species Act lawsuit; Sequoia National Forest has a new forest management plan; and the non-native pest risk to old-growth forests. On the company front: Harman Pacific boosts Nanaimo economy; and a Drax pellet plant breaks Mississippi emission rules. 

Finally, Brazilian tree frogs as flower pollinators, and a new frog species for India.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change gets blame for forest fires despite a lack of upward trend in acreage burned. In related news: a new book on Fire Weather by John Vaillant; wildfires fuel online conspiracy theories; a US wildfire expert’s learnings on urban-wildfire disasters; and two years after Lytton burned not a single building permit has been issued. Meanwhile: progress in Alberta means some evacuees are going home ; US firefighters call for improved fire shelters; Australian firefighters lend Canada a hand; and heatwaves have Sweden and Vietnam on edge. 

In other news: Domtar hosts ribbon-cutting at revamped Tennessee mill; Robbins Lumber acquires two Maine sawmills; Allegheny Wood Products withdraws plan to build a log-treating plant in West Virginia; Western Washington University breaks ground on carbon neutral building; and researchers report that soil microbiota can increase forest resilience to climate change.

Finally, wood vs. plastic: Which pallets are more sustainable? 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Time for mass timber and prefab – BC eyes changes to ‘bias’ in building code. In related news: the tallest mass plywood structure in the world nears completion in Oakland; and Milwaukie’s CLT tower height is upped to 32 storeys. In Business news: Stella-Jones to update its financial growth objectives; a downturn at Enviva puts its growth at risk; Drax’s bioenergy headquarters will be Houston, Texas; and more on North Carolina’s Canton mill closure. Meanwhile, Interfor appoints Nicolle Butcher to its Board; and AF&PA has a new VP government affairs.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada plans a ministers’ meeting on biodiversity goals; birders and blockaders support BC’s Fairy Creek old growth deferrals; rain finally puts a damper on Alberta’s raging wildfires; and Mosaic Forest Management and Builders FirstChoice release their respective sustainability reports. 

Finally, where the ‘Wood-Wide Web’ narrative went wrong.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Alberta wildfire officials say one million hectares of land has burned as dozens of wildfires continue across the province. In related news: cooler weather helps firefighters contain some fires; the oil industry disagrees with research linking them to extreme wildfires; and lumber markets anticipate fire’s impact on price. Meanwhile, new research says mosses plays a role in tackling climate change; and Brazil adds CO2 to study its impact on Amazon forests. 

In other news: a gathering of forestry innovators is coming to Vancouver in June; loss of North Carolina paper mill is a loss for forests too; and a Magnolia tree compound may be effective against the next coronavirus.

Finally, can building with wood decarbonise construction? Yes but…

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is moving into the central US, triggering air quality alerts. In related news: an evacuation order was issued near Quesnel, BC; rain is expected to bring relief to Alberta; and California’s fire season is predicted to be short. Elsewhere: a new paper on the drought response of whitebark pine; Quebec and Michigan seek to leverage wood’s climate potential; and robots are said to be the wave of BC’s sustainable forestry’s future. 

In Business news: the US Dept of Commerce rules on GreenFirst duty order; Teal-Jones’ Prince George lawsuit may be misdirected; West Fraser seeks to commercialize wood byproducts; Drax is pursuing US green tax credits; Stewart Muir on the economic fallout of BC’s carbon policy; and like Home Depot, Lowe’s Q1 is impacted by lumber prices. 

Finally, Australian activists defy anti-protest timber laws, as Victorian government phases out native forest logging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Given the Victoria Day Holiday, the Frogs are back on Tuesday

Conifex announced four weeks of unscheduled downtime at its Mackenzie sawmill. In other Business news: an update on the Port of Prince Rupert’s expansion; Wisconsin’s ND Paper mill transition is complete; an Ontario First Nation aims to build an OSB or LSL mill; and US duties on Chinese hardwood plywood are extended for 5 years. In market news, the US economy is still expected to slow but housing contruction is looking upbeat.

In Forestry/Climate news: wildfires rip across Western Canada as heat wave smashes temperature records; Alberta budget cuts are said to put wildfire prevention at risk; a new tool uses remote sensing to detect deforestation; Canada’s emissions hit record high in 2021; and harnessing the carbon-capturing potential of US forests is key.

Finally; detangling the debate on the ‘Wood Wide Web‘, and Japan proves wood satellites work well.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Canadian wildfires are causing air quality alerts, sending oil prices higher. In related news: the cost of Canada’s forest fires are understated; Manitoba hit with wildfire smoke; Alberta’s fight could drag on all summer, as Drayton Valley residents return, and a firefighter is seriously injured. Meanwhile, California’s wildfire alert system includes 1000 cameras; an Idaho logging project prevails in court; and BC ENGOs target at-risk owls and caribou.

In Business news: Canfor releases its 2022 sustainability report; Unifor ratifies deal with Domtar, Ontario; protesters target Enviva headquarters; a Kentucky tax incentive supports Domtar’s mill expansion; the uncertain future of pulp & paper in the Pacific Northwest; and China resumes timber trade with Australia. 

Finally, Mosaic Forest Management and Maine’s SFI Implementation Committee receive Sustainable Forestry Initiative Climate Awards. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hot and dry conditions fuel wildfires in the North and West. The headlines include:

• British Columbia residents pack bags as wildfires rage
• Calgary air quality deteriorates as wildfires rage
• Significant wildfire risk to northern BC likely to spread south
• Hundreds of B.C. firefighters dig in for Fort St. John battle amid weather reprieve
• Saskatchewan issues fire ban as wildfires rage through Western Canada
• Alberta asking public employees to become volunteer firefighters

In other news: BC’s Skeena Sawmills set to re-open May 29; rise in single-family homebuilding boosts builder confidence again; US Cold War tanker turned aerial firefighter moves to National Museum of Forest Service History; European Union adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide.

Finally, Scott Robertson, Lennard Joe, and Paul Robitaille receive SFI President’s Award.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko Industries announced two weeks of unscheduled downtime at its Lakeview sawmill operations. In related news: GreenFirst reports Q1, 2023 loss; Home Depot earnings fall due to lumber deflation; and wood pellet exports to Asia are up, while commodity prices remain volitile. In other news: MP’s ask whether Paper Excellence revamped Resolute board is Canadian enough.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study says 37% of Western wildfires since 1986 can be traced to burning fossil fuels; and a lawsuit seeks to protect Washington’s threatened lynx. On the wildfire front: Arizona tests a GPS firefighter locating device; more evacuation alerts for Northern BC, extreme conditions reported in Northern Alberta and Ontario; and air quality alerts for Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. 

Finally, Amsterdam plans to build 3-storey plug-and-play modular schools from wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Pacific Northwest heat wave is challenging firefighters as new fires prompt more evacuations. In related news: Alberta residents warned not to fight wildfires themselves; fire updates from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories; Oregon and Montana foresters focus on wildfire recovery; and Southwest US forests destroyed by megafires may never recover.

In other news: Canadian plywood makers seek duties on Chinese imports; Minister Guibeault launches biodiversity strategy consultations; Nova Scotia to study ecological forestry transition; and two spotted owls released into the wild in BC are found dead. Meanwhile, Canada’s housing starts jumped in April, and the lumber-futures contract will trade its final session today.

Finally, tree-planting drones seed the dangerous places where humans can’t tread.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor.

Building material prices declined last month despite increased lumber costs. In related news: Russ Taylor on what’s next for lumber; cautious optimism for windows and doors; and Doman Building Materials reports positive Q1 earnings. In other Business news: Acadian Timber questions New Brunswick’s timber royalty cut; Drax announces carbon removal deal; Gilbert Smith signs MOU with Adams Lake band; and Tolko donates lumber for kids in need.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta wildfire smoke blankets Eastern Canada, mitigation efforts deploy Edmonton-based soldiers Armed Forces; Oregon urges alternative to debris burning; forecasted record temperatures spurs weekend wildfire warnings; and safety warnings for drone use near firefighting operations. Meanwhile, deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon falls 68% in April.

Finally, Memphis “snake factory” releases Louisiana pine snakes into longleaf pine forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

North America’s boreal forests are burning a lot, but 2 to 10 times less than 150 years ago: Quebec study. In related news: municipalities want Alberta to keep aerial firefighters, as unprecidented fires become the new normal; Western Canada is facing an extreme heat wave; the high cost of BC’s Elephant Hill wildfire; Oregon’s wet winter could delay the fire season; and biochar’s potential to moderate wildfire and store carbon.

In Business news: Packaging Corp. of America idles Washington paper mill affecting 300; Aragon and Kalesnikoff are building North America’s largest residential CLT project; and Lennard Joe receives Selkirk College Alumni Award. Meanwhile; US inflation falls below 5%; and Cascades and KP Tissue report Q1, 2023 results.

Finally, what scientists discovered simulating an earthquake on a 10-storey wood building.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A ten-storey wood building passed a magnitude 7.7 earthquake test, similar to the 1999 Taiwan quake that killed 2000. In related news: watch the quake test here; the Softwood Lumber Board’s mass timber exhibition hits Chicago; and recycled plastic as a future building material. Companies making news include: Louisiana Pacific (plans for Wawa Ontario); Paper Excellence (pending NDP investigation); Resolute (Thunder Bay mill sale); Conifex (new president); and Stella-Jones (record Q1 earnings).

In Forestry/Climate news: a conversation with US Forest Service Chief Randy Moore; new Alberta research on mountain pine beetle flight performance; the BC Forest Practices Board releases its strategic plan; Swedish researchers pour cold water on the Mother Tree hypothesis; and Georgia biomass plants could soon burn a new fuel – scrap tires.

Finally, how far has Alberta wildfire smoke traveled? Washington DC and beyond.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Environment Canada issued air quality advisories in the West due to fires, as central Canada experiences floods and the East Coast braces for snow. In related news: Alberta offers evacuees financial support as Canada’s military will join to battle the fires, and ex-firefighters question the lack of aerial attack teams; BC trainees to sharpen their firefighting skills in North Vancouver; and Montana and South Dakota secure monies to build fuel breaks.

In Forest Product news: California set to earthquake test a 10-story timber building; Toronto’s George Town College sees mass timber come to life; and the Softwood Lumber Board and US Endowment partner to educate the educators. Meanwhile: ENGOs want Canada to change how it reports logging emissions; and Western Australia implements decision to end logging in native forests.

Finally, Gordon Murray on wood pellets and the seismic shift to clean energy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Alberta declared a provincial state of emergency (and plans to seek federal help) as wildfires force more evacuations. In related news: rain offers Alberta some relief but lightning sparks new blazes; to reduce fire risk California is encouraged to harvest dead trees for CLT and produce wood energy; deadly fires engulf central/eastern Russia; and Indonesia uses cloud-seeding to spur rainfall. 

In other news: BC Premier Eby warns forest sector to fix its problems, as province launches strategy to promote value-added wood sales; Kruger Kamloops works to replace fibre reductions due to mill closures; BC Member of Parliament calls for ban on old-growth logging; Quebec seedlings are destroyed due to extreme weather; and Purdue University receives grant to establish an AI Institute for Forestry. Meanwhile: US wood pellet exports rise, but Enviva’s losses cause its share price to fall.

Finally, is wood strong enough to build a bicycle? How about a seaplane?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor      

Alberta is on fire — heat, wind and dry conditions force thousands to evacuate their homes. In related news: a massive North Carolina wildfire is 65% contained, the US invests $65 million to expand wildfire barriers; Randy Moore is grilled over funding delays despite fuel reduction efforts; Jim Pedersen bemoans the delays cause by serial litigators; and an award-winning wildfire documentary hits the big sceeen.

In Business news: FPAC says Canada needs an industrial strategy for forestry; BC Premier says days of high-volume log exports are over; Canfor’s new BC mill decision set for July; Hood Industries to rebuild Mississippi plywood plant; Kamloops First Nation invests in whole-log chipping; and more Q1 financials from Mercer and Boise Cascade. Meanwhile; US hardwood producers lobby for wood’s carbon upside; and a Quesnel think tank focuses on forestry’s future.

Finally, confessions of an Ontario tree planter, a vicious materialist who re-learnt herself.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

First-quarter company earnings by Western Forest Products, Acadian Timber, Rayonier, Louisiana Pacific and Enviva reflect challenging times. In related news: what’s behind Canfor’s mill closures; New Brunswick clarifies timber royalty cuts; Brazil’s wood-fiber costs skyrocket; and another Australian sawmill is closing. In Product news: the pros and cons of ditching plastic for paper; and keeping recyclable wood out of landfills.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Canadian watchdog calls for more transparency on forestry emissions; Ontario to support caribou habitat restoration; Manitoba ENGO’s call for end to logging in Duck Mountain Park; and Brazil aims to unlock carbon credits. 

Finally, Russian soldiers who camped in Chernobyl’s Red Forest are falling sick.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

WestRock announced it will permanently close its paper mill in Charleston, effecting 500 people. In related news: Vanderhoof’s Mayor on the Sinclar Group curtailments; Canfor Corp. and Canfor Pulp report Q1, 2023 loss; Clearwater Paper reports positive Q1, and Bluelinx reports reduced earnings. In other Business news: Canadian lawmakers’ questioning of Paper Excellence is postponed; CP Rail is under the gun after Maine derailment; and the latest on North American lumber supply and demand by ERA’s Kevin Mason. 

In Forestry/Climate news: a New Brunswick judge says professor not fired for glyphosate views; ENGOs says Smithers’ pellet mill should close; Vancouver Island University restores Garry Oak ecosystem; logging near Yellowstone Park called a threat to grizzlies; and a new paper on how increasing forest productivity requires species richness and abundance.

Finally, new mass timber showcases (and award winners) from Ontario, Vancouver, BC, Connecticut and Sweden.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre and price challenges, Sinclar Group’s Greg Stewart announced curtailments at three BC sawmills. In related news: BC United asks government to show leadership; Resource Works says a return to balance is required; and David Elstone dares to dream of a new path forward. In other Business news: Nova Scotia is “mum” on talks with Northern Pulp; Cascades’ recycled containerboard mill starts in Virginia; Enviva announces Conservation Fund’s grant recipients; and CHAR Technologies‘ plans to build a biocarbon facility in Ontario. 

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study on Ontario’s forestry workforce gap; the role of forest soils in climate mitigation; conserving US forests with a sustainable timber economy; questions on US wildfire management strategies; and forest fire updates from BC, Alberta, and Newfoundland.

Finally, Canada’s cement and concrete industry release 2050 Net-Zero Action Plan.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After more than a decade of continuous growth, US home remodelling is projected to contract in 2024. In other Business news: New Brunswick plans to cut its timber royalties; Northern Pulp ponders a new location; Structurlam’s acquisition to conclude in June; Unifor ratifies contract with CN Rail; and Weyerhaeuser and Billerud report positive Q1, 2023 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Quebec caribou herd is expecting a baby boom; Washington lawmakers vote to support biomass energy; the US Forest Service is told to do more to fight wildfires; Idaho trains loggers to fight forest fires; and France’s wildfire season starts a month early. Meanwhile, conference news courtesy of the Interior Logging Association; the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation; and the BC Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy. 

Finally, Christine Leduc joins SFI’s senior leadership team as VP Communications.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber markets fall toward multi-year lows as markets seek a balance in supply and demand. In related news: EU instability changes up global markets; Arbec Forest Products buys Forex OSB mill; Northern Pulp looks to produce energy from Fiona damaged trees; and Allegheny Wood Products log treatment plant faces pushback.

In Forestry/Climate news: Minister Ralston on the future of forestry in BC; how forest management can build healthy wildfire cycles; climate change and megafires impact on regeneration; and why corporate sustainability initiatives fail to reduce deforestation.

Finally, attitudes on paper products show improvement; and CWC launches Woodworks Innovation Network in Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Founded in 1962, the future of Stucturlam is unclear as potential new owner waits in the wings. In related news: Gorman’s Nick Arkle on the solution to BC’s fibre shortage; an update on Western Forest Products’ Alberni Division review; Oregon’s wood industry still important; why Wisconsin’s paper industry looks promising; and New Zealand looks to onshore wood processing. Meanwhile, International Paper and Canadian Pacific Kansas City report Q1 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: new research on how tree diversity can increase carbon storage; Fairy Creek protesters look to the marbled murrelet to stop logging; US perspectives on how much old-growth protection is enough; Vermont gives thumbs up to biomass energy; and how pruning tropical vines can slow climate change. Elsewhere: Vancouver and New York City’s latest mass timber showcases.

Finally, solving a climate puzzle one tree ring at a time.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser Timber’s Q1, 2023 sales ticked up, earnings (loss) improved over Q4, 2022. In related news: CN Rail has record Q1 revenues despite lumber’s sag; Drax announces share buyback plan amid record profits; Kronospan is building a new OSB plant in Alabama; and Oregon’s Sundance Lumber and the Swanson Group are hit with EPA fines. Meanwhile, Canadian housing starts are mixed; US new home sales rise, and US consumer confidence declines.

In other news: the source of the fungal infection at Billerud’s Wisconsin paper mill remains a mystery; the positive ‘ripple effects’ of California’s fire-resilient forests; a rare glimpse into Afghanistan’s spectacular, vanishing forests; and New Zealand’s carbon trading scheme said to be over-reliant on forests.

Finally, US WoodWorks 2023 Wood Design Awards embrace timber’s potential.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Cascades plans to close its underperforming tissue plants in Oregon and South Carolina. In other Company news: a Hood Industries sawmill burns in Louisiana; Resolute opens a filament plant in Quebec; Resolute’s Thunder Bay mill is fined; Drax ends coal-fired power generation; and Q1, 2023 earnings for PotlatchDeltic and Stora Enso. Meanwhile, BC polluter penalties are questioned; CN Rail and Canadian Pacific Kansas City competition gears up, and more on Stucturlam’s recent bankruptcy filing.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study says US forests adaptation lags behind climate change 10-fold; BC releases its 2021/22 forest research report; a Missoula judge ponders wildfire retardants; a biomass energy primer courtesy of Thomasnet; and poor planting outcomes follow good intentions in Germany.

Finally, the 2023 Montreal Wood Convention attracted over 1,100 participants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Structurlam Mass Timber filed for Chapter 11 and entered into an ‘initial bid’ agreement with Mercer for its BC and Arkansas assets. In related news: Greenpeace prevails in defamation suit by Resolute Forest Products; and the rising risk of cyberattacks on woodworking firms. Meanwhile: Conifex’s CFO transition; Georgia Pacific’s two business leader promotions; Twin Rivers Paper’s new President & CFO; and the latest on softwood production, packaging trends; biofuel mandates; housing markets and recession forecasts.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s tree-planting promise ‘flounders’; Canopy receives $60 million to decarbonize the clothing industry; a US lawsuit could curb the use of aerial fire retardant; and urban forestry news from Hartford; Boise; and Phoenix.

Finally, key takeaways from the 2023 COFI Conference by MP Richard Cannings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor