Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Although earnings were generally down, Interfor, Western Forest Products, Resolute Forest Products and Doman Building Materials all reported positive Q3, 2022 results. In other Business news: housing woes put BC sawmills at risk; Cascades to shutdown its Belleville corrugator; Lowe’s to sell its Canadian business; Port Hawkesbury Paper looks at green hydrogen; and Europe’s wood energy markets are on a steep ascent.

In other news, stories on: BC’s logging slowdown; Ontario’s slow fire-season; South Carolina’s growing forest economy; USDA’s conservation program; and the UK’s timber supply chain challenges. 

Finally, the shady secrets and unique riddles of two pervasive, non-native trees.  

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Fed raised its interest rate 75 basis points (again), but with hint of slower hikes to come. Companies making news include: Irving’s offshore tax haven; Rayonier’s US timberland acquisition; Louisiana Pacific’s Maine expansion; US LBM’s Georgia Truss purchase; and Ehattesaht Chinehkint Nation’s partnership with Strategic Consultants. Meanwhile: a Georgia ballot could give timber producers a break; Aubra Anthony donates to U. of Arkansas; Enviva reports Q3 loss; and the BC Interior Lumber Manufacturers Association has a new president.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s old-growth logging declines to record lows; Fairy Creek protesters denied bid to have ‘single trial‘; Maine’s carbon offsets called controversial; Drax is open to tougher biomass checks; and Brazil’s new president faces environmental struggle. 

Finally, how building with wood is creating a more sustainable Toronto.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With the purchase of Resolute, Paper Excellence will rival West Fraser, North America’s largest forestry company. In other Business news: bids expected on Resolute’s Thunder Bay mill; Western Forest Products’ Port Alberni mill closure to last six months; Snavely Forest Products expands in Texas, Ponsse North America expands in Florida; Spectrum Energy’s pellet plants face protests; and Rayonier Advanced Materials reports positive Q3 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Wall Street firm makes big bet on forest carbon; pledges to plant trees hampered by lack of seeds; ENGOs push on Canada’s carbon emissions from logging; and University of BC researchers develop new uses for wood cellulose.

Finally, we can confidently say we’re now in a housing recession (NAHB’s Robert Dietz).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Resolute shareholders voted in favour of Paper Excellence’s offer, which when complete will make them a subsidiary of Domtar. In other Company news: Paper Excellence secures creditor protection for Northern Pulp; and Boise Cascade; Clearwater Paper and Louisiana Pacific report positive Q3 earnings. Meanwhile: Canada’s GDP is up; US homebuilders are pulling back; softwood trade is down; and pellet prices rise.

In Forestry news: BC’s allowable cut called ‘out of wack‘; Alberta’s new ministry raises alarms; Pennsylvania signs stewardship agreement; Brazil’s election may reduce deforestation; Norway to pay Indonesia to protect forests; Ireland urges forest certification; and four EU countries defend their industries.

Finally, an insider’s look at life as a female BC logging truck driver.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Weyerhaeuser announced resolution of its strike in Oregon & Washington. In other Business news: Northern Pulp seeks creditor protection in BC court; Ontario’s White River mill flourishes despite challenges; Hampton Lumber donates to Burns Lake, BC project; and Saskatchewan’s Prince Albert mill prepares for restart-construction. Meanwhile: BC’s Deputy Premier on Vancouver Island forestry; Algoma Steel looks to biomass for fuel; and StructureCraft’s latest bridge over the Bow River.

In other news: Prince Edward Island strikes emergency task force post-Fiona; a decade of drought and fire in Sierra Nevada; the Softwood Lumber Board’s investment update; Canada’s tree obsession is absurd (says Rex Murphy); the UK’s timber gap; and New Zealand’s forestry hysteria.

Finally, hang onto your pumpkins (literally) and have a safe and happy Halloween.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Inflation and its cure, rising interest rates, are cutting into lumber sales, writes Nelson Bennett. In related news: Skeena Sawmills in Terrace cuts production; Canfor, Canfor Pulp, Weyerhaeuser, and Mercer report positive third quarters; Resolute’s Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper mill is for sale; Maine’s ND Paper is being sued; and Russia’s solid wood production is down significantly. On the Wood Products front: mass timber news from Portland; New York; and Houston.

In Forestry/Climate news: Enviva applauds EU scientists for woody biomass support; ENGO’s call on BC to protect spotted owl habitat; an Oregon ‘burn boss’ arrest continues to inflame; a day in the life of a plane-jumping firefighter; and BC’s most endangered river needs more protection.

Finally, our apologies again if you missed the Tree Frog News this week due to our email service provider. Back issues are always archived and accessible on the website. 

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

To facilitate regulatory approval of Paper Excellence’s acquisition of Resolute, the Thunder Bay pulp & paper mill will be sold. In other Business news: a fire destroyed Verville Enterprises’ Timmins lumber mill; US new home sales fell back as mortgage rates rose; and Q3, 2022 results courtesy of: West Fraser Timber, International Paper, Acadian Timber and Goodfellow.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s environment minister on the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal; Alberta’s new cabinet is panned by ENGOs; a positive wildfire season is reported by Quebec; the US Forest Service agrees to accelerate a redwood emergency action plan; and a biochar incinerator is tested in Missoula. Meanwhile, mass timber news from TimberCon; and wood-based plastics make headway in Sweden.

Finally, our apologies if you missed yesterday’s Tree Frog News due to our service provider being down. Click here or check out the WEEK AT A GLANCE section of our news page.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The authors of a BC wood pellet report emphasized the thoroughness of their review and the positives of sustainably sourced biomass. In other BC news: the state of the forest industry on the eve of a new premier; Gorman Bros.’ layoffs; Blueberry River First Nation’s new business; and Skeena Sawmills’ retiring president. Elsewhere: PotlatchDelta reports positive Q3 earnings; the US forest industry steadies; US consumer confidence falls; the European lumber market cools; and APA names new leaders. 

In other news: Canada invests in sustainable forest resources; northern Albertans gather over proposed changes; Pacific HemFir has new design values; understanding mass timber’s embodied carbon; and the NY Times says country climate pledges are falling short.

Finally, Derek Nighbor on what the critics got wrong on Canada’s forest carbon emissions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Global deforestation dropped by 6.3% in 2021, short of the annual 10% cut needed to end deforestation by 2030 (per UN Glasgow pledge). In related news: a boreal deforestation film is set to screen in Ottawa; and FSC rule changes allows for certification of some cleared lands. In other Forestry news: the USFS Chief defends manager arrested for prescribed fire that went astray; and new research on forest recovery after fire in Montana. 

In Business news: Paper Excellence is poised to become a pulp giant; Unifor reaches deal with Ear Falls Ontario sawmill; Alberta has a new Minister of Forests; and the Wood Products Manufacturers Association has a new board. Meanwhile, markets trend lower for US housing, lumber prices, packaging papers, and recycled cardboard.

Finally, an open access synthesis of US Wildland Fire Smoke Science is now available.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Facing strike notice, Paper Excellence announced it will shut down its Crofton pulp mill. In related news: Weyerhaeuser’s sawmill strike may be coming to an end; Gorman Bros. trims its workforce; Greenpeace is wary over pending acquisition of Resolute Forest Products; and the US corrects subsidy rate error for several Canadian companies. Meanwhile: ERA’s John Cooney speaks to recent lumber curtailments; David Elstone on the BC NDP leadership race;  and market updates on home remodelling and printing-writing paper.

In other news: BC leads the pack on mass-timber buildings; a new report says plastic recycling remains a myth; how drones are replanting burned forests; the significance of the US decision not to list the gopher tortoise; NGO’s give cautious support to FSC changes; and some ‘forest love’ courtesy of Alberta; Florida; and Maine.

Finally, the world’s first release of spotted owls born and raised in a breeding facility.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor plans to reduce its Q4 lumber output by 17%, spread across each of its operating regions. In other Business news: John Brink says BC’s value-added manufactures need access to fibre; Marinette, Wisconsin’s water is safe to drink after Resolute mill fire; West Fraser’s formaldehyde-free OSB featured in UK; and why Seattle has the worst air quality in the world.

In other news: BC’s new forestry council said to lack full representation; out of the smoke David Suzuki emerges blazing mad; why the East Texas forest economy is thriving; a California fire wipes out years of emission cuts; Brazil’s vote sparks rush to clear Amazon forests; and Timber Development UK signs anti-greenwash charter.

Finally, ‘Invest in Our Planet” named theme for EARTH DAY 2023.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Forest Stewardship Council announced its 2022 Leadership Awards, recognizing uncommon excellence. Companies making news include: Kalesnikoff’s mass timber expansion plan; Commonwealth Plywood’s pending re-opening in Quebec; and Weyerhaeuser’s ongoing Lebanon mill strike. Meanwhile, BC Greens call for suspension of Drax’s licences; while Europe’s energy crisis creates a wood pellet squeeze.

In other news: the move to extend legal rights to nature; Idaho conserves 156 sq. mills of private timberland; North Carolina celebrates National Forest Products Week; BC Wood adds two new Board members; and WorkSafeBC’s latest safety news.

Finally, could this retired forester hold the solution to stopping catastrophic wildfires?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says we need constructive solutions to Canada’s carbon problem – not misleading attacks. In related news: Ontario group says US ENGOs discriminate against Canadian producers; Canadian NGOs say ‘cutting forest to burn them must end’; and the Ancient Forest Alliance uses photos to save old-growth forests. Meanwhile: Alberta scholarships shore up worker shortages; and US housing starts decline as mortgage rates weigh on demand.

In Product news: the USDA invests in plastic packaging made from wood; a feature on Mercer’s move into mass timber; Milwauke’s 25-storey timber tower, and Vancouver’s plan for the same; upcoming Wood Solution Conferences; and the Southern Forest Products Association’s mid-year reflections.

Finally, Australia’s native forest logging ban and Europe’s newest pro-forest lobby group.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor Pulp is extending a curtailment at its Intercontinental pulp mill in Prince George, due to a lack of fibre. In related news: Resolute provides update on Menominee pulp mill fire; and Rayonier AM faces permit challenge in Georgia. On the Market front: US Builder confidence tumbles, Canadian home construction is up; and analysts anticipate lumber rebound in 2023.

In other news: BC launches council in support of forest communities; ENGO’s pan Canada’s approach to GHG accounting for forests; Peter Templeton named CEO of US Green Building Council; the search is underway for BC Forest Practices Board Chair; UPM’s CEO Jussi Pesonen is retiring; and BC Wood announces new cohort for its Export Readiness Training Program.

Finally, Fast + App wins award for wood roof at Simon Fraser University’s football stadium.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Biden gives thanks to forests and the bounty they provide with National Forest Products Week proclamation. In other Business news: Terrace Bay, Ontario pulp mill reaches four-year collective agreement; EPA assesses health risks at Resolute/Menominee fire; and BillerudKorsnäs changes its name to Billerud. On the market front: global wood fibre trade is up in 2022; supply chains are healing despite inflation; and lumber prices role as an economic barometer.

In Forestry/Climate news: how forests can help reduce global emissions; bioenergy’s shift from EU saviour to problem; drought is driving rise in BC wildfires; US firefighters compensation improves but issues remain; and Washington state fire prompts new evacuation.

Finally, Cashmere toilet paper dresses raise funds for breast cancer awareness.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Michigan’s governor declared a state of emergency to assist with Resolute’s Menominee paper mill fire. In other Business news: Nelson Bennett on BC’s pulp and paper crisis; supply chain snarls loosen but problems remain; and a US appeals court rules against Maine law restricting Canadian logging truck drivers. On the market front: US inflation remains high, while the remodelling market softens.

In Forestry/Climate news: WWF says wildlife populations have declined 70%; the spotted owl helps explain Calfornia’s wildfire woes; Europeans are investing in wood amid energy crisis; Finnish forests may become a GHG source; and the ozone hole grew this year despite positive 20-year trend.

Finally, the bloodless battle that almost led to a US/Canada war over lumber — in 1839!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Economic updates by key US and Canadian entities point to modest recessions in late 2022/early 2023. In related news: why Canada’s loonie is no longer a petro-dollar; US building materials, mortgage activity continue to fall; global softwood trade declines 20%; and pulp shortages push costs up. In other Business news: Altas Holdings completes Crown Paper acquisition and Japan builds its first hybrid timber high-rise hotel.

Other stories making news: Biden designates October 12 as ‘National Loggers Day‘; Reuters on why Arctic fires are growing; the National Observer on Canada’s disappearing forests; the Washington Post’s investigation of Amazon deforestation; and Ontario invests in drone reforestation, while recruitment issues plague the province’s wildfire program.

Finally, registration opens for the TLA convention, and US WoodWorks’ final call for wood design awards.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s pulp and paper industry is reducing operations amid concerns of fibre shortages (Palmer) but there are solutions in plain sight (Elstone). In related news: globally, the pulp and paper industry is growing 2% annually. In other Business news: a US rail union rejects labour deal raising possibility of strike; Hurricane Ian damage estimates could reach $71 billion; and company updates on Kalesnikoff’s mass timber growth, and the Gorman Group operations.

In other news: ENGOs are suing the US Forest Service for fire retardant pollution; California’s private landowners struggle to prevent catastrophic wildfires; and researchers look to soil to understand how boreal forests store carbon, and the effects of mineral weathering on tropical forest productivity.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Conifex Timber is curtailing its Mackenzie, BC sawmill for two weeks. In other Business news: Procter and Gamble CEO faces challenge in shareholder vote; New Brunswick’s electricity rate increase excludes pulp & paper mills; and California’s timber industry and firefighters are at odds over new tax. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC to pay couple who say logging flooded their property; Quesnel’s mayor seeks to reinvent his forestry town; the US Forest Service wants to increase prescribed burns; industry seeks intervenor status in Oregon logging lawsuit; Arizona employs helicopter logging on steep slopes; and Finland releases draft strategy on future forest policy.

Finally, SFI has a new Chief Conservation Officer, and the American Loggers Council has a new president.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s Thanksgiving in Canada and the frogs are off Monday. Check back tomorrow for a full summary of the weekend news.

Paper Excellence announced the indefinite curtailment of its paper operations at Catalyst Crofton. In other Company news: Resolute battles paper mill fire in Michigan; Lecta takes downtime at several EU paper mills; and Drax addresses ‘inaccurate views’ on biomass sourcing. In other Business news: BC, Washington, Oregon and California sign climate deal; FPAC welcomes call-to-action on supply chains; and Oregon’s wildfire survivors get grant money to rebuild.

In other news: US wood pellet exports are up 23% year-to-date; and the Softwood Lumber Board generated 526 million bf of incremental demand in Q2, 2022. Meanwhile: FSC to consider policy changes at General Assembly meeting in Bali; an Australian auditor general pans its logging regulator; and Bjorn Lomborg says net-zero emission policies are ‘ill-advised’.

Finally, Jimmy Pattison would boost stake in lumber companies if ‘the price was right’.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The European Union approved new sanctions against Russia, including stricter bans on wood pulp, paper, steel and plastic. In related news: Resolute is recruiting Ukrainian immigrants for its Thunder Bay mill. In other Business news: WestRock is closing its Minnesota recycled paper mill; Drax is acquiring the remaining 10% interest in Alabama Pellets; UPM expands its pulp business in Uruguay; and mass timber updates from North and South of the 49th. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Premier Horgan seeks climate deal with West Coast governors; a new study say climate change makes drought 20 times more likely; US scientists study seedling survival post-wildfire; and more on CBC’s investigation into Drax’s fibre sourcing in BC.

Finally, Hampton Lumber plants larch to put a smile on the hill for Route 18 travellers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A US report says extinguishing some remote boreal wildfires could drastically lower carbon emissions. In related news: new research on US at-risk old-growth forests; can scientists save California’s forests; and the Sierra Club takes BC to court over climate law. In other news: Truck LoggerBC on BC’s stumpage formula and tenure valuation challenges; BC Forest Minister’s response to the BBC/Drax story; and an Oregon judge blocks timber sale over spotted owl concerns.

In other news: Roseburg faces another lawsuit over mill fire; Pixelle to restart Ohio paper machine; sawmill curtailments keep lumber prices flat; and consumer confidence in Canada nears record low. 

Finally, the University of Maine honours its forest alumni, and Gorman Group pays tribute to a family matriarch.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Drax says a BBC story asserting they log BC primary forests for wood pellets is inaccurate, 100% of their fibre is sawmill residues or waste wood. In related news: Canada’s Wood Pellet Industry conference highlights include a BC fibre-source study; and Enviva releases a white paper on future biomass opportunities, while its new Mississippi plant nears full operation. In other Business news: Prince Albert Pulp marks another step towards mill restart; Roseburg provides relief for survivors of its Mill Fire; and Westrock faces possible strike at Georgia paper mill.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta and Ontario face legal action from First Nation groups; a study says logging on BC’s central coast targeted highest-value forests; and a report says the health of Maine’s forests is improving but threats remain.

Finally, places with no building codes can be ideal for alternative residential designs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor is adding 350 million bf of capacity with its agreement to purchase Chaleur Forest Products in New Brunswick. In other Business news: Mercer completes its Holzindustrie Torgau acquisition; Enviva reports minimal impact from Hurricane Ian; Drax is accused of cutting primary forests in BC; and SanTerm looks at long term for lumber exports in Port Alberni, BC.

In other news: Forests Ontario expands its Reconciliation Community Tree Plant program; BC said to be logging its most at-risk old-growth forests; the Haida fight to save their ‘trees of life‘; California takes on urban sprawl to curb wildfires; the FAO says the world must halt deforestation and use forests sustainably; and Spaniards seek wood pellets to avoid an energy crisis.

Finally, the largest instructional mass timber building is celebrated in Houston, Texas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor