Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The unions and US freight railroads continue talks as possible strike looms. In other news: Louisiana Pacific invests in Northern Maine mill; the US housing correction is far from over, but a recession may see lumber rally in the Spring; and July construction updates for Canada and the US.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s 2022 area burned is one-sixth the 20-year average; herbicide spraying divides communities in BC’s north; a Swedish study seeks to predict how climate change threatens forests; Bill Gates says financial incentives are needed to save forests; and the number of Amazon fires hits five-year high. Finally, it must be Friday before a long weekend with headlines like these:

• US Forestry guide resurfaces that details how to blow up a horse
• Timber used to conceal 150kg of imported drugs donated to woodworkers
• Cell tower disguised as giant tree likened to gigantic toilet brush
• Scientists are unlocking secrets of why forests make us happy

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor announced reduced operating schedules in Sweden due to a decrease in demand. In related news: Western Forest Products completes Calvert acquisition; Ponderay finalizes papermill restart plans; and Enviva’s growth is threatened by EU parliament rules. In market news: US housing may drive interest rates; and the US build-to-rent market is up.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC announces three wildfire risk reduction programs; US researchers say cedar dieback is caused by drought; David Suzuki says everything matters in an interconnected world; and FSC’s Kim Carstensen says more responsible management is needed. Meanwhile: where in the world to start protecting forests; and protest updates from Sacramento and Illinois.

Finally, lessons from a BC wood company when reviewing a business on Google or Yelp.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Debate over old-growth heats up North and South of the 49th. In British Columbia: a new report claims the public is being misled as old-growth deferrals are being logged; while the TLA’s Bob Brash asks ‘if not wood, then what?’. South of the 49th: Carole King’s ‘non-forest management’ solution is panned by Forests2Market and Healthy Forests; while the American Loggers Council’s Scott Dane says defining old-growth is an oxymoron.

In other news: rogue drones force BC air crews to shutdown; the future of water in the pulp & paper industry; and stories from the US, UK, and Australia on how timber cities can help tackle climate change.

Finally, San Group hires Jim Brindle and Lennard Joe to lead the BC First Nations Forestry Council.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian government formally initiated a challenge of US duties on softwood lumber. In related news: US housing starts have dropped 20% from their peak; UK softwood trading remains subdued; Maersk divests its Russian port assets; and three US rail unions reach tentative deals. Elsewhere, four people are injured at WestRock paper mill; and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute hires Jim Paul as Executive Director.

In Forestry/Climate news: UBC’s Sally Aitken says the climate is changing faster than forests ability to do so; BC seeks to reduce wildfire risk in the Cariboo and Northeast; and California’s Air Resources Board calls for drastic increase in forest thinning.

Finally, Save Old Growth understands it may be ‘thrown under the bus‘ by members defending themselves in court. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A BC court heard that a student was pressured into protesting; while a judge says the Save Old Growth group uses volunteers as cannon fodder. In related news: BC disputes old-growth claims in Revelstoke area; glyphosate spraying concerns are raised in Hinton, Alberta; trees are the secret weapon of America’s climate bill; Oregon declares statewide wildfire emergency; and how fog collectors are helping to water Spain’s trees.

In Business news: sanctions are reducing Russia’s wood exports; a pulp mill lockout threatens toilet paper supply in New Zealand; Walmart ups its recycled-packaging game; and the Softwood Lumber Board has a new Think Wood leader.

Finally, what is silvopasture and how is it helping to mitigate wildfire risk?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Six months into the war, Russian hardwoods are still flowing into the US — importers says they have no choice. In other Business news: Rosboro reduces production at its Springfield stud mill; Georgia Pacific invests in its Tennessee corrugated box plant; Pacific Woodtech assumes ownership of Golden, BC mill; and Collins appoints Tom Insko as new CEO. In Market news: US and UK housing markets face headwinds; while wood pellet demand soars, and CLT’s fortunes rise.

In other news: Canada seeks to expand its biomass supply; Washington state invests in urban forestry; Biomass Magazine speaks to wood dust and safety; and anti-logging coverage from BC, California, and Tasmania.

Finally, FDR built a ‘Great Wall of Trees.’ Could Biden do the same?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Efforts to expand the use of wood pellets for energy by Enviva and Drax Group face challenges in BC and North Carolina. In related news: Quebec invests in biofuel plant from forest residues; Carole King makes pitch to leave trees as they are; and a crucial road threatens the Amazon forest. 

In other news: Canada invests in Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve; Nova Scotia prepares for the next spruce budworm outbreak; Ontario welcomes slower than average fire season, the Northwest Territories reports double than average area burned and Northern Vancouver Island wildfires keep Coastal crews busy.

Finally, fire-adapted insects make the most of breeding grounds sterilized by wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new EU satellite will map the Earth’s forest carbon using technology akin to a CT scan. In related news: Forests2market has a new carbon tool; more biomass energy (with carbon capture technology) is expected in the UK; a Georgia community opposes a new wood-pellet plant; and as many as 1 in 6 US tree species may be threatened.

In Business news: Rayonier released its 2021 sustainability report; Louisiana Pacific opened its new headquarters;  and US new home sales fell in July, as lumber prices recovered somewhat. Meanwhile: California is calling on the military to help with wildfires; New Mexico’s record-setting fire is contained; and an Idaho fire is now the US’s largest. 

Finally, a sneak peak of the upcoming Whitebark Pine Science & Management Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mosaic Forest Management appointed Rob Gough as its President and CEO effective September 1. In other Business news: Conifex Timber is reducing operations at its Mackenzie sawmill; a documentary on John Brink (of Brink Forest Products) gets greenlit; the Canfor/Arbios joint venture has a new name; and Södra is reducing its EU lumber production. In Market news, updates by ERA’s Kevin Mason, mortgage financer Fannie Mae, and StockCalc’s Brian Donovan.

In Forestry/Climate news: U of New Brunswick researchers study seedling growth at different temperatures; the US Forest Service plans to protect sequoias from fire; an EU satellite measures forest carbon storage; and the UK aims to ensure adequate wood pellet supplies for heating.

Finally, when is breaking the law justified? Rarely according to these two professionals.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires and drought continue to plague BC, Europe and Argentina. In related news: wildfires impact home insurance coverage in the US West; test balloons are used to monitor large fires; California looks to inmates to augment fire crews; a Quebecer breaks the world record for tree planting; and Europe’s drought could have a long afterlife.

In Business news: forest companies adjust to address labour shortages; and China’s material ban spurs growth in US recycled paper mills. In Wood Product news: BC’s Forest Minister is keynoting the 19th Annual Global Buyers Mission; BC still has just two wooden high-rises; New Zealand’s onshore wood processing plan could be a game changer; and medieval carpenters are rebuilding the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Finally, Balsam fir needles can kill ticks that cause Lyme disease.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The first assessment of Biden’s climate bill says it will reduce GHG emissions 40% by 2030. In related news: BC’s forestry critic is dumped for questioning the role CO2 is playing in climate change. Meanwhile: Resolute’s merger valuation is tied to the lumber dispute; 84 Lumber is recognized for high growth; and New Zealand seeks to increase its onshore wood processing. In Market news: US inflation may have peaked, home-size trends down, and custom homebuilding stays flat.

In other news: Lakehead University has a new dean of natural resources management; BC launches a new air rescue team; and more on Nova Scotia’s new old-growth policy, and Oregon’s controversial wildfire risk map.

Finally, an invisible coating that fireproofs wood while retaining its natural aesthetic. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

All old-growth forest on Crown land is now protected as part of Nova Scotia’s new approach to ecological forestry. In related news: Canada and Nova Scotia commit to nature and biodiversity; a First Nation title case tests BC’s UNDRIP promise; and a new documentary on the battle over the Amazon rainforest.

In Business news: Canfor invests in Mobile, Alabama sawmill; the Village of Fraser Lake plans for West Fraser curtailments; a sawmill fire breaks out at New Brunswick GL Wood Products; and mass timber progress (and set backs) in Vancouver and New York.

Finally, Global Forest Watch says forest fire losses are getting worse, as fires claim 26 lives in Northern Algeria.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US single-family home construction fell 9.6% in July—above analysts’ expectation—as costs and mortgage rates continue to drag on the market. In related news: North American lumber prices dip; US wood fibre costs trend higher; and Canada’s wood products sales fall. Companies making headlines include: Prince Albert Pulp waits on restart approvals; Procter & Gamble agrees to fibre procurement change; Deadwood Industries plans for growth; and Suzano gets reprieve on US trade ruling.

In Forestry/Climate news: David Suzuki says humans are affecting the global environment; a California study says forest migration is not fast enough; Nature says the study of carbon and forests should be supported; and the benefits of Canada’s wood pellet are said to be almost limitless, but also highly contentious.

Finally, congratulations to Shane Berg, named as BC’s 18th Chief Forester.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US homebuilder confidence fell to a seven-year low—not counting the Covid-induced drop in Q2, 2020. In related news, notwithstanding the residential decline: total US construction starts surged in July, Canadian housing starts edged up; and Home Depot reported record Q2 sales. In other Business news: the CP Rail/Kansas City Southern merger received US approval; mass timber gets a training boost in BC, and feature exposés in both Archtectural Record and the Globe & Mail.

In other news: Canada releases Ontario-focused climate change report; Manitoba First Nations secure revenue sharing agreements; SFI applauds passage of the US Inflation Reduction Act; and wildfire updates from Newfoundland; Oregon; California and France. 

Finally, congratulations to Wood WORKS BC’s Lynn Embury-Williams, who is retiring after 44 years.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Progress is reported on efforts to contain major wildfires in California, Oregon and Central Newfoundland, while a new fire in Spain forces the evacuation of 1500 people. In related news: Oregon’s wildfire map will not increase insurance rates; and a meteorologist on increasing safety in aerial firefighting. Elsewhere: US Congress bets on nature to tackle climate change; while Australia and Japan look to using more timber.

In Business news: Arkansas celebrates surge in mill upgrades; Mondi sells its Russian packaging mill; James Hardie announces succession plan; and lower earnings by Taiga Building Products. Meanwhile: Paul Quinn on the latest lumber stats; and NAHB on rising building materials prices.

Finally, Nick Offerman plays Smell That Wood; and Finland’s Tree Hugging Championship.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Britain looks to biomass-based carbon capture and storage despite negative view of its Business Secretary. In other Business news: US housing affordability falls to new low; US Commerce affirms duties on Chinese hardwood plywood; Hood Container acquires Kentwood Packaging; and more commentary onWest Fraser Timber’s BC shift eliminations. Meanwhile: BC returns land to Wei Wei Kuo First Nation; and San Group helps Ditidaht Nation with access.

In other news: an Oregon firefighter dies in Oregon; Newfoundland’s wildfire stabilizes but air quality concerns persist; California implements road closures in Six Rivers National Forest; and more than 1000 firefighters tackle huge blaze in France.

Finally, Charles Trevor weighs in (in Spanish) on why wood is good!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser production cuts sent lumber futures higher even as rising interest rates put a chill on the housing market. In related news: Canada’s forest products sector calls for action on supply chain issues; and New Brunswick lumber producers plan to appeal the US lumber duty ruling. In other Business news: the UK’s Business Secretary says importing US wood pellets ‘makes no sense‘; and GreenFirst and KP Tissue report their Q2, 2022 results.  

In other news: Nick Smith says defining US old-growth is futile when our forests are burning; Vancouver Island is expecting more wildfires; climate change threatens Michigan and Pennsylvania forests; and life returns a year after California’s Sierra Nevada fires.

Finally, Kalesnikoff Lumber extends a helping hand to a displaced Ukrainian family.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser Timber announced that it is permanently curtailing a shift at two BC sawmills and one plywood plant. In related news: Sexton Lumber is impacted by Newfoundland wildfire; JD Irving plans to challenge US tariff announcement; US Lumber Dealers advocate for renewed softwood lumber agreement; China imports plunge in Q1, 2022; and Russian lumber litters shore from cargo ship. In other Business news: Stella-Jones and Conifex report positive Q2, 2022 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: decarbonization drives BC wood pellet exports; private landowners gain traction in US carbon markets; Britain looks to Canada to rate wildfire danger; tracking resilience of California’s sequoias; and on-line maps that track wildfires world-wide. Elsewhere: forest logging disputes in Vernon and Mount Cain, BC; northern Wisconsin; and Asheville, North Carolina.

Finally, old growth protestors shift tactics, use topless demonstrators to gain attention.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A US Senate bill is hailed as a milestone in the fight against climate change. The climate bill includes cash for parks & forests, as well employment for remodellers and union members. Elsewhere: a report on Quebec’s climate adaptation efforts; Michigan state sells its first carbon credit: a story on multi-fatality lighting strikes; the tragic loss of Kathy Shooman—a fire lookout in California; and wildfire updates from Canada; along the Montana/BC border; and in California and Newfoundland. 

In Business news: Mercer’s new log measurement system; a Q&A with Derek Nighbor; Nelson Bennett on BC forest company earnings; a new biochar plant in Virginia; and Q2 earning reports by Louisiana Pacific; Rayonier Advanced Materials; Enviva; and WestRock. 

Finally, Vancouver Island’s Lucky Lager love, and paper pregnancy tests to replace plastic.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Chicago’s first mass timber tower is pending approval despite worries about wood dating back 150 years. In related news, timber skyscrapers up to 50-storeys have been proposed in Australia. In other Business news: Domain Timber acquires Southeast timberlands; Interfor appoints Tom Temple as director; a new pulp mill is planned in Norway; Hong Kong’s last sawmill faces closure; and legislation  to protect workers from illegal protesters is passed in Australia.  

In other news: a study says wood-based bioenergy can benefit northern Canada; thinning US forests to curb wildfires is called ‘misdirected’; California’s forest offset program is at risk; extreme wildfire risk continues in Alberta; and Newfoundlands’ state of emergency is expanded due to fires. Meanwhile, the Russian invasion put Ukraine’s forests at risk; and wood-pellet exports boom. 

Finally, the term ‘tree hugger’ stems from a 1730 story of defiance and bloodshed.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada plans to challenge US duties on softwood lumber despite US announcement that the key rate will fall by half. In related news: Canadian producers and local government express frustration, while the US Lumber Coalition supports US duty action. In other Business news: Interfor and Resolute report positive Q2, 2022 results, Catchmark Timber reports a loss; and more on Drax’s BC wood pellet acquisition. 

In other news: BC’s wildfires to rise as hot weather returns; Oregon withdraws controversial wildfire risk map; California’s carbon offset program is undercapitalized; and wildfire updates from BC (Okanagan and Kootenay regions); Northern California; Montana; and Oregon. Elsewhere: wood building highlights from the Governor General’s Medals in Architecture; Wisconsin’s AIA Design Award Winners; and BC Wood’s upcoming Global Buyers Mission.

Finally, BC’s Environment Minister blasts latest old-growth and climate change protests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Drax announced an agreement to acquire another BC pellet plant — the Princeton Standard Pellet Corporation. In related news: inflation cools BC lumber giants’ profits; Idaho’s industry is making billions in sales; BID to deliver on Canfor’s new Alabama mill; and Western Forest Products, Cascades and Sappi report positive Q2, 2022 results.

In other news: an interview with Nordic Structures David Croteau; David Elstone opines on the ‘jobs/m3 harvested‘ metric; researchers study zombie fires and the changing forests in Canada’s north; and West Virginia seeks to restore its red spruce forests. In wildfire news: evacuation alerts and controlled burns are employed in BC ski resort fire; a California’s fire leaves Klamath River in ashes; Oregon fires double in size; and an old ammunition dump explosion causes havoc in a Berlin city forest.

Finally, guitars made from ‘sinkers‘ recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite a housing correction and weakening economic data, corporations are posting positive Q2 results. This includes: Finning International; BlueLinx Holdings; Clearwater Paper; and US tissue manufacturers (in general). In other Business news: Canfor’s Taylor Mill curtailment will continue until transportation levels return; the Tolko/Jasper Lumber partnership secures an Alabama grant; Collins appoints Tom Insko as its new CEO; and Sappi announces paper price increases.

In Forestry/Climate news: Manitoba signs MOUs with two Cree Nations; wood pellets role in Canada’s low carbon economy; California forestry takes heat over the McKinney Fire; a  BC mountain resort uses snow-making machines to protect its infrastructure and wildfire updates from Penticton BC, and Nebraska.

Finally, the survey says: reading is up and physical books are still king!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires exploded in Montana and California as the US House of Representatives approved a bill to help the West respond. In related news: a California forest fire kills two; the NY Times on why the West has so many fires; the BC Wildfire Service faces retention issues; and wildfire updates from BC and California. Meanwhile: Canada’s boreal is changing but hope is not lost; and Montana researchers prepare for the Mountain Pine Beetle’s arrival.

In Business news: JD Irving secures approval to build a water treatment facility; Louisiana Pacific completes sale of its Engineered Wood Products business; Interfor announces a share offer bid; Mosaic Forest Management reaches agreement with ATV riders; and Boise Cascade and Packaging Corp. of America report positive Q2, 2022 results.

Finally, a new approach to recycling paper, and trees that may help treat chronic pain.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products appoints Steven Hofer to succeed Don Demens as CEO. In other Company news: Canfor invests in new Alabama facility; Arbec’s Miramchi mill gets air quality approval; Teal Jones leads as Louisiana bets on timber; and Georgia Pacific upgrades its Bradford, Pennsylvania plant. Reporting positive Q2, 2022 financials are: Mercer, Canfor Corp., Canfor Pulp, and Weyerhaeuser.

In other news: a BC report makes recommendations on timber transfer successorship rights; a UN-FAO staffer says its time to realize the potential of wood; and an op-ed on old-growth and the carbon impacts of wood use. Meanwhile: the USDA launches a wildfire defence grant program; The US Endowment announces members of new Inclusion Council; and the world’s tallest timber hotel makes waves in Australia. 

Finally, sustained high temperatures BC beget wildfire risk warnings over the long weekend (to which the Frog’s will be partaking – back Tuesday).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser releases sustainability report, posts positive Q2 results as transportation challenges ease. Also reporting positive financials are: Acadian Timber; International Paper; and CP Rail. In other Company news: Northern Pulp’s legal pause is extended; Boise Cascade completes plywood acquisition; GP Cellulose invests in Alabama mill; and the US blocks illegal timber imports from Peru.

In Forest Product news: the US Endowment receives funding to track wood products and account for carbon stored; an NBC feature on mass timber buildings; and hempcrete construction makes a comeback. Meanwhile: David Suzuki says we need to look up; the World Economic Forum says forests cool the world; and the BC Forest Practices Board releases its annual report.

Finally, the secret superpowers of fungus and how skyscrapers can help cool our cities.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tetra Pak divests its Russian packaging business, while the war continues to cause trade turbulence in wood pellets. In other Business news: Enviva eyes expansion in North Carolina; Drax reports positive first half of 2022; an India plastics ban helps the paper industry; and an Italian tissue-paper manufacturer is expanding in Europe. On the US market front: new home sales plunge, consumer confidence falls; a housing recession is coming; and fibre prices soar in the Pacific Northwest.

In other news: Michigan is all-in on mass timber; a path forward for Nova Scotia’s forests; BC invests in First Nations’ chip business; and crews make progress in Yosemite; while new outbreaks hit Okanagan Falls, BC; Newfoundland; and Germany/Czechia.

Finally, Bob Vila’s innovative materials list includes mass timber and newspaper wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Soaring inflation and expected interest rate hikes spur housing downgrades in Canada and the USA. In related news: how labour and supply chain challenges impact building material choice. In other Business news: Mercer is expanding its solid wood operations in Germany; Resolute ratifies labour agreement at eight Quebec mills; PotlatchDeltic reports positive Q2, 2022; Ampine LLC mill destroyed by fire in California; and the Forest History Society is searching for its next CEO.

In Forestry/Climate news: Biden’s wildfire restoration plan includes tripled spending on tree planting; Saskatchewan takes on Dutch elm disease; the UK studies the link between timber use and deforestation; and PEFC suspends PEFC Russia. Meanwhile, wildfire updates from: Nordegg, Alberta; Lytton, BC; Yosemite, California; Boise, Idaho; and the EU.

Finally, US portable wildfire shelters, and Scottish Tree Hugging Championships.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Excessive heat in BC, Washington and Oregon begets health and wildfire risk warnings. In related news: the heatwave persists in US Northeast and mid-South; wildfire and evacuations tick-up in the BC Kootenays, Alaska, and California; Greece and much of Europe experience a four-fold fire increase; and tragically, two helicopter pilots died fighting the Moose Fire near Salmon, Idaho.

In other news: First Nations announce old-growth deferral on Vancouver Island; facing charges – West Kootenay protesters file RCMP complaint; Resolute’s Thunder Bay mill receives green energy award; Paper Excellence expansion is called a bad deal; and the future of the Verso Wisconsin Rapids mill remains uncertain.

Finally, a Maine forest measures the role forests play in the fight against climate change.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change and extreme heat has Europe on course to make 2022 a record year for forest loss. In related news: France’s wildfires force a rethink on forest management; and how Canada’s provinces are adapting their responses. Meanwhile: Biden reverses Trump’s endangered species rule: protecting the northern BC caribou; and woody biomass energy updates from Georgia, and the EU.

In Business news: Washington’s Supreme Court rules on the link between logging and school revenues; Georgia Pacific breaks ground in Green Bay; and Stora Enso’s profits disappoint. On the market front; the share of wood-framed homes increased in 2021; and Fannie Mae downgrades its GDP forecast.

Finally, progress on replacing the graphite used in lithium ion batteries with lignin.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two US lawmakers are urging action on softwood to ease inflationary pressure on housing. In related news: lumber duty deposits are seen as a prospective bonus in company acquisitions; retail lumber price relief is expected to follow the wholesale slide; US wood manufacturing output fell in May; and UK timber-demand resilience is not expected to persist. In Product news: Canada supports modular construction, and hybrid timber floor systems; and wildfires force a rethink on building material choice.

In other news: Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Trust approves four projects; Comstock files for patent on renewable fuels from woody biomass; China’s opportunity to tackle deforestation; European forests can help the EU survive winter; and wildfire updates from Texas and Spain.

Finally, the stories a 500-year old Douglas-fir can tell about the weather and drought.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forests has agreed to acquire Calvert Co., creating an engineered wood subsidiary; while West Fraser shuts down speculation of potential takeover by CVC Capital. In other business news: Kruger breaks ground on Quebec tissue plant; Canfor Pulp benefits from pulp price rise; Maersk struggles with supply-chain woes; and US and Canadian housing corrections due to rate hikes and builder sentiments.

In Forestry/Climate news: the world’s oldest trees can outlive anything (but humans); Kalesnikoff reduces wildfire threats in Nelson; Canfor supports effort to save the Radium Bighorn Sheep; and you can add Greece to the list of EU countries facing wildfire threats.

Finally, Netflix series ‘Big Timber‘ offers glimpse into daunting challenges loggers face.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser’s shares rose 25% on reports that CVC Capital and Kronospan have expressed interest in acquiring the company. In other Business news: Mercer International released its 2021 sustainability report; Intelligent City seeks to scale its mass timber building business; and Biden creates panel to stave off rail worker strike. On the market front: US builder confidence plunges, as US housing starts drop, and lumber prices decline.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC receives federal monies for disaster recovery; Ontario plants 2.5 million trees; decades of prescribed fire credited with saving Yosemite’s sequoias; and a 3-part solution to Montana’s wilderness challenge. 

Finally, heat and wildfire updates from France and Spain, and now Scotland too.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Record temperatures, deadly wildfires and evacuations are causing havoc in Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco. In related news: firefighters make progress on fire near Lytton, BC, Yosemite’s sequoias appear safe from the Washburn fire; and the US Forest Service assumes command of the Moors Mountain fire in Montana. In other Forestry news: Quebec’s plan to help caribou is called inadequate; the Nature Conservancy says ‘lets fight fire with fire’; and a story of logging and conservation on Vancouver Island.

In other news: Canadian housing starts slowed in June; mass timber makes news in Arkansas, New York and Switzerland; and SFI awards five new community grants.

Finally, tree sleuths – how DNA is transforming the fight against illegal logging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

At 25 storeys the world’s tallest mass timber tower opens in Milwaukee, surpassing Norway’s Mjøsa tower by 1.2 meters. In other Business news: US hardwood coalitions oppose ending tariffs on China; Neiman curtails its South Dakota sawmills; US and Canadian construction slows down; and lumber’s contribution to rising housing costs.

In Forestry news: it’s National Forest Week USA (duly noted by Enviva’s CEO); the US seeks public input on old growth forest management; BC awards first-ever First Nations Woodland Licence; and perspectives on how best to protect California’s forests. Meanwhile, on the wildfire front: the Village of Lytton is threatened again; the Yukon sets record for area burnt; and the latest from Portugal and France.

Finally, how do woodpeckers avoid brain damage? It’s a biomechanical law.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

A new study says climate’s impact on forest resilience is negative in tropical, arid and temperate forests, but positive in boreal forests. In related news: biobased products result in reduced oil consumption; ENGOs say logging reduces US forest carbon by one-third; and 1000+ firefighters fail to contain Yosemite wildfire. In other Forestry news: arrests continue as Fairy Creek protest camps re-emerge; and the Barred Owl threatens to eat the Spotted Owl out of its house and home.  

In Business news: WTO awards Canada the right to impose some retaliatory duties on US imports; Canadian manufacturers hurt by rising material costs; US remodelling market declines in Q2; US housing starts remain strong despite recession fears; and forestlands are a safe haven given inflationary times.

Finally, an ambitious pop-up book on where paper comes from and how its made.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Given rising costs, Teal-Jones is providing a fuel allowance to eligible employees. In other Business news: Senator Susan Collins embraces wood energy; Northern Pulp undertakes marine studies; Enviva combats land loss in US Southeast; and Tolko joins Alberta Forest Products Association. On the Market front: lumber’s recovery may be a signal for other commodities; and “material inflation” is causing UK construction to decline.

In Wildfire news: how BC is learning to live with wildfires; Ontario scientists turn to drones; Oregon’s fire season has arrived; California gains ground on Yosemite wildfire (in part, with prescribed burns); and a Fresco Bee editorial misrepresents the John Muir Project’s prescribed fire position.

Finally, fire prevention and carbon sequestration courtesy of grazing cattle.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence plans to sell Dryden and Espanola mills to a third-party ahead of Resolute purchase. In related news: Louisiana Governor partakes in Teal Jones groundbreaking; Resolute CEO is bullish on lumber; pulp and paper recovered well in 2021; Japan’s housing starts are up slightly; and US consumers are pessimistic on housing. Meanwhile, Kelowna celebrates plan for mass timber airport terminal; and Arkansas celebrates its messenger of mass timber (aka Dean Peter MacKeith).

In Forestry/Climate news: a world-wide retreat from net-zero thanks to Putin’s war; the first ever, national Life Cycle Assessment guidelines for whole-buildings; a new study by the US Center for Disease Control on Roundup; the costliest forest pest ever comes to Oregon; and balancing environmental and social values in BC’s resource industries.

Finally, Canada’s safest pulp & paper mills, and the health impacts of California’s wildfire smoke.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Yosemite wildfire doubles in size, threatening the largest grove of giant sequoias in the park. In related news: a new wildfire in Ontario; and Portugal and France battle mega-fires amid heatwave. In other Forestry news: an important meeting on the challenge of our future tree seed supply; increased scrutiny for Saskatchewan’s growing forest sector; and Oregon counties ask court to reinstate timber harvesting verdict.

In Business news: Teal Jones celebrates groundbreaking at Louisiana mill; Western Timber Products incurs EPA fine; Superior Pine acquires US South timberlands; the Softwood Lumber Board’s impressive Q1 report; and lumber futures are getting a makeover.

Finally, mass timber keeps rising to new heights (in Toronto, New York and Milwaukee). 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Favourable weather has helped wildfire efforts in California and BC, but summer’s heat means change is coming. In related news: dry conditions and lightning spark more fires in Alaska and the Yukon, the US appoints members to new Wildfire Commission; a study says Oregon wildfires are not unprecedented; a lack of loggers hampers Arizona efforts; and Portugal declares wildfire alert.

In Business news: Alberta report emphasizes forestry’s import; progress is made at Prairie Clean Energy’s flax pellet plant; Western Forest Products and Quatsino First Nation reach bridging agreement; and the world’s first 80-tonne electric log truck is set to debut. Elsewhere: a science-based approach to packaging; and research on how mammal personalities affect the composition of Maine’s forests.

Finally, Hoo-Hoo Hospitality at the 130th convention in Sacramento!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor