Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Hurricane Ian damage could reach $100 billion and supply chain challenges may hamper rebuilding efforts. In related news: scenes of destruction in Florida, and state of emergency in South Carolina. In other Business news: Fort Nelson BC’s forest revitalization plans stall; Roseburg modernizes Pembrook MDF Moulding; Mosaic provides access to private forest lands; R-Y Timber fire under investigation; Stora Enso looks to wood-based telecom-towers; and the Sinclar Group puts safety first at Premier Pellets.

In Forestry/Climate news: studies on global carbon inequity, and US old-growth forests and biodiversity; Alberta renews Weyerhaeuser’s forest management agreement; drought & water scarcity conditions affect BC; and a new forest business centre at the U of Arkansas-Monticello.

Finally, Canada (and forest professionals) wear orange to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After Fiona, climate experts urge Canada to fix flagship adaptation strategy, including gaps in homeowner insurance. In related news: a new report says adapting to climate change faster will save Canada billions; Stella-Jones helps Nova Scotia restore power; and Canada’s Pension Plan Board flexes its investment muscle. In other Business news: LP Dawson Creek responds to hog fuel fire; and AURELIUS acquires three of Sappi’s EU paper mills.

In other news: Alberta renews its forest management agreement with Tolko, Nobord and La Crete Sawmills; ENGOs urge SFI to retain ban on genetically engineered trees; and an international working group is pioneering a globally applicable carbon credit methodology for mass timber construction.

Finally, when it comes to choosing Industrial Matting, material does matter. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Supreme Court hears closing arguments on historic Nuchatlaht First Nation’s land claim. In related news, Canada’s framework for using indigenous knowledge in resource projects. In Business news: the value of New Brunswick’s royalty hike is questioned; UK climate campaigners confront Drax conference; Sierra Pacific reopens its California forest lands. On the Market front, the latest on lumber and wood chip prices, and US housing starts, sales and overall consumer confidence.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s new opposition leader plans to scrap the carbon tax; Lloyd Alter says a building’s ’embodied carbon‘ is increasingly important; Global Witness says central banks are abetting rainforest destruction; and Alabama’s Forestry Commission says Hurricane Ian brings increased wildfire risks.

Finally, climate change is turning trees into gluttons, which helps shield Earth’s ecosystem.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Operations at Cariboo Pulp and Paper in Quesnel, BC will be curtailed for 16-days due to fibre challenges. In other Business news: Tolko is rebuilding its High Prairie, Alberta mill post-fire; Georgia Pacific is building a new Dixie facility in Jackson, Tennessee; Drax’s contribution to Canada exceeds $1 billion; and PG&E faces investigation as part of the Mosquito fire probe. Meanwhile: lumber prices fall back to their pre-covid levels; and a mass timber webinar (TimberCon), and projects in Seattle; Northampton; and Finland.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada raises alarm on the spotted lanternfly; Montana’s governor announces funds for fire mitigation; a New Mexico wildfire creates a drinking-water crisis; and hurricane Ian threatens southeaster timber holdings.

Finally, how firewood is becoming an economic indicator for the European economy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Scott Thomson is stepping down as CEO of Finning International and Kevin Parkes is named his successor. In other Business news: Teal Jones says tree spiking put workers’ lives at risk; Greenpeace pans UK over Drax settlements in Louisiana; Weyerhaeuser’s strike pushes its stock lower; and GreenFirst secures new financing from BMO. Meanwhile: FPAC award winners make news in Prince George, Kelowna and Radium; and the BC Log & Timber Association is seeking a new CEO.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Biden Proclamation for National Public Lands Day; US senators introduce resolution to establish National Loggers Day; a UBC researcher develops plastic alternative from forest waste; Oregon’s first ‘living building‘ is proclaimed in Portland; BC’s big tree protection is called ‘toothless‘; and the Battleship Mountain wildfire—BC’s largest this year—is now ‘held’. 

Finally, a world-travelling filmmaker takes Ontario’s tree-planting to the big screen.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Federal Reserve raised its target rate 75 points, signals housing correction and more hikes to come. In related news: Fannie Mae says a modest recession is likely; Forbes on lumber prices and market trends; and a new report on Covid and the ‘working from home’ trend. In other Business news: BC First Nation submits offer to buy Powell River paper mill; Cascades temporarily curtails St. Helen’s, Oregon tissue facility; and more on the permanent closure of the Jay, Maine paper mill.

In Forestry/Climate news: an anti-glyphosate protest pops up in Nova Scotia; a global alliance is formed on seed shortages; the Consumer Goods Forum releases its deforestation report; and drought threatens UK’s afforestation goals. Meanwhile: mass timber celebrations courtesy of Washington DC, and Geneva, Switzerland.

Finally, an early look at the International Boreal Forest Research Association Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study confirms that BC wood pellets are entirely sourced from sawmill and harvest residuals or (rejected) low-quality logs. In related news: an EU vote allows biomass to count towards climate targets; TD Bank invests in a boreal carbon project; and wood pellet storage linked to carbon monoxide alarm. In other Business news: BC lumber cutbacks suggest interest hikes are cooling the housing market; the Maine paper mill damaged in 2020 blast to close for good; and Mercer’s new credit facility is ‘sustainability-linked’.

In other news: Manitoba signs revenue-sharing agreements with two First Nations; Saskatchewan and Alberta renew mountain pine beetle partnership; BC Wood recaps the 2022 Global Buyers Mission; and Junior Forest Wardens, BMO, Bass Pro Shops celebrate National Forest Week. 

Finally, how vultures mitigate GHGs, and trees rings track extreme weather events.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

Citing reduced demand, Canfor is reducing its BC lumber production by 200 million bf through end of 2022. In related news: US builder confidence fell again; housing starts jumped but permits dropped; and global trade in lumber fell 10%. Meanwhile: Enviva benefits from Putin’s war; and Lenzing is hurt by drop in wood-based specialty fibres. People in the news include: Resource Works’ new board and staff; recognition of Tolko’s Diana Embleton; and sadly, the passing of past TLA president Jack McKay.

In Forestry/Climate news: ENGOs enlist rare lichen in BC’s old-growth battle; a BC judge forbids climate protester from possessing glue; two Oregon NGOs challenge logging west of Eugene; and new studies say climate change threatens urban trees; urban biomass has economic potential; and elevated CO2 effects wood volumes positively.

Finally, a Wisconsin building is official declared the world’s tallest mass timber structure.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Oregon Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in a $1 billion lawsuit over timber revenue. In related news: BC’s Premier criticizes logging opponents; EPA’s 2018 declaration on wood energy is panned; the US Forest Service experiments with ‘assisted migration‘; and new tech aims to boost carbon market integrity.

In other news: Swedish firm Setra makes pellets from wood waste; wood thieves thrive as Europe braces for winter; Japan and Australia collaborate on the world’s tallest timber tower; Vancouver Island University’s mass timber innovation; and two wood-hybrid construction stories (with steel and with concrete). On the Market front: SYP lumber prices stabilize; and US single-family permits decline. 

Finally, BC and Saskatchewan mark National Forest Week, which kicks off today.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

NGOs announced legal action to block EU Parliament vote on forest bioenergy, say America’s hardwood forests are being stripped bare. In related news: forestry by-products may help decarbonize Canada’s airlines; and Fort Nelson First Nation pursues new pellet plant. Meanwhile: the inconvenient truth about France’s forest fires; and the shortfall of the Norway-Indonesia deal on deforestation.

In Product news: how mass timber can improve health and wellbeing; the TimberFever design competition returns to Ontario; UBC Engineers feature wood in aircraft model competition; and nine impressive parametric wood structures.

In Business news: Stella-Jones purchases Texas Electric Cooperatives; Canadian housing starts decline in August; and no progress yet on the Weyerhaeuser strike.

Finally, Montana entrepreneur invents value-added wood product for the auto-sector.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A tentative railway labour deal is reached in the US, averting harm to US and Canadian economies. The European Parliament voted to recognize wood biomass as a renewable energy source, phase down share of wood counted. In related news: the EU’s new forest strategy is welcomed by wood industries; wood pellet shortages cause prices to soar in France; and a Fort Nelson, BC First Nation agreement sets stage for new pellet facility. 

In other news: BC commits to consultation on old growth recommendations; Northwest Territories forests absorb more carbon than they emit; a USDA grant will increase carbon storage in New England; the New South Wales government rejects call to end native logging in Australia; and Stora Enso is selling one of its paper mills in Sweden. 

Finally, on his ‘raking-our-forests‘ comment, Esquire Magazine says Trump had a point.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Environmental groups have been stepping up their campaigns against the booming global market for biomass energy, but scientists say it’s much better than coal and can be carbon negative. In related news: supertrees can suck up more carbon; and a feature article on the people, forests and timber behind Portland’s new airport building.

In other Business news: the US Lumber Coalition says Canada provides climate subsidies; Weyerhaeuser workers strike over wages; Unifor opens talks with CP Rail; Roseberg is hit with more lawsuits over mill fire; WestRock breaks ground on paper mill expansion; and Segezha eyes Western assets in Russia. Meanwhile: a group of First Nation elders seeks to ban glyphosate; and ENGOs sue feds over Pacific fishers.

Finally, the surprising sight of a submerged logging truck in Penticton, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New research on how timber cities can help decarbonize the world begets forecasts of mass timber growth. In related news: biomass is said to be key to UK’s energy security; Biden is set to boost biotechnology; and industry groups encourage Canada to establish hard climate targets. Elsewhere: an EU committee proposed new rules to limit deforestation; and an Oregon State study suggests forests may be compromised by rising temperatures. 

In other news: Resolute breaks ground on new planer mill in Quebec; Weyerhaeuser’s Raymond Mill employees vote to strike; SmartLam and Peak Renewables announce Alabama investments; three more US unions reach tentative agreements with freight railroads; and fired New Brunswick college professor gets his day in court. 

Finally, wood frogs awaken from their icy-slumber with this on their mind…

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Starting on a sad note; Mike Apsey, one of Canada most influential and respected forestry professionals, died September 1, 2022. 

In Forestry/Climate news: industry groups call Canada’s climate change strategy ‘vague and distant‘; ENGOs decry lack of action on BC’s forest policy overhaul; and IAE Bioenergy says wood bioenergy is part of a sustainable energy mix. On the Wildfire front: Parks Canada returns to burning in parks; US homes are being built in harm’s way; how controlled burns can protect US forests (and how they may not); and fire updates from BC, Oregon, California and Spain.

In other news: SFPA’s Forest Products EXPO returns with its own playlist; winners of the 2022 Timber in the City competition are announced; and although it seems early – the TLA on what employers need to know about winter driving.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After review, the US Forest Service is updating and resuming its prescribed fire program. In related news: resolving BC’s wildfire crisis requires hard choices; extreme fire danger may beget Oregon power shutoffs; and scientists at North Carolina State work to create more resilient trees. Meanwhile: a US industry coalition opposes definition of old-growth; companies are buying offsets that don’t cut emissions; and wildfire updates from Jasper, Alberta; Cumberland, BC; Eastern Washington; and Turkey.

In Business news: US asks Trade Court to reject GreenFirst’s bid to reduce softwood duties; Teal Jones signs MOU with Pacheedaht First Nation; a Mill Fire lawsuit is filed against Roseburg; and Hancock Lumber is acquiring Madison Lumber Mill.  In other news: CFI’s Top 10 Under 40; and Andrew Waugh’s new timber tower will be London’s tallest.

Finally, Carlton Owen on how modern technology could help end illegal logging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The San Group announced its Port Alberni and Delta expansion plans, while Paper Excellence plans a temporary curtailment at its Crofton Paper mill. Other company headlines include: Tolko’s Kelowna mill site report; Roseburg’s wildfire investigation; West Fraser’s dividend; and Meadow Lake Pulp’s 30-year celebration.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada and Koch Industries clash over carbon offsets; an op-ed piece on forestry and Canada’s GHG offset credit system; BC reports its 2020 GHG numbers are down; a NY Times feature on prescribed burns; and EU wildfire emissions hit 15-year high.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As winter nears and European energy prices rise, concerns build over wood pellet availability, logging and whole-tree sourcing. In other Business news: there is limited hope for resolution to the Canada-US softwood spat; Ontario forced to raise its carbon price; and two more freight rail unions reach tentative agreements. In Market news: Southern timber prices plummet; and how the pandemic has shifted where US homes are built.

In Forestry news: early announcements on National Forest Week; fours species of Quebec trees are said to be at risk; and how older forests can buffer the effects of climate change on birds. Meanwhile: a new book probes the turmoil in Maines logging industry; while another celebrates BC loggers who save an old-growth forest.

Finally, can you afford to hoard? Toilet paper costs are spiralling. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

California’s wildfire buildup (and forced evacuations) is a decades-long phenomenon. In related news: British Columbia and Alberta battle aggressive fires; Ontario and Quebec report easy fire seasons; and 2-years post-fire Oregon’s investigations are still pending. In other Forestry news: the BC Forest Practices Board released its Annual Report; a video on what it’s like to plant trees in BC; and the electric logging truck makes its debut in Australia. 

In Business news: Enviva and Alder Fuels partner on aviation fuels; Drax’s carbon capture plans get boost despite ENGO pushback; Bell Lumber & Pole completes Oeser acquisition; and an interview with 84 Lumber’s Maggie Hardy Knox. In Forest Product news: an Oregon mass timber coalition secures federal grant; and Vancouver and Nanaimo launch new timber projects.

Finally; making clothes from trees an unlikely win for food security and the environment.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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