Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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