Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

New capital investment announcements yesterday by Tolko Industries (Southeastern Timber Products) and Western Forest Products (BC operations). In related news: Hammond Lumber acquires Brock’s Building Materials; the Paper Excellence deal lifts Resolute’s stock; and Tafisa Canada inaugurates its new Quebec plant.

In other news: New Brunswick hikes timber fees by 30%; Russ Taylor says lumber prices are likely to fall in Q3; and US construction levels off as higher rates reduce mortgage demand. Meanwhile: the EU sounds alarm on droughts and wild fires; FSC seeks entries for Leadership Awards; bylaw updates for BC’s forest professionals; the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau adds a technical director; and the times they are a-changin’ at the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. 

Finally, testosterone from pine pollen spurs new health products in New Zealand.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence, through its subsidiary Domtar, has entered into an agreement to acquire Resolute for $20.50 per share. In other Business news: CellMark expands recycling operations in Virginia; Via Rail issues strike mandate; and BC government negotiations break down with public service employees. On the Market front: US total construction is up, while global softwood trade slowed in early 2022.

In Forestry/Climate news: perspectives on BC’s forest policy by the TLA’s Bob Brash; writer Ian MacNeill; BC Minister Josie Osborne; and Climate Hub’s Rob Miller. Meanwhile, two perspectives on Oregon’s wildfire risk map; and wildfire updates from BC, the Yukon, and California.

Finally, Japan’s forestry industry tests robots to address chronic labour shortages.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s pending stumpage increase shows just how challenging BC sawmilling economics have become: ERA. In related news: US and Canadian housing-starts scale back; and tissue production shows solid growth. In other Business news: Mercer provides update on fire at Stendal pulp mill; and pundits weigh in on Premier Horgan’s retirement and what it means for the NDP.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: researchers work to restore the American chestnut; Oregonians are united in their concern for wildfire; Yukon closes Kondike Highways due to fire; Utah evacuations are blamed on fireworks; Amazon deforestation hits new record; and the EU deforestation law could be watered down. 

Finally, new “fire shelters” protect firefighters caught in the middle or fast moving wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mercer International curtailed pulp production at its Stendal pulp mill due to a woodyard fire. In other Business news: the pending ban on Russian wood pellets will impact lumber production; Canada’s GDP rose .3% in April; and falling commodity prices raise hopes that inflation has peaked. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Lawrie McFarlane on why police hesitate to confront protesters; MNP’s Jason Fisher on the risks & rewards of forest carbon offsets; Stephan Ellerbeck on fungi’s climate change role; and Colorado researchers make carbon-neutral cement with the help of micro-algae. Meanwhile: US ENGOs sue to stop logging in Montana and Oregon, while a California court allows thinning to proceed; and wildfire outbreaks in the Yukon and Peru.

Finally, to our readers celebrating nationhood in the US, happy Independence Day!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Montreal Economic Institute says financial repercussions of softwood duties are 26 times greater for the US economy. In other Business news: CP Rail ratifies three labour agreements; Cascades wins Best 50 Award; International Paper releases sustainability report; Portland International Airport raises new wood roof; and Sappi North America rolls out a Girl Scouts science patch.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada funds Indigenous species-at-risk efforts; Ontario fibre study shows potential for biomass facilities; BC’s RCMP remove old-growth logging protest camp; Save Old Growth blockaders pledge not to obstruct traffic; and Australia’s fire season is now 30% longer than 40 years ago.

Finally, the frogs will be celebrating Canada Day this long weekend. Back on the lillypad Monday! 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US consumer confidence drops again in June as inflation tempers economic outlook. In related news: lumber suppliers cut prices to increase sales. In other Business news: Canfor releases 2021 sustainability report; Paper Excellence receives Corporate Citizens award (again); UFP acquires 50% of Dempsey Wood Products; and Ponsse divests its subsidiary in Russia. 

In Climate & Bioenergy news: the European Union confirms GHG targets for land use and forestry; a UN study says deforestation progress is at risk; and US researchers are modelling how biomass evolves over time. Meanwhile, on the Forestry front: BC First Nations decide if and where logging is permitted; ENGOs pan logging companies in BC and the US South; and wildfires updates from California, Utah and Arizona.

Finally, and sadly, a helicopter pilot supporting forest firefighters dies in Alaska.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

RCMP’s Response Group denies all allegations of misconduct and collusion with BC resource extraction companies. In related news: an old growth update by four BC executives; Gary Mason says Save Old Growth campaign is a complete disaster; and Lawrie McFarlane says protesters are straining the social contract. 

In other Business news: Grayden Smith is appointed Forest Minister in Ontario; Fort St. James First Nation signs deal with lumber companies; US Pulp & Paperworkers lobby Congress; Canfor modernizes its South Carolina plant; Sierra Pacific closes forestlands due to fire risk; and International Paper is featured on “How America Works”. 

In Forest Product news: researches make headway with biomass-derived plastic substitutes; a 31-storey timber high-rise is proposed in Toronto; and a Victoria bylaw salvages demolition materials. On the Market front: the US housing market cools, as May sales jump prior to interest rate boost.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Indigenous leaders from three First Nations on Vancouver Island politely request protesters clean up their mess and leave. In other Business news: NAHB chair pans Biden over lumber tariffs; CMHC says Canada has a glaring undersupply of homes; and construction costs continue to rise in Canada and the US – despite lumber price drop.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada launches renewable energy discussions; Alberta seeks bioindustrial innovation; wood waste initiatives announced in Victoria and Vancouver; USDA Secretary directs Forest Service to improve forest resilience; Senator Daines wants wilderness areas managed; six winners announced for the Softwood Lumber Board/USDA mass timber competition, and South Carolina to expand forestry education.

Finally, tree ring history shows Colorado’s drought only half as bad as 1800 years ago.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US says softwood talks hinge on Canada addressing subsidy concerns, not the challenge of rising inflation. In other Business news: CN Rail says union rejected 10% pay increase; two BC public unions approve strike vote; Canada’s inflation rate hits 7.7%; and US homebuilding at 13 month low. In Wood Product news: USDA innovation grants, Seattle building code limitations; Arizona’s sustainable wood use; and FPInnovations on harvesting burnt wood.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada provides update on its 2 Billion Trees program; BC’s old growth blockade coverage; the forest fight in West Kootenay; Nova Scotia group’s protest victory; Arizona’s fire-scarred forests; Californias carbon plan; and Britain’s vanishing rainforests.

Finally, three years after its announcement, Carlsberg in full trials of fibre beer bottle.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Pacific Woodtech has agreed to buy LP’s Engineered Wood Products business for $210 million. Other companies making headlines include: Unibord (Val-d’Or expansion); Kruger (Kamloops upgrade); Prairie Clean Energy (flax pellet plant); Interfor (Habitat donation); Paper Excellence (Indigenous support); Enviva (finance update); and Stora Enso (textile recycling plant). Meanwhile: Biden’s inflation fight does not include cutting softwood tariffs; and Oregon’s wildfire smoke/extreme heat rule is challenged by business groups.

In Forestry news: US and Canada celebrate World Rainforest Day; BC old growth protesters train-to-distrupt, while their chief organizer turns himself in to Canada Border Services; Wisconsin invests to bolster forest workforce; and the role of thinning in Arizona’s wildfire control efforts.

Finally, new videos on wood preservation (housing and agriculture use) & wood pellets.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada announces plan to ban some single-use plastics by the end of 2022. In related news: the Chemical Industry says the move will crimp recycling innovation, while biodegradable and compostable plastics see some upside. In other Business news: it’s days 3 of the CN Rail strike; West Fraser deals with equipment fire at Quesnel River Pulp; Kruger inaugurates its Sherbrooke Tissue Plant; and San Group’s Port Alberni investments. 

In Forestry news: Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day; BC updates its climate change strategy; and the US Forest Service Chief previews his prescribed fire review. Meanwhile, mass timber news from Vancouver, Australia, Switzerland and Korea; and new wildfires of concern in Arizona and New Jersey.

Finally, Western Red Cedar helps create healing spaces for BC cancer families.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CN Rail maintains operations after negotiations fail with their signal and communications workers. In other Business news: the UK concrete lobby lays into the world of wood, mass timber leads a renaissance in construction; and a US coalition seeks an injunction against Brazilian plywood. Meanwhile: the US Conference Board’s economic index fell in May, lumber markets slowed; and US packaging shipments are up 1%.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ottawa directs the RCMP to curb its protest intervention tools; a judge declines to block a redwood logging project; and ENGOs take aim at Swedish forestry. On the wildfire front: the US and BC are upping their funding; forest management helped out Oregon; a New Jersey wildfire hits 2000 acres; and Spain struggles amid record heatwave.

Finally, using gamma rays to determine the structural integrity of a standing tree.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Should the CN Rail/union negotiations not pan out, a strike could begin as soon as this Saturday. In other Business news: Paper Excellence qualifies for tax exemption despite mill closure; and US producers lose bid to up duties on Brazil moulding. On the market front: US housing starts, and permits decline, but record construction eases inventory crunch. 

In other news: a report on Canadian feedback on wildfire and forest resilience; Canadian parks group proposes new protected areas; BC to study role of logging in fatal landslide; BC ups wildfire funding to reduce community risks; and the UK plan to reach net-zero panned for its biomass approach.

Finally, on the protest front: the Aboriginal Peoples TV Network claims RCMP is biased with resource projects; a BC group proposes lawsuit over dangerous protest tactics; BC’s road blockaders are said to be alienating the public, and the student-visa leader says he’s a target for deportation.  

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

The US Fed interest rate hike of .75 points is the biggest jump in 28 years. In related news: US housing starts decline as rising inflation and mortgage rates weaken overall builder confidence. In other Business news: US home builders urge Congress to take action on softwood; US lumber dealers meet with Quebec delegation; Canada pledges money for Lytton rebuild; and Alberta leaders call for rail service upgrades.

In other news: an Ontario coalition calls for a green building workforce; BC estuary a showcase for reclamation; the Tsawwassen First Nation’s Youth Centre features cedar; the University of Maine’s mass timber revolution; and University of Idaho’s new natural resource degrees. Meanwhile, SFI Awards go to Louisiana Pacific, Weyerhaeuser/NFWF, Quebec’s Implementation Committee, and SFI’s Paul Trianosky.

Finally, industry titan George Weyerhaeuser Sr. died June 11th at the age of 95.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Council of Forest Industries appointed Linda Coady as president and CEO, succeeding Susan Yurkovich. In other Business news: Roseburg looks at MDF and bioenergy opportunity; Louisiana Pacific wins SFI President’s Award; IKEA scales down Russia operations; and Stora Enso and UPM raise their earning outlooks. Meanwhile on the market front: Canadian housing starts rise 8%; building material costs are up 2%; railroads’ lumber business is down 3%; paperboard and packaging trend higher; and US scrap paper exports fall slightly. 

In Forestry/Climate news: researchers publish study on how trees adapt to climate change; ENGOs challenge US Forest Service’s 21-inch rule; and a Tasmanian report says native forest logging is carbon positive.

Finally, wildfire updates from Arizona and France, with a possible monsoon to the rescue.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fuel prices are forcing logging and trucking operations to shut down in Michigan and Maine. In related news: BC old-growth logging protesters are arrested as highway disruptions continue, and protest leaders face court date. In other Business news: Nova Scotia seeks to transform its forest sector; residential construction rises in Canada; and US housing demand cools as supply increases.

In Forestry/Climate news: a researcher says beetle infestations can contribute to flooding in BC and Alberta; Yosemite National Park employs forest thinning to reduce wildfire risk; California’s sequoias are threatened by climate change; and satellite surveillance curbs forestry violations in Finland.

Finally, wildfires force evacuations in Arizona and California as temperatures rise.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A BC group called Clear the Road threatens to launch a class-action lawsuit against the blockaders, while new blockades are announced for major BC thoroughfares. In other Business news: Boise Cascade acquires Coastal Plywood; US inflation hits 40 year high; and low-cost production will drive out high cost lumber producers. 

In other news: can carbon capture be part of the US climate solution, Canada’s path to renewable energy; New Glasgow, Nova Scotia’s biomass energy opportunity; and a plethora of federal announcements during Canadian Environmental Week. Meanwhile: FPInnovations pushes wood technology; and the (full) return of BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission.

Finally, books on how Wood Shaped Human History, and Tree Thieves in North America.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Trudeau and Newsom agree to host a roundtable on forest resilience and wildfires. In related news: Canada and Sweden on forests as a carbon asset or liability. In Business news: a class-action lawsuit considered to halt old-growth road blockades; the ban on Russian wood pellets takes effect; fuel prices cripple BC’s trucking industry; and lumber prices’ wild ride is expected to ease. 

In other news: Canada invests in biodiversity conservation; the US Forest Chief testifies to Congress; Secretary Vilsack showcases mass timber construction; and the US Fish & Wildlife proposes endangered species status for a bat. On the Safety front: US logging fatalities rose during Covid; June 6th was National Secure Your Load Day; and a close encounter of the bear kind.

Finally, APA’s new Trustees; West Fraser’s new Sales Director; and Weston Forest’s award.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Panned by ENGOs, the new federal carbon offset program will target big industrial emitters. In related news: logging’s carbon footprint is said to be understated; two US scientists say we shouldn’t wait to protect old forests; and Caterpillar shareholders seek GHG transparency. On the Market front: lumber futures slide again; volatile markets hit Alberta industry; the paper industry struggles as printers face shortages; Catalyst transitions to food grade papers; and delivered wood costs rise in the Lake States. 

In other news: digging into Canada’s 2 billion tree promise; US Forest Service Chief to testify on 2023 budget; Auburn University hosts CLT conference; and the battle over logging native forests heats up in Australia.

Finally, the Gorman Group branches out with new on-site vineyard!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite diversification, Canada is still largely a hewer of wood and drawer of water. In related news: BC’s forest sector is dealing with myriad of market challenges; Maine loggers feel inflation squeeze; Gorman helps employees with rising costs; US homebuyers says it’s not a good time to buy; and single-family building slows in the suburbs. Meanwhile: West Fraser increases dividend; Kruger markets eco-conscious paper line; Stora Enso looks at recycled packaging; and Zeus buys two UK packaging companies.

In other news: all eyes on Vancouver Island land title case; Washington State sprawl adds to wildfire risk; 1/3 of California firefighter positions still unfilled; and Tongass old-growth study focuses on carbon stored.

Finally, our friend and colleague, Michel Vallée is featured in “Lives Lived” celebrating extraordinary, unheralded lives of Canadians who have recently passed. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sanctions and rising costs are making lumber production unprofitable in Northwest Russia. In related news: North American lumber prices are falling; the housing market may follow; Canada’s market is rebalancing; and Australia’s building industry is in crisis. In other Business news: West Fraser  buys-back $1.1 billion of its shareholder’s stock; Catalyst Crofton gets parliamentary secretary visit; and Wawa OSB hopes to reopen its Ontario plant in 2023.  

In other news: Canada announces Nature Advisory Committee and funding for Trees of Life; the Federation of BC Woodlots releases its program report; PEFC appoints new CEO Michael Berger; the Society of American Foresters partners with #forestsproud; and the Montreal Wood Convention celebrates a successful wood promotion event.

Finally, as home-building costs rise, a Phoenix company uses foam to build houses.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor