Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

The persistent decline of the US wood furniture industry is driven by external and internal forces. In related news: the US market slows as timberland investments increase; and growing wood-markets actually helps preserve forests. In other news: PotlatchDeltic is expanding its Arkansas mill, AF&PA pans Colorado’s recycling bill; and FPAC announces two award winners for innovation in forestry. 

In Forest Fire news: BC’s Wildfire Service predicts more modest fire season; air quality alerts hit Saskatchewan; attacking Oregon’s wildfires is great but the job is huge; and wildfire reduction investments abound in California. Meanwhile, on the carbon front: forests could tip the scales on the path to net-zero; production forestry vs carbon sinks; and planting trees not a permanent climate solution.

Finally, North America’s largest mass timber fire test is set for June.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In the forest: Canada’s FPInnovations improves forest inventory tools with drones; Saskatchewan receives funding to update forest inventory; and wildfire recovery gets a boost in California. 

About wood: BC trade mission brings home new mass timber agreement with Finland; western hemlock takes centre stage in India’s hospitality sector; and the American Institute of Steel Construction publishes new hybrid mass timber design guide.

Accolades in the news: Saint-Laurent Mayor, Alan DeSousa wins the Green Building Champion Award (again!); Inside Education’s Steve McIsaac presented with the Alberta Emerald Foundation Award; Jennifer Baltzer named Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change; and Ethan Tapper takes Forester of the Year Award in Vermont. 

Finally—made from wood—a World War II de Havilland Mosquito coming to the KF Aerospace Centre in Kelowna, BC. 

Tree Frog Editor, Sandy McKellar

A UN report advocates big increases in sustainable forestry and wood production. In related news: mass timber through a life cycle lens; a timber robot to show off its moves; and BC and Finland collaborate on wood innovation. In other Business news: the supply chain crisis persists; lumber prices drop as DIY cools off; Kruger completes acquisition of Kamloops mill; Kalesnikoff wins National Family Enterprise award; and Paper Excellence releases sustainability report.

In Forestry/Climate news: Calgary prof seeks to model wildfire disasters; looming tree planter shortage worries companies; a First Nation group pans glyphosate spraying in New Brunswick and the ideology of wilderness in Australia.

Finally, forest observation deck or massive moose head. Check it out!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The NAHB urge Congress to address housing costs, including a suspension of duties on Canadian softwood. North American lumber prices are down from their most recent peak while UK focus is on price inflation and labour supply. All the while, mass timber continues to grow in popularity; in the US, new hardwood and hybrid CLT panels show promise; increased use pushes insurers to see mass timber in a new light; more funding from the USDA for wood innovation; and the numbers are in – 139 mass timber buildings worldwide today. 

In Climate and forests a new report on landslides and flooding in BC; US Forest Service Chief criticized for pausing prescribed burns; and Canada hosts climate leaders in Sweden to advance Paris Agreement goals. 

Finally, as New Mexico crews make progress on the largest wildfire, additional blazes flare across the state.

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

In Business news, Deere announces leadership changes; PotlatchDeltic and CatchMarkets form integrated timber REIT; and fire extinguished at Nova Scotia paper mill site.

In the forest – Oregon gets new legislation that makes the Private Forest Accord the law but some argue it complicates forest management; the economic cost of wildfire in California and who pays the bill; and new satellite data differentiates types of forest loss in the Amazon. 

Get the latest updates from the BC Community Forest Association and the BC Forest Safety Council in their Spring newsletters. 

And finally, new research from the European Chemicals Agency concludes that glyphosate does not cause cancer in humans.

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber and housing prices slump with rising interest rates, and analysts see more declines on the horizon. In related news: US consumer sentiment falls 10%; and UK housing slows. In other Business news: a US Judge issues a permanent injunction on Brazilian plywood; Hancock Forest Management rebrands: and the Softwood Lumber Board ROI reaches $40 for every 1$ invested.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC wants First Nations to reach consensus before logging is deferred in old-growth forests; once sidelined Huu-ay-aht First Nations plan to expand; a US review traces massive New Mexico fire to planned burns; and critical fire conditions persist across the US Southwest.

Finally, a 5,484 year old Chilean alerce tree beats a 4,853 year old Californian bristlecone pine as the world’s oldest tree.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor announced the continuation of reduced operating schedules in BC due to supply chain challenges. In related news: US pending home sales fell 4%; two perspectives on the bursting of the lumber bubble; and 2021 remodelling trends. On the Wood Products front: a new report on the state of mass timber projects across the globe; featured buildings in Edmonton; Toronto; and Kitchener-Waterloo; and an Australian effort to be the world’s tallest. Meanwhile, BC Wood’s export readiness training kicks-off June 8th.

In Forestry/Climate news: the US Forest Service ban on prescribed burning stalls risk reduction work; court puts Kootenai National Forest logging on hold; and how EU energy policy changes may effect Georgia’s wood pellet industry.

Finally, wandering salamanders skydive from the world’s tallest trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Reports released on safety incidents at two BC pulp mills — Howe Sound Pulp & Paper and Cariboo Pulp & Paper. In related news: WorkSafeBC says gas buildup caused 2020 explosion at Houston pellet plant; a tragic logging truck roll-over in Comox, BC; and Tolko confirms one injured in High Prairie, Alberta mill fire. In other Business news: Canada and New Brunswick to invest in additional rail capacity; and Ontario carpenters’ union reach agreement to end strike. 

In other news: a builders guide and carbon primer for wood buildings in Canada; designing outdoor space with Western Red Cedar; Mosaic opens 14th public campground on its private lands; and Peter Robichaud retires from Canadian Woodlands Forum after 27 years.

Finally, logging protesters’ tactics questioned after manure dumped at BC Premier’s office.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Downie Timber’s Nick Arkle on fibre predictability, old-growth and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In other Business news: US and Canadian ministers discuss supply chain woes; the Unifor-Resolute deal includes pay hikes of 20%+; and US lumber dealer priorities include a new softwood agreement. Meanwhile: Rosburg breaks ground in North Carolina; Stora Enso partners on wooden wind turbine towers; and the American Steel Institute releases guide to steel/wood hybrid buildings.

In other news: updates on Nova Scotia’s Lahey recommendations, New Brunswick professor’s glyphosate dismissal trial; Eastern Canada’s deadly storms (and their impact on urban trees); and the US Forest Service plans for firefighters’ pay.

Finally, the Hidden Kingdom of Fungi, exploring the microscopic world in our forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Organizations certified to SFI’s 2022 Chain of Custody standard can now make PEFC claims around the world. In other Forestry news: US forest chief calls for pause on prescribed fire; New Mexico Forest Research Center threatened by wildfire; and the breakthrough Oregon Forest Accord is signed into law.

In other news: New Brunswick to increase royalty rates on Crown timber; Resolute announces ratification of collective agreement; recommendations from BC’s decades-old sawmill blast are mostly complete; Home Depot to review offshore wood-sourcing policy; and Arkansas Fayetteville campus encourages mass timber use.  

Finally, Australia law to deter dangerous protest activities within timber harvesting zones.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The dangerous fire weather is being fueled by gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity. In related news: Canfor and Parks Canada reduce wildfire risk in Jasper; low wages spell trouble for US firefighter recruitment; wildfire warnings in Texas and Nebraska; and two national forests are closed in New Mexico.

In other news: US forest plan stirs debate over what counts as old trees; BC seeks feedback on Caribou Protection Plan; and a two-part series on Asian biomass expansion. Meanwhile, the BC First Nations Forestry Council seeks new CEO; BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission is set for Sept 8-10; and mass timber design scholarships courtesy of the SLB. 

Finally, a graphic on the relationship between managed forests and better carbon storage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Transportation and infrastructure difficulties are hobbling Canada’s forest products industry, according to the American Journal of Transportation. In other Business news: Kamloops mayor approves of Kruger mill purchase; Mercer plans upgrades to CLT plant; the EU paper industry pushes back on Environment Committee’s proposed policy on biomass burning; a new connection system improves mass timber’s fire performance; and researchers want to build a Category 6 hurricane simulator in Miami.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada releases report on forests and climate mitigation; Vermont foresters hope to assist forest migration; climate change could result in a net expansion of global forests; and most world-wide forest loss is due to expanding agriculture land. 

Finally, Harry Gairns, a BC forestry pioneer, leader and mentor, dies at age 90.  

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US builder confidence is down for a fifth straight month on rising interest rates, growing affordability woes. In other Business news: Canfor extends Taylor pulp mill curtailment; Doman reports positive Q1; First Nation lays claim to Catalyst’s Powell River mill site; Mississippi’s export terminal welcomes first wood pellet vessel; and Atlantic Building Components plans new truss plant in North Carolina.

In Forestry/Climate news: Europe rethinks policies on biomass energy; Washington uses forests as a natural climate solution; and wildfire evacuation updates from Ontario and New Mexico.

Finally, the long and winding (and slow) court path for Fairy Creek protesters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite DIY-slowdown and housing-price corrections, Home Depot is raising its profit forecast. In related news: Japan to subsidize switch to domestic lumber; and fire damages Resolute sawmill in Ignace, Ontario. Meanwhile, a US bill is introduced to address trucking supply chain woes. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Dr. Werner Kurz on the role of forests in Canada’s carbon cycle; the WWF points to forest conservation in the US; New Zealand’s forestry and geothermal solution; renewing the argument for wood in the UK; and wildfire updates from BC; Ontario; New Brunswick; New Mexico; and Oregon.

Finally, Alberta Forest Products Association communication campaign wins top prize.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Unifor, Resolute agreement will serve as the basis for negotiations in eastern Canada’s pulp and paper industry. In other Business news: Mirax Group purchases Interfor’s Avalon log sort assets; and Russia’s war threatens globalization, as US-based Sylvamo leaves the country. On the market front: Canada’s housing starts trend higher, as home sales fall, and sawlog supply tightens in the US South.

In Climate/Wildfire news: governments look to forests to store more carbon; climate change is fueling more wildfires; US wildfire dangers are spreading east; California’s wildfires eat up cap-and-trade revenue; Canada’s ancient fire prevention practices are being reignited; and BC’s not ready to shift from disaster response to disaster prevention.

Finally, Kraft Heinz is developing a paper-based, recyclable ketchup bottle.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

More Q1, 2022 financials — reports from Interfor, GreenFirst and Cascades. In other Business news, labour shortages impact Paper Excellence in in BC and despite increased funding the US can’t hire enough firefighters.

The Softwood Lumber Board releases their annual report celebrating 10-years of driving growth in demand for softwood lumber in North America; FSC supports sustainable mass timber construction; and Ireland looks to timber for social housing.

On the forestry front, BC is urged to protect bear dens; helicopters fertilize BC forests with urea; and Ontario sprays for moths.

Finally, the Black Press editorial board calls old growth logging blockades an antagonistic stunt, interfering with people’s rights.

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Stella-Jones and Conifex report positive Q1, 2022 results. In other Business news: Teal Jones breaks ground in Louisiana; Lignum Veneer invests in digital technology; Louisiana Pacific completes Maine mill conversion; Weyerhaeuser settles Longview pollution claim; Georgia’s Governor signs bill to strengthen industry; Biden’s inflation plan includes affordable housing; and lumber prices pop back up. 

In other news: a McGill study says living in wildfire-prone regions may be hazardous to your health; the US Forest Service is short thousands of firefighters; Nova Scotia responds to fast-moving wildfire; more people flee New Mexico wildfire; and the European bark beetle situation is mostly under control.

Finally, Tristen Hopper says the Extinction Rebellion is way more radical than you think.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario carpenters walk off the job, joining residential construction workers already taking job action. In other Business news: replacing coal with biomass in Minnesota and Arizona; mass timber goes cradle-to-cradle in Virginia; and housing market updates from Canada and the US. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Nick Smith on the meaning of Biden’s Executive Order on forests; Dave Elstone on the path forward for BC’s old-growth deferrals; Nova Scotia defers logging to protect Atlantic whitefish habitat; Maryland passes FSC and SFI audits; and Maine’s martens are a sign of healthy forests.

Finally, Steelworkers mark the 10th anniversary of BC’s deadly sawmill explosions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The pandemic and supply chain challenges were cited in DeFehr Furniture’s decision to close operations. In related news: Russian plants produce IKEA furniture under own brands; Resolute mill upgrade underway in Fort William; Paper Excellence’s mill re-opening will create 1700 jobs; Dunkley’s Edgewood modernization to start in Q3; Stora Enso expands its presence in France; and CMPC stops production at three Chilean pulp mills.

In Forestry/Climate news: sustainable forest management is a climate change mitigation tool; estuaries are better at capturing carbon than trees; old-growth activists plan to escalate disruptions; and Amazon deforestation breaks new record. Meanwhile, robotic technology in Perth; and a WSJ feature on how mass timber has builders looking up.

Finally, the Vancouver Hoo-Hoo Club recognizes members after three-year hiatus.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After a sharp but short-lived correction, lumber prices are poised to move higher again. In related news: millennials and DIYers keep lumber demand robust; and US wood pellet exports rise in March despite ENGO opposition to biomass energy. Elsewhere: Europe’s fraught-path away from Russian energy; the Russian timber ban’s impact on Japanese markets; an Australian sawmill closes as native logging ban nears; and UK construction sees year-on-year decline.

In Forestry/Climate news: the World Forestry Congress concludes with global partnership announcement; US wildfire activity is above norms; the cost of fighting Ontario’s wildfires rises; Mosaic defers Cowichan Lake logging; and Gilbert Smith & Woodtone sign partnership with Adams Lake Indian Band.

Finally, Colorado conifers given ‘Fitbits’ to measure snow cover.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Russia-Ukraine war begets more divestures (Mondi) and trade flow changes for pulp & paper and lumber. In other Business news: Prince Albert Pulp is one step closer to restarting; and more Q1, 2022 financials from Western Forest Products; Resolute, Acadian Timber, Enviva, and Rayonier Inc.  

In Forestry/Climate news: Biden declares disaster in New Mexico wildfire zone; Washington state brings back prescribed burns; BC’s emergency alert system to include wildfires; last summer’s heat wave was among most extreme recorded; wildfires challenge forest-based carbon offsets; and the financial challenge of fire and flood management. 

Finally, group launches ‘Clear the Road‘ campaign against old-growth blockaders.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New Mexico’s governor asked Biden to declare a disaster as firefighters scramble to protect homes near Las Vegas. In related news: BC Wildfire Service says the province may face another brutal season; minister Nixon defends Alberta’s caribou recovery plan; Thunder Bay, Ontario gets behind biomass electricity; and FSC Canada has a brand new website.

In Business news: Mosaic announces departure of CEO Jeff Zweig; Hardwoods of Michigan’s Bob Vogel retires; and FPAC’s Derek Nighbor to serve as liaison to UN forum on forests. Companies making headlines include: Q1 financials from Canfor, Doman, Louisiana Pacific, Rayonier AM and Weyerhaeuser; the impact of Northern Pulp’s closure on local sawmills; Interfor’s eastern expansion; and Vaagen Fibre’s return to operation. 

Finally, AF&PA says Colorado’s producer responsibility bill may harm paper recycling rates.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor reported positive Q1, 2022 results despite pulp challenges, and Interfor acquired minority interest in GreenFirst Forest Products. In other Business news: JD Irving fails to secure expedited process in softwood duty review; construction spending is up but headwinds rise; and European markets are at a turning point.

In Forestry news: Greenpeace stages protest at World Forestry Congress, while delegates talk forest health; Colorado Governor takes aim at boreal forest protection, Europe looks to Saskatchewan for biomass; and Wood WORKS! Alberta award winners are announced.

Finally, exclusive to the Tree Frog News – Susan Yurkovich’s COFI Conference wrap-up!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CEO Susan Yurkovich captures the key highlights and lessoned learned at COFI conference. In related coverage:

• A Tree Frog picture summary of day three at the COFI convention
• Horgan avoids protesters, defends policies despite complaints
• A conversation with BC CEOs and other conference highlights
• BC forest sector grapples with attracting workers, image problem

In other Business news: judge extends creditor protection for Northern Pulp; increased revenue sharing with First Nations welcomed by Tolko; and market updates courtesy of RBC’s Paul Quinn; Construct Connect; and Wood Resources International.

In other news: Nova Scotia’s new forestry practices set to start in June; Biden’s old-growth order still allows logging; the 15th World Forestry congress kicks off in Seoul; and BC anti-old growth protester ends his hunger strike. 

Finally, Lidar’s view of how forests are faring, and how NOT to move lumber.

Kelly McCloskey, Editor

COFI Convention keynotes in Vancouver speak to industry headwinds, geopolitical and economic risks facing the sector. In related conference-news: Susan Yurkovich kicks off the event, Forest Minister Conroy announces fertilization monies, challenges ‘primaries’ to work with value-add manufacturers; and the Coalition for a Better Future’s economic vision for Canada’s future. In other Business news: West Fraser Timber and Mercer International report positive Q1, 2022 results; Claw Forestry to build new sawmill in Mississippi; and Unifor is disappointed with Northern Pulp’s court actions.

In other news: Ontario researchers and Quebec architects move mass timber forward; old-growth protesters say BC Forest Minister should be arrested; eastern Canadian bird populations are said to be in decline, a lawsuit seeks to leverage the marbled murrelet for conservation; and the Center for Private Forests at Penn State is renamed to honour its founder Jim Finley.

Finally, highlights from COFI CEO panel and today’s proceeding — in Monday’s TF News.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Council of Forest Industries’ Susan Yurkovich kicked off their first in-person AGM event since 2019— with a call for a balanced approach to forest policy. In other Business news: US homebuilders call for a suspension of softwood tariffs; the Biden administration wants to reform WTO’s dispute settlement system; and the US and Canadian trade ministers will talk trade on May 5-6. Meanwhile: an Oregon Court overturns $1 billion timber verdict against the state; International Paper reports positive Q1 results; and the war in Ukraine is impacting both lumber and pulp & paper markets.

In Forestry/Climate news: studies point to global forest losses, the climate risk of forest fires and the potential to curb them; BC raises revenue sharing with First Nations; Quebec compares caribou protection to cod industry devastation; and US public forests are cashing in on dubious carbon offsets.

Finally, the frogs are off to cover today’s keynotes at COFI. A full report tomorrow.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forest industry seeks predictability, as the Council of Forest Industries convention kicks-off in Vancouver. In other Business news: Canfor implementing plan to achieve net-zero by 2050; a court decision is due on verdict against Oregon over logging; the US extends it anti-dumping probe into Vietnam plywood; protesters target Drax in London; and US consumer confidence wanes, as home sales fall and pulp prices remain high. 

In Forestry/Climate news: carbon credits are the new gold rush in Canada; the 15th World Forestry Congress is set in Seoul; Minister Conroy to keynote at BC First Nations Summit; ENGOs stop logging in Montana’s Castle Mountains; and David Elstone on how may jobs its takes to cut a tree.

Finally, can’t make the COFI meetings — stay tuned as the Frogs will be reporting live from the conference floor.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

PotlatchDeltic CEO reports record first quarter results, remains upbeat on 2022. In related news: the only lumber certainty is price uncertainty; home builders remain profitable despite covid; and global wood pellet demand is increasing. In other Business news: Canfor’s Darlington sawmill is damaged by fire; ENGO’s oppose Huber’s Minnesota mill; and SFI adds Terry Baker (SAF CEO) to its Board.

In Forestry/Climate news: the UN says weather disasters are on the rise; a new study on the unseen effects of deforestation; Canada’s clean energy investments; Ontario’s caribou plan shortfalls; California firefighter’s whistleblower lawsuit; BC old-growth protesters disrupt traffic, and the Minister of Environment declines to endorse hunger strikers. Meanwhile, BC updates its Professional Governance Act; and a new initiative is launched in support of Pacific HemFir.

Finally, it’s time to speak with more emotion and connect with all citizens who love forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

BC Premier Horgan rejected the old-growth protester actions, as a hunger-striker was briefly hospitalized, and activists plan a ‘citizens arrest‘ of Minister Conroy. In other Forestry news: Canada and Ontario reach agreement on caribou conservation; the Canadian Institute of Forestry launches a climate adaptation series; and Oregon and Colorado National Forests receive wildfire mitigation monies.

In Business news: GreenFirst to relocate the Kenora sawmill; Domtar sells Hearst Forest to the Nature Conservancy; Canfor breaks ground in Louisiana; the UPM strike ends in Finland; and Stora Enso is divesting its Russia operations. Meanwhile, Ontario WoodWORKS! wood design award winners and the Softwood Lumber Board’s April update.

Finally, the Cowichan Valley Hoo-Hoo Club meets after two-year covid-hiatus.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Earth Day is every day for working forests and the architects pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. In related news: Biden signs Executive Order to protect America’s old-growth forests from wildfire; Ottawa prepared to unilaterally protect Quebec caribou; BC’s new war in the woods is backfiring on protesters; and an interview with BC’s new minister of Lands, Water and Resource Stewardship.

In Business news: Biden joins Canada to ban Russian shipping; Alberta industry wants better rail service; Canfor invests to modernize Urbana, Arkansas sawmill; Mercer’s climate targets meet Paris Agreement levels; Corner Brook Pulp & Paper faces logging protests; and Premier Horgan added to keynotes at 2022 COFI Convention.

Finally, BC construction and forestry jobs identified as hazardous for young workers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Biden’s executive order on old-growth will have to balance preservation with flexibility to assure forest health. In related news: Arizona wildfire triples in size—more homes evacuated; and burnt trees could disrupt California water supplies. Elsewhere: Alberta’s caribou recovery plans; US forest industry expansion; and housing market slowdowns in the US and Canada.

In Wood Product news: BC opens wood-focused Vietnam trade office; Toronto’s timber passive house a game-changer; UK’s mass timber rise called meteoric; Switzerland’s tall timber tower; and the Southern Forest Products Assocication’s positive offshore market outlook. 

Finally, just in time for Earth Day, new guidance to combat greenwashing and build trust.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser is offering to buy back up to 15% of its shares through cash-on-hand. Other companies making news include: Western Forest Products (Nuchatlaht Aboriginal title case); Drax Group (Union, ENGO subsidy claim), Paper Excellence (new COO); and Georgia Pacific (new facilities update). On the US market front: single-family homes forecast to remain solid even as rates rise; and the preference for new home construction returns to pre-pandemic levels. 

In Forestry/Climate news: FSC urges Quebec to collaborate on caribou habitat; an industry researcher says BC old growth claims patently untrue; USDA’s Southeast Alaska plan wins local kudos; Arizona wildfire begets home evacuations; and BC’s wildfire season is off to an early start.

Finally, crooked trees, tiny tourists, and extreme heat – oh my!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US homebuilders are urging the White House to address issues that threaten the housing market. In related news: US housing starts unexpectedly rise in March; Canadian starts trend lower; building material prices continue to rise; and Japan’s prices surge as Russian lumber imports are banned.

In Forestry/Climate news: USDA invests $31 million to reduce wildfire risks; Pacific NW wildfire smoke impacts air quality near and far; Oregon’s wildfire risk map may mandate ‘home hardening’ measures; Whistler adopts new wildfire resiliency plan; and locking up forests for carbon is not so clear cut.

Finally, just in case you were off Easter Monday, lots more headlines in yesterday’s news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre shortages and supply chain challenges, Sinclar Group is temporarily shifting to a 4-day work week. In other news: Northern Pulp accuses Nova Scotia of abdication of obligations; Catalyst Paper signs MOU with Port Alberni First Nation; GreenFirst CEO’s growth plans; Weyerhaeuser acquires Carolina timberlands; and Huhtamaki plans to divest its Russian operations. In Market news: US homebuilder confidence falls for 4th month in a row; and mortgage rates hit 5%.

In Forestry/Climate news: Police investigate tree spiking in Fairy Creek old growth; hunger strikers fail to secure meeting with BC premier; the looming crash facing BC’s interior; Nova Scotia professor on glyphosate usage; logging threatens endangered Atlantic whitefish; and a new video series on the power of pellets.

Finally, the world’s tallest residential building to reach 30-storeys in Zurich, Switzerland.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Australia’s Liberals vow to invest in forestry, while Greens call for an end to native forest logging. In other Business news: US building prices rise again; British Columbia seeks input on “polluter pay” system; Biewer Lumber ships its first load of lumber; Goodfellow Inc. reports positive Q1 results; and more on San Group’s purchase of Interfor mill. Meanwhile, stories on: mass timber, pulpwood insulation and wooden bellyboards?

In Forestry/Climate News: research groups claim BC is running out of trees; logging is exacerbating climate change; and that Drax and others receive subsidized logs. Elsewhere: Washington state is encouraged to save legacy forests; and National Geographic’s solution to the world’s threatened forests.

Finally, the Frogs are off until Monday, barring any breaking news. Happy Hopping!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

San Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Interfor’s Acorn sawmill in Delta, BC. In other Company news: Northern Pulp appeals terms for mill-restart, a new study on Northern Pulp’s emissions;  Cascades shifts to virtual AGM format; and Saica opens Ohio packaging plant. Elsewhere: Canada’s cautionary tale for US housing affordability; and inflation hits another 40-year high.

In other news: Quebec warns Ottawa not to take unilateral action on caribou; concerns mount over BC’s herbicide plans; Wisconsin industry hopes to rethink its future; and the US biomass industry seeks changes to EU rules.

Finally, America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell—of Rolling Stones fame—premiers April 21; while Filming the Last Stand by Peter von Puttkamer debuts April 22.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario has launched a five-year plan to turn waste wood into energy; invests $15 million in Wawa OSB plant. In other Business news: BC allocates funds to alleviate caribou plan fallout; lumber slides as inflation hits DIY market; Finnish forest exports rise 16%, and EU sanctions curb imports of Russian wood. 

In other news: Alberta’s Mike Flannigan is developing a fire prediction model; Colorado receives federal funding for wildfire mitigation; Fairy Creek protesters suspected of blocking culverts again; and old-growth uncertainty in BC’s Slocan Valley. Meanwhile: wooden skyscrapers are on the rise; and durable wood products in a changing climate.

Finally, the American marten can serve as an “umbrella species” for 11 Maine mammals.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Most forecasters, including NAHB, do not predict a recession in 2022, but the risk is rising. In related news: Redfin says the second-home boom is coming to an end. In other Business news: Wood Resources International joins ResourceWise Group; the UPM mediation process halts; and the Ukraine war impacts Orsted’s wood pellet supplies. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta releases plan for caribou herds; North Carolina forest plan gets 14,000 objectors; and California, Georgia and Maine brace for another bad fire season. Meanwhile, on BC old-growth front: Davis Elstone adds up the deferral numbers; Canim Lake Band accepts the gov’t plan; Huu-ay-aht charts its own path; and jail time is avoided at Fairy Creek.

Finally, Canadians love forests. So why don’t they feel the same way about foresters?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor