Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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