Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

West Fraser will permanently reduce capacity at its Hinton pulp mill, switching to unbleached kraft pulp. In other Business news: Drax opens a new pellet plant in Alabama; Domain Timber to manage Virginia forestlands; and market updates on the supply chain, labour woes, lumber prices, housing share and mass timber trends.

In Forestry/Climate news: the TLA’s Bob Brash says its time to correct BC government’s wrongs; Forsite’s Cam Brown turns the table on Sierra Club claims; the NRDC bemoans logging and forest certification in Canada; a Minnesota study says trees are more valuable as climate regulators; and ENGOs want to curtail Australia’s native logging industry.

Finally, climate change is taking the sweet out of maple syrup.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The UN’s warning of an ‘unliveable world‘ creates a new challenge—doom talk—the feeling that nothing can be done, so why bother. In related news: forests can help; and planting is essential to carbon removal. Meanwhile: Alberta launches new wildfire dashboard; thinning offsets forest management costs in Oregon; and old growth protests return to BC streets and schools.

In Business news: the European Union to ban imports of Russian wood; war impacts US, Australian and Malaysian wood markets; court orders Nova Scotia into mediation with Northern Pulp; and Fast + App unveil hub to advance wood construction research and testing.

Finally, BC top forester Diane Nicholls joins Drax as VP of Sustainability for North America.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC updated its old growth deferral plan: 75 of 188 First Nations have agreed, 7 said no and 60 want more time. In related news: BC forest policy’s impact on investment; deferrals create job loss fears; protesters plan to blockade Trans-Canada Highway; and Mosaic’s deferral bittersweet to ENGOs. Elsewhere: New Brunswick glyphosate case update; cattle to help manage BC’s wildfire risk, and beware of the jumping worm menacing Ontario’s forests.

In Business news: Smurfit Kappa to exit Russian market; CN Rail faces fine for Lytton fire, as some rebuilding is underway; Green First receives Ontario funding; and more on Canfor’s Western Canadian sawmill curtailments. Meanwhile, experts say: the US housing market will remain strong; lumber prices will remain volatile and some supply chain relief is possible.

Finally, giant, gentle troll sculptures made of recycled wood!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s recently updated model building code allows mass-timber construction to 12-storeys. In related news: energy changes contribute to federal GHG plan; Ontario ups transparency on lightweight materials; Minnesota wants to move faster on energy codes; and wood promotion/research updates by Michael Geen; BC Wood, IWPA and University of Northern BC.

In other news: Active Energy Group axes plan for wood pellet facility; Finnpulp abandons plan for new pulp mill; accident at Resolute sawmill claims life of a worker; the little green lies used for old tree campaigns; and the Queen plants a tree in recognition of her Platinum Jubilee.

Finally, wooden railcars and blimps to resolve lumber transportation backlogs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Supply chain crisis expands Canfor curtailments to Western Canadian sawmills. In related news: Russia’s war impacts supply chain near (Ukraine) and far (Australia). In other Business news:  Idaho Forest Group Lumberton sawmill nears completion; Enerkem wins award for biomass aviation fuel; and San Group’s value-added success story. Elsewhere: mass timber innovation in Vancouver and Portland; and Princeton University’s new carbon math tool. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Alaska’s governor seeks self-sufficiency with forestry; doctor questions Glyphosate use in forests; Mosaic’s forest plans raise access concerns; North Carolina forest plan gets ENGO pushback; and trees can be climate heroes but carbon accounting counts.

Finally, the latest on wildfire mitigation from BC, Montana; and California.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sanctions against Russian exports will permanently alter the global trade of forest products. In related news: Russian pulp and paper company looks to China for growth; Stora Enso is divesting four paper sites; Verso deal with BillerudKorsnas is closing; and Canfor extends production curtailment at Taylor Pulp. On the market front: US consumer confidence rebounds; and construction job openings remain strong.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests in biomass from forest residues; FPAC sees opportunity in fed’s emission plan; Ontario launches biomass action plan; New Brunswick Av Group secures FSC certification; BC accused of allowing logging in caribou habitat; New Hampshire takes on the southern pine beetle; and NRCan researchers track forest carbon with LiDAR.

Finally, as the pandemic eases, the battle for your toilet paper is on!

Kelly McCloskey, Editor

A poll saying Canadians want action to protect forests is “disingenuous,” part of anti-Canada trade campaign. In other Business news: Unifor targets Resolute for contract bargaining; GreenFirst challenges US softwood duty rate; LacWood receives Ontario funding; ENGO group sues Weyerhaeuser in Longview, Washington; and Rayonier AM achieves ecolabel standard for fluff pulp. Elsewhere: the UK ups import tariffs on Russian wood.

Other stories include: a pro and a con on the biomass industry; mass timber features in California, Oregon and Sweden; wildfire trends in Montana; and forest certification and climate adaptation in North Carolina.

Finally, a WIRED feature on stalling the climate crisis with genetically engineered trees. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The debate over the role of forests & climate change dominates the news:

• Maine’s forests are our weapon against climate change
• US biomass is not health neutral
• The controversial biofuel threatening BC’s inland forests
• Climate change fight should shift to look at Canada’s forest policy

In related news: Canadians want forest protections but are concerned about jobs; BC is bracing for impact of old-growth timber crunch; and more meaningful discussion on BC’s forest policy.

In other news: Ontario invests in northern forestry projects; Mosaic’s old-growth plan receives guarded ENGO support; and Dallin Brooks is appointed Executive Director of National Hardwood Lumber Association.

Finally, genetic resistance may be key to saving the Western White Pine from blister rust.

Kelly McCloskey, Editor

Prescribed fire vs. managed wildfire, the science and the myths. In related news: firefighters are in short supply despite wage boost; wildfire smoke-particles’ affect on climate; why people are heading to safer climes; and the movement towards stormproof homes. Elsewhere: Alaska’s dying spruce harvest; Simard hits the Financial Times; and National Geographic on clearcutting and wildlife. 

In Forest Product news: the world’s tallest timber tower takes shape; while mass timber projects showcase their carbon and engineering benefits. Meanwhile: wood pellets can replace German coal; US homebuilders want a new softwood agreement; Woodgrain buys Huttig Building Products; and Saint John Pulp’s environmental upgrades.

Finally, Canadian’s opinion of the forest sector — it’s better than you think.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Russia’s invasion is creating timber supply chain challenges for EU and UK construction. In related news: the Timber Trade Federation’s guidance on ‘conflict timber‘; and Cepi says the pulp & paper sector should have ‘essential supplier‘ status.

Companies making news include: Paper Excellence (asking price for Kamloops mill); GreenFirst (Q4, year end financials); and Louisiana Pacific (new PEFC standard in Chile). On the Market front: the latest updates on US and Canadian housing starts. 

In Forestry/Climate news: tree rings help reveal a warming future; tropical forests help keep air cool and moist; and more on ENGO efforts to link Canada’s GHG emission reduction plans with old-growth forests and logging emissions.

Finally, the Southern Forest Products Association is seeking a new EU-based market rep.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The University of BC’s 1956 support for Hungary’s forestry students teaches us we can do more for Ukraine. In related news: forest fires erupt near Chernobyl nuclear site.

Companies making news include: San Group (Business Excellence Award); Paper Excellence (scholarship donation); Taan Forest (positive forestry audit); J.D. Irving (new water treatment plant); Northern Pulp (Nova Scotia lawsuit); ND Paper (mill expansion); and UPM Pulp (settlement proposal). 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada is urged to protect more forests; the BC Gov’t disputes First Nations title claim in court; the US Forest Service drops grizzly habitat appeal; and how Washington state forests are being made more fire resilient.

Finally, TLA Talks returns tomorrow with panels on social licence; old-growth & the media.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CP Rail and the Teamsters negotiating committee agreed to return to work, use binding arbitration to resolve dispute. In related news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor and Paper Excellence speak to strike’s impact. In other Business news: how trade in logs and lumber in Europe will change; mass timber breakthroughs in Seattle and Boston; Western Forest Products is curtailing its Chemainus mill again; and Structurelam adds new VP in Arkansas. 

In Forestry news: Canadian poll shows strong Indigenous support for forestry; Ontario biomass key to province’s energy needs; The Atlantic on saving our biggest forests; Oregon’s plan to protect critical habitat; and 2021 was Europe’s second worst wildfire season on record.

Finally, it’s World Water Day. From Forests to Faucets – where does your H2O come from? 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CP Rail is halting operations after failing to reach a labour deal—prompting fears of more supply-chain woes. In related news: Paper Excellence‘s Kootenay mill is threatened by railway strike. In other Business news: Kalesnikoff passes forestry audit; a loader at Tolko Armstrong is destroyed by fire; two shuttered Interfor mills in Washington are sold; and Maine’s pro-forestry bill moves forward. 

In Forestry/Climate news: pests are destroying Canada’s trees; NRCan launches Indigenous seed collection program; Ontario’s take on its state of forests questioned; California’s firefighter service shrinks by 20%; and oil palm agroforestry in Brazil dispels myths about monoculture. 

Finally, celebrating World Wood Day and International Day of Forests on the same day!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Monday’s International Day of Forests is suitable themed — Choose Sustainable Wood for People and the Planet. In related news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor on sustainable forestry and biofuels; and the New Yorker on why we should simply stop burning things. Elsewhere: a designer’s guide to green product certifications; and old-growth updates from Prince George; Fairy Creek, and the Bulkley Valley.

In Business news: the Russian war creates wood uncertainty in Japan; Canadian industry groups urge parties to avoid CP Rail strike; Peak Renewables acquires  Chetwynd Pulp Mill; and Conifex defers upgrades until supply certainty is restored. Meanwhile, lumber price volatility and why ‘force majeure‘ is the new tagline for residential construction.

Finally, a timber company exec says the carbon offset system shortchanges the climate.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian and US shippers are bracing for a possible rail strike, and more supply-chain disruption. In related news: CP Rail gives Teamsters 72-hour lock-out notice, as federal minister urges resolution; and industry calls on government to get the economy moving again. On the Market front: US housing starts rebound despite rising interest rates and lower builder confidence; while energy costs point to higher paper prices.

In Forestry news: the full US House hearings on the role of forest management in reducing wildfires; an ENGO group opposes Canfor’s tenure sale to McLeod Lake Indian Band; New Brunswick’s syrup vs loggers fight; and a BC First Nations’ rights and title case heads to the supreme court.

Finally, film festival looks deep into the gruelling, rewarding life of BC tree planters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The war is creating a bull market for commodities and shifts in wood markets and trade. In related news: the European Union’s reliance on Russian wood is minor; and Estonia looks to relax logging restrictions. In other Business news: Mosaic defers some harvest to increase carbon storage; Northern Pulp is disappointed with Nova Scotia’s rules; and Canfor Pulp appoints Kevin Edgson President and CEO. Meanwhile, market updates on US containerboard and wood pellet production; and plywood and lumber prices.

In Forestry/Climate news: recruiting and training begins as Fairy Creek blockades return for a third season, hiring woes challenge US wildfire efforts; and new and pending research on: big trees and snowpack; forest products and climate change; and forests and floods. 

Finally, the big sneeze — climate change to make the allergy season longer and nastier.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

UK pellet prices rose 25-40% as UK ends Russian imports. In related news: Finland’s Koskien Group exits Russia; and UK’s Drax relies on BC fibre. In other Business news: US Homebuilders call for end to lumber tariffs; Sinclar’s pellet plant to double; Brooklyn Energy repairs will take time;  One Sky Forestry hosts open house; NORPAC votes against unionizing; and a surprising rant directed at Canfor. 

In other news: Resources Works latests podcasts; CWC’s Wood Design & Building Awards; Canadian construction and housing starts rebound; and US supply chain issues slow permits.

Finally, unsafe roof racks; hollow studs; and trashy protesters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Russia’s war has importers searching for alternatives, investors balking and companies (such as International Paper) looking to sell their stake. In other Business news: the threat of a CP Rail strike has manufacturers on edge; Mercer’s David Gandossi is retiring as new CEO Juan Carlos Bueno is announced; and market updates on US consumer sentiment (down), housing inventory (way down) and wood chip prices (up).

In other news: the boreal forest is on the move; researchers find new ways to use wood waste; the environmental benefits of mass timber and wood pallets; and old-growth updates from British Columbia; Oregon and Maryland.

Finally, TLA Talks returns with panels on social licence; old-growth and media coverage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The war in Ukraine is having direct consequences for trade in forest products and energy. In related news: UPM is pressured to resolve strike; and Putin bans exports, but is he retaliating or stockpiling?

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario/Canada propose agreement on woodland caribou; Elstone on what the BC budget says about forestry; ENGOs say the NDP needs to try harder; US House to hold hearing on wildfire response; Oregon’s River Democracy Act faces opposition; and a Georgia study says exposure to forest fires is linked to lower birth weights.

In Wood Product news: Freres Lumber’s biochar project gets selected by Microsoft; Kalesnikoff’s mass timber is modern alchemy; and timber project updates from Vancouver and Austin.

Finally, for most of our readers — don’t forget — clocks spring forward this weekend!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As high fuel prices hit shippers and truckers, the US looks for relief from autocrats rather than its oil-rich neighbour. In related news: Maersk and Proman look to bio-methanol from forest residues and Russian bans wood exports to the US and EU. In other Business news: Maine looks to reinvigorate its forest industry; Oregon and Washington’s timber supply is in decline; and a mass timber flatiron building takes shape in Toronto.

In Forestry/Climate news: Women in Forestry summit tackles difficult questions; Stand.earth on who has timber rights in BC’s old growth deferral areas; BC First Nations’ old-growth summit is rescheduled; US firefighters shift tactics as wildfires intensify; and how prescribed burns may save New Jersey homes.

Finally, the ‘timber detectives‘ on the front lines of illegal wood trade. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Russia’s war on Ukraine gives rise to more forest sector curtailments (UPM; Sylvamo & BSW Timber), supply chain disruption, and investments in alternative biofuels and biomethane. In related news: FSC suspends all trading certificates in Russia and Belarus to block wood sourcing.

In Forestry news: Saskatchewan forestry has a record year; size-doesn’t matter with Ontario’s old growth; and the benefits of BC’s Community Forests. Meanwhile, financial reports from Stella Jones; Canfor; and Conifex; Women’s Day tributes by Paper Excellence, Western Forest Products, and SFI; and market updates on the US, Japan, and South Korea housing markets.

Finally, PRT Growing Services appoints Randy Fournier new CEO, replacing Rob Miller.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

International Women’s Day imagines a gender equal world – #BreakTheBias. The United Nations, Tree Canada and Canadian Forest Industries celebrate women leaders who are making a difference, and some extraordinary women in Ukraine and beyond.

In Business news: US Fed opposes JD Irving’s duty challenge; Paper Excellence gets Tribal Council support for more rail cars; the TLA’s Bob Brash on the significance of BC’s forest sector; and the Finish print media warn of paper supply shortages. Meanwhile, in Forestry news, a new study says the Amazon forest is losing its resilience, nearing a critical tipping point. 

Finally, some of you may have noticed that there’s one less professional forester in our email-signature – Lisa Perrault. A major loss for us but we wish her all the best in her second retirement!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Timber originating from Russia and Belarus is ‘conflict timber’ and cannot be used in PEFC-certified products. In related news: FSC action is pending; Ukraine seeks trade embargo; the cancellation of Russia is underway; and Russians fear the economic nightmare about to unfold.

In Business news: Pacific BioEnergy shuts down in Prince George; West Fraser’s curtailment pinned on rail; Resolute completes LP buy-out; Atlas Engineered expands in Nanaimo; and Timmins sawmill set to resume after fire.

In Forestry news: New Brunswick logs fetch better prices in Maine; Oregon groups debate definition of old growth; forest drought concerns in Alaska and Colorado; and a judge says Barred owls can be killed to study effect on spotted owls.

Finally, fire season returns with evacuations in California, Florida and South Korea. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Calls for action against Russian forest products mount as container lines (MSC, Maersk & CMA CGM), sawmills (Metsä), and suppliers (Raute) curtail operations. In related news: how the war affects pulp & paper; and Drax’s humanitarian effort. In other Business news: Canada invests in Quebec biomass recovery; and Doman reports positive financials.

In Forestry/Climate news: Bill Dumont calls BC forest policy reckless; Barry Saxifrage says BC’s forests are a carbon liability; NRCan researchers protect the last intact Garry oak ecosystems; Oregon overwhelmingly approves new Forest Accord; and the US Forest Service mobilizes in Texas and South Carolina, as fires break out in Orange County, California. 

Finally, the UN call to “end plastic pollution” spurs forest-based packaging solutions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest product companies—Stora Enso, IKEA & UPM—join other industries reacting to Russia’s attack, pushing commodity prices higher. In related news: Ukraine calls for an EU ban on Russian forest imports; and the war abroad pushes climate action aside, exposes UN’s split personality on peace and security. In other Business news: a CP Rail strike could exacerbate supply chain challenges.

In other news: Ecojustice takes BC to court over forest road closures; a USDA study says thinned forests are more resilient; and a new weather satellite will help spot wildfires before we do. Elsewhere: insurers flag the risks of mass timber construction; and how wood promotes the wellbeing of building occupants.

Finally, Elstone’s view on BC’s Budget and why industry must up its social media game.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Disgust and sanctions against Russia disrupt forest business, terminate deals with Russian partners. In other Business news: West Fraser temporarily adopts a 3-day work week in BC lumber mills; Canfor reports Q4 loss but record-breaking 2021 results; Huntsville Forest Products considers a new hardwood lumber mill; and CN Rail opposes CP Rail’s merger application.

In other news: family forests are key to addressing climate change; Oregon’s forests are hurt by heat and drought, but researchers seek to pre-empt the emerald ash borer, Westrock’s Peter Hart wins prestigious TAPPI award, and US tissue is off to a strong start, while Southern log prices edge higher.

Finally, we apologize for the late distribution of yesterday’s news—our e-marketing firm had a server meltdown! However, you don’t need the daily email to find today’s news. Our dynamic URL is repopulated daily (by 8:30 am PST) with all the headlines. Simply visit www.treefrogcreative.ca/news. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new report by the UN’s Climate Change Panel says things are worse than we thought, impacts will vary by region. In related news: wildfires are a top threat for Canada; Drax reports progress on transition to biomass generation; and forest monocultures are panned in New Zealand. 

In Business news: Canfor completes Millar Western acquisition; real estate listing of Catalyst Paper mill upsets mayor;  West Fraser supports Arkansas scholarships; Nova Scotia sawmills hampered with power plant offline; housing demand returns to higher density markets; and Enviva and Taiga Building Products report positive Q4s, year end results.

Finally, a new study is barking up the right tree — Neem tree may protect against Covid.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sanctions on Russia coupled with transportation and transaction uncertainty puts global forest products trade and production at risk. In other Business news: BC creates a new Lands Ministry to preside over permits, indigenous cooperation and land conflicts; insurance giant Zurick underwrites mass timber; Finning reports positive Q4, year end results; and US housing updates by NAHB, Realtors, Forests2Market; and the Floor Daily.

In Forestry news: Conversations that Matter with Teal Jones’s Conrad Browne; three US universities seek to reduce wildfire risk; Oregon’s Private Forest Accord; and Biden’s wildfire plan. Meanwhile, Tolko announces 2022 Orange Shirt Day design; the BC Forest Safety Council news update;and a BC Community Forest Association survey.

Finally, NRCan launches competition for a high resolution forest mapping solution.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor announced it will sell its Mackenzie sawmill operation to Peak Renewables, and associated forest tenure to two First Nations. In other Business news: Columbia Pulp idles its wheat-straw pulp mill; US new home sales are down; while cost volatility challenges Toronto developers.

In other news: pests threaten Canadian forests but we have the tools to help; US wildfires are getting worse but how does California compare; Tahoe OKs fuel reduction on steep slopes; Virginia ENGOs urge protection of old-growth; and mass timber news from Michigan, Ontario; and the Softwood Lumber Board.

Finally, the BC Forest Practices Board is looking for its next Board Chair.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Planned sanctions against Russia have created a commodities rally amid fears of shortages, boosting the fortunes of some products. In other Business news: Interfor completes EACOM acquisition; West Fraser commits to emission reductions; Puration to build a hemp-construction facility in Texas; Louisiana Pacific and Boise Cascade announce leadership changes; and US WoodWorks updates its 2022 partners. 

In BC Forestry news: a second judge to consider stay application for old-growth protesters, BC’s budget suggests it considers forestry a dying industry; and new funding for the Wildfire Service gets mixed reviews. Elsewhere: the Ontario Woodlot Association is improving the health of forests; Oregon’s under-harvested forests award is being appealed; and New Zealand is reversing policy that encourages farm-to-forest conversions.

Finally, a North Carolina black market plywood ring is busted!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government has earmarked $6 billion to address recent floods and wildfires, while its forest polices cause forest revenues to decline.  In related news: BC’s wildfire management is going year-round; private US companies next on BC industry’s acquisition-list; Interfor completes EACOM purchase; and Cascades expands to Tacoma, Washington. In other Business news: Maine judge halts law preventing foreign log-truck drivers; and Boise Cascade reports strong financials.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta renews agreement with West Fraser and Tolko; an Oregon court to rule on $1 billion timber case; and Arizona watershed restoration is finally underway. Meanwhile, a new study says the top three design trends for 2022 includes low carbon construction and prefab-construction.

Finally, meet the woman preserving the history Oregon’s black loggers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Labour and rail car shortages push lumber to an eight-month high. In other Market news: US production eased in January; custom home building is up; average home-size rose again; and Louisiana Pacific reports strong financials. Meanwhile: BC pension plans look to US timberlands; and no injuries reported at fire at Weyerhaeuser’s Grande Prairie sawmill.

In Forestry/Climate news: do Woodlots belong in BC’s old-growth deferrals; Nova-Scotia’s rare lichens to be protected; seedling shortage slows Oregon reforestation efforts; California redwood protesters rally against logging; and Australia commits to plant more trees amid supply shortages.

Finally, will North Carolina supersonic jets really be carbon-neutral. It depends.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mercer International and Goodfellow both report strong Q4s and year end 2021 earnings. In related news: Hampton still plans to open its Fort St. James mill this summer; a Powell River mill is damaged by fire; and a Louisiana Co. will make plastic from wood. In Market news: stories on the lumber price spike, the US townhouse surge; and downward forecasts for Canadian housing and US GDP.

In other news: BC’s lack of forestry goals is panned; Cal Fire sues PG&E over Shasta Fire costs; and mass timber headlines from Kelowna, Seattle and Hillsboro (Oregon). Finally, it may take 100 books to offset the environmental impact of a new e-reader.

It’s Family Day on Monday, so the Frogs will be back with your headlines on Tuesday! Have a great weekend.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products and UFP Industries (formerly Universal Forest Products) reported record Q4 earnings. In related news: transportation snags extend lumber rally, cause Canfor to curtail Taylor Pulp mill; EACOM’s sawmill fire is not expected to effect production; and US housing starts drop 4.1% while builder confidence eases. Meanwhile: US BioEnergy to build new Texas plant; wood pellet exports are at record high; and Unions, ENGOs call for Drax investigation.

In other news: forestry stories from Salmon Arm, BC (logging and landslides); Lethbridge, Alberta (beetle research); Pembroke, Ontario (forest technicians); UK (climate adaptation); New Zealand (hardwood vs softwood); and the Decorative Hardwood Association’s 2022 where-to-buy directory.

Finally, WorkSafeBC releases High Risk Strategy for forestry operations.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Canfor is eliminating one of its Plateau sawmill production lines to align it with available timber supply. In related news: the Western Forest Products Chemainus mill curtailment is ending; Spencer Forest Products plans a new mill in Florida; and Timberlink’s CLT mill breaks ground in Australia. Other companies in the news include: West Fraser’s positive financials and GHG reduction commitment; Clearwater Paper’s Q4 and year-end 2021; and Drax’s commitment to Canada amid ENGO concerns.

In other news: FPAC has questions on Canada’s carbon revenue sharing plan; ENGO’s call on Biden to protect old trees; a new study links climate change and recent BC floods; Nova Scotia protects one area of old-growth, as protesters seek logging deferrals elsewhere; and BC’s Stand Up Forestry rally is cancelled amid current hubbub!

Finally, FSC Canada wins a video award, and adds Kalin Uhrich to its Board of Directors.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s home prices jumped to a fresh record in January, as new starts trended lower. Companies in the news include: West Fraser (Ray Ferris to chair FPAC); Foothills Forest Products (Steelworkers pass vote); San Group (job fair); EACOM (planer fire); Resolute (two acquisitions); and Paper Excellence (railcar shortage and Crofton investment). Meanwhile: the Softwood Lumber Board launches mass timber competition; and Mississippi State wins award for timber course.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario teachers and asset-management firms are investing in US timberlands; Ontario is funding mental health training for resource workers; BC Wildlife Federation worries about First Nation agreements; New Mexico to house national wildfire database; and Australia reevaluates its forest restoration tactics.

Finally, a new study says the Western US mega-drought is worst in 1,200 years.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence announced an indefinite curtailment at its Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan pulp mill due to railcar shortages. In related news: lumber and OSB prices move up as transportation delays persist. Elsewhere: Resolute acquires LP’s interests in two Quebec mills; Georgia Pacific completes Texas sawmill upgrade; and US Congress passes bill to counter China’s hardwood imports.

In other news: Canada launches dialogue on wildfire and forest resilience; California’s Deforestations-Free Procurement Act is reintroduced; Amazon deforestation hits record high in January; and a new study says Australia’s parks not enough to protect species at risk. Meanwhile, a fire destroyed a nearly finished, 5-storey wood-framed building in Oklahoma.

Finally, how beatles and warm weather are driving up lumber prices.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Bear Henry, a Fairy Creek old-growth logging protester has been found… by Gemini loggers. In related news: a BC Crown lawyer argues that protester efforts to have charges stayed are deeply flawed; while senior mountie says injunction enforcement is increasingly dangerous. In other Forestry news: BC reduces cut for TFL 8; NRCan honours Nova Scotia wildfire scientist; FPAC’s 2021 annual report; BC Forest Practices Board’s Winter update; Cascade Logging Conference’s wrap-up and Forests Ontario’s forest sector champions.

Companies making news include: Interfor (DeQuincy, Louisiana mill reopening); Drax (Arkansas pellet plant start-up); JD Irving (logging truck crash); and Northern Pulp (settlement negotiations with Nova Scotia).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Teamsters union has served notice of a strike vote regarding its dispute with CP Rail. Meanwhile, labour negotiations at West Coast Ports threaten recent shipping improvements. In other Business news: Drax/Pinnacle rebrand themselves; Acadian Timber reports positive Q4; Catalyst Paper’s last day in Powell River; and Western Forest Products curtails Chemainus sawmill. In the Markets: why wood stocks are a good play; lumber surges anew, as prices rise 29%; and an interview with the incoming NAHB chair.

In Forestry/Climate news: Vaughn Palmer on BC’s new land and resources ministry; perspectives on BC’s old-growth deferrals and Oregon’s Elliot Forest; and saying goodbye to BC’s Michel Vallée—a  forestry education champion.

Finally, Canadian doctors are prescribing walking in forests to patients with anxiety.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study dispels the myth of a limit on the number of recycling loops possible with paper, board, cartonboard and folding boxes. In other Business news: Canfor announces leadership changes; GreenFirst graduates to the TSX; Mosaic is one of BC’s top employers; and WestRock reports positive Q1. Meanwhile: Andrew Hecht expects price swings in lumber; US pellet exports rise again; Canada’s housing market is ‘hotter than ever’; and US housing affordability is at a 10-year low.

In other news: BC’s White Rock wildfire recovery shifts to rebuilding; Arizona seeks to leverage Biden’s new wildfire plan; a US court rules against logging in California condor habitat; and a Virginia acquisition protects the red-cockaded woodpecker. 

Finally, if left alone, tropical forests can recover on their own surprisingly fast.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor