Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

US homebuilders support a Republican proposed ‘No Timber from Tyrants Act’ that would ban wood imports from Russia and Belarus. In other Business news: FPAC expresses support for federal budget—urge gov’t to oppose US ENGO bills; Nova Scotia clarifies law at centre of Northern Pulp case; Westrock is closing its Florida paper mill; Canadian Timberframes and Groupe Lebel are expanding; and natural catastrophes are driving insurance rates higher.

In other news: BC launches mass timber plan, invests in four demonstration projects; Ontario to use leftover wood for energy; industry and environmentalists advocate against illegal logging.

Finally, Russ Taylor’s latest market update (rather than December’s—which I inadvertently posted yesterday). Sorry Russ!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Russian FSC office breaks off relations with FSC International to start temporary certification scheme. In related news: Mosaic defers old-growth for carbon mitigation, and Washington is the first state to preserve forests for carbon. In BC Forestry news: protests continue while First Nations report significant old growth in TFL 44; TruckLoggerBC on the negative impact of logging deferrals; and Ben Parfitt on BC chief forester’s move. Meanwhile: Ontario’s slow start to the fire season; Oregon’s River Democracy Act; and Tasmania’s attempt to legalize logging.

In Business news: Oregon cracks down on Hasley-based pulp mill; Enviva is building a new pellet plant in Mississippi; Russ Taylor’s latest market-volatility outlook for 2022; US wood pellet exports; and Canada Wood updates from Japan and China.

Finally, scientists fight to save Lidar on soon-to-burn-up space station.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

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