Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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

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

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

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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