Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Northern Pulp has applied for mandatory mediation in its $450 million lawsuit against the gov’t of Nova Scotia. In other company news: McKinley Paper buys Wisconsin’s Midwest Paper Group; Teal-Jones says BC rule changes put mills at risk; and the UPM strike in Finland is extended. In Market news: US homebuyer sentiment drifts lower; building materials top challenge for builders; sawlog supply in the US South is tightening; and a freight squeeze pushes Northeast pulpwood prices higher. 

In other news: USDA invests $1 billion in climate smart commodities; BC Forest Safety Council launches video on ‘switchbacks’; Alberta announces Workforce Partnership Program; and an ENGO report says corporate climate pledges are weaker than they seem. 

Finally, Paul Bunyan, the man, the myth and the legend — is a cross-border phenomenon.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would create the nation’s second largest ‘living laboratory‘ research forest. In Wildfire news: BC’s strategy called ‘small scale’ compared to ‘big and bold’ US plan; building wildfire-resistant communities in the US West; and local fire news from Kelowna, BC, Ashland, Oregon, and Flathead County, Montana. Meanwhile: fighting climate change through Canadian forestry; Fairy Creek lawyers ask BC court to dismiss charges; and local logger calls for more cooperation and investment.

In Business news: Unifor and PPWC ratify agreement with Canfor; Resolute seeks to unload its tissue division; Enviva’s CEO on coal’s alternative; West Fraser launches architect hub in UK; and NAHB backs legislation to ease supply chain woes.

Finally, a tribute to long time BC tree faller Darren Emerson, who died January 24th. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The lumber market was on fire again in January after record 2021-prices (even after adjusting for inflation). In other Business news: Interfor caps off blockbuster year despite weaker Q4; export readiness helps value-added manufacturers, forest investments dwindle in BC; Rayonier purchases more timberland; and International Paper is recognized.

In Forestry/Climate news: AF&PA supports Recycling Act and releases sustainability report; remote sensing in Canada is called a data revolution; bioenergy growth in the Northwest Territories; and Norway joins the Forest Stewardship Council. Meanwhile, on the Health & Safety front: WorkSafeBC on new OHS Regulations, and the supervisor’s role in safe hand falling.

Finally, using tree ring data to counter uncertainty in calculating carbon sequestration.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Forest Service’s strategy for confronting the wildfire crisis is called a net positive for America’s forests and its forest industry. In related news: a new study points to the value of reducing tree density; new funding for northeastern Colorado forests; and seed shortages threaten rehab work in Washington state. Elsewhere, UBC’s Faculty of Forestry considers combining five of its degrees into one; and insect DNA helps France assess the health of its forests.

In other news: Australia is helping to finance the building construction-shift to mass timber; GreenFirst opens new office in North Bay, Ontario; and Resolute Forest Products and Rayonier Inc. report Q4, 2021 results.

Finally, If a tree falls in a New Zealand forest, should it be exported?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Amid stories on the recent US duty review, Canadian producers chart their paths to future growth:

• Canadian firms expand into the US South – Brent Jang (Globe & Mail)
• San Group turns forest waste into value added – Andrew Bell (BNN)
• New Brunswick firms will see lower duties – Jacques Poitras (CBC)

In related news: Western Forest Products’ Don Demens announces retirement; Westrock to build a new corrugated box plant in Longview, Washington; a new sawmill is coming to Greenville, California; and Maine considers tax incentives to spur growth. Meanwhile: Canadian home builder confidence is high; BC lumber exports to China fall; lumber prices crest, and US construction stalls. And some international news from Poland, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Finally, the Assoc. of BC Forest Professionals AGM kicks off today with awards recognition.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Based on its preliminary review, the US plans to reduce softwood lumber duties to 11.6% from 18% in September. Reactions include:

• An important step to address housing crisis – Chuck Fowke (NAHB)
• A positive for Canadian producers – Paul Quinn (RBC Capital)
• We will pursue litigation under NAFTA – Mary Ng (Gov’t of Canada)
• Trade law increases US production – Jason Brochu (US Lumber Coalition)

In other news: five BC pulp mills get provincial aid to reduce or replace natural gas use; the BC Court of Appeal ruling on logging protests is called good news for industry and government, but bad news for environmental protesters; and a new study says the Earth has about 73,300 tree species, 14% more than previous estimates. Meanwhile: Derik Frederiksen is FSC’s new US president; Dan Lambe is named Arbor Day Foundation CEO; and the Softwood Lumber Board announces winners of education competition.

Finally, BC Forest Safety Council Rob Moonen’s tribute to Pam Agnew, who died October 29.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As uncertain buyers try to secure more goods, demand exceeds consumption, pushing prices higher. In related news: FPAC calls for action on supply chain woes; despite challenges—the US manufacturing sector remained strong; and prices of products manufactured in Canada rose again. Companies making headlines include: San Group (new partnership with Seaton Forest Products); Stimson Lumber (old mill site cleanup); and Cascades (revised, reduced outlook).

In Forestry/Climate news: a new report says forest management increases climate benefits in boreal forests, Suzanne Simard says clear-cutting should be off the books going forward; and the US wildfire pivot may lead to a false sense of community security.

Finally, cardboard could be a game-changer for film sets and the TV industry.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Weyerhaeuser, International Paper and Stora Enso kick-off the Q4 earnings season with positive results. In other company news: Interfor’s tenure transfer to Wuikinuxv First Nation is approved; Louisiana Pacific makes bioenergy in Golden, BC; and Structurlam’s Michelle Kam-Biron receives national award. Meanwhile, US pending home sales slide; and RBC says rate hikes will cool Canada’s housing market. 

In Forestry/Climate news: researcher support for “social distancing among trees”; rare lichen halt logging in Nova Scotia; BC reduces Okanagan TSA’s allowable cut; and gold mining is reported to be poisoning Amazon’s forests.

Finally, paper mill technology is turning old clothes into new fabrics.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In a unanimous decision, BC’s Court of Appeal overturns lower-court ruling, extends blockade injunction until September. In other Business news: Susan Yurkovich to step down as COFI & BC Lumber Trade Council CEO; Mercer adapts to recent logistics challenges; UPM’s earning fall on higher energy costs; and more on Enviva’s wood pellet growth plans.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s forestry watchdog recommends action on water; pine beetles threaten Saskatchewan; future forests in Arizona may soak up less carbon; and Pennsylvania’s Ash trees are proving more resilient that previously believed.

Finally, a review of the climate challenges & opportunities in the boreal forest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber futures’ decline signals that soaring costs and transport bottlenecks may be crimping housing demand. In related news: US consumer confidence fell; and wood pellet demand is up. In other Business news: CN Rail names Tracy Robinson new CEO; Western Forest Products may temporarily curtail Chemainus sawmill; Paper Excellence supports Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies; and Mercer upgrades its digital systems.

Other news today includes a collection of interesting feature stories:

• Carlton Owen’s ode to conservationist Thomas Lovejoy – a forestry success story
• Taming the Garden – a fascinating tale of a Georgian billionaire’s destructive folly
• Using genomics to protect forests against pathogens and climate change
• Part 2 on the potential of forest and wood product to lower GHG levels
• Forest for the Trees: The Tree Planters – a book and film by Rita Listner
• The plight of the American Chestnut tree – the restoration challenge

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Years of drought means heavy rains not enough to stop winter fires in California. In related news: more on the new US wildfire plan; worsening wildfires beget changes in Alaska; and pushback on North Carolina’s newest plan. Meanwhile: BC Wilderness Committee says don’t blame us for industry woes; spruce beetle not fazed by recent coldsnap; and new research efforts on how trees migrate in response to climate change.

In Company news: Huber updates it Minnesota OSB plans; Enviva to partner with US-based fuel producer; and Port Townsend Paper Mill fire is extinguished. In other news: SFI launches updated forest certification standard, the Montreal Wood Convention is moved to May 24-25; and Ritchie Bros. to host panel on industry trends.

Finally, after 33 years, our friend/colleague and FPAC & CWC’s VP Finance Wanda Thompson is retiring. Congratulations!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US closed it borders to unvaccinated truckers following a similar rule in Canada that has spurred cross-country protests. In related news: Omicron’s impact on BC’s pending forestry field season; and more Canadian deer test positive for Covid-19. In other Business news: the EU challenges Russia over wood export restrictions; US housing finished 2021 on a positive note; and NBSK pulp prices are forecast to rise again.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC First Nations’ deal may be a model for old growth deferrals; North Carolina releases new forest plan; Biden’s catastrophic wildfire plan is critiqued; and Kamala Harris announces wildfire money in California.

Finally, BC Wood’s Export Readiness Training Program kicks off this Wednesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Terence Corcoran and Stewart Muir on how special interest groups snookered BC on old growth. In related news: old growth deferrals could be terminal to woodlot licensees too; First Nation chief calls for policy reset; Fairy Creek camps wind down for winter, and RCMP spent $10 million on injunction enforcement. Meanwhile: Biden’s wildfire prevention effort is called a huge step forward; and funding for Washington state’s forest-health crisis.

In other news: Canada announces new climate observation strategy, the trucker vaccine mandate creates supply chain woes; US remodeller sentiment continues to improve; and leadership updates from Structurlam and Seagate Mass Timber.

Finally, updates on the World Forestry Congress and Association of BC Forest Professionals’ Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A deal was reached between four First Nations and Western Forest Products to defer sensitive old-growth for two years. In related news: BC’s Forest Minister is “happy to be back“; old growth arrests continue; and ENGOs say deferrals should all happen now. In other Forestry news: new research on climate change and tree migration; and Biden’s wildfire plan described as “expensive” by some, “old news“, and “boon to logging companies” by others.

In Business/Market news: Rayonier AM is building a bioethanol plant for EU market; US ends 2021 with housing gains; and what’s pushing up lumber and timber prices in 2022. Meanwhile: Canada looks at building code changes, and the Sierra Institute issues a report on mass timber benefits.

Finally, and just what is a ‘resilient‘ forest, anyway?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US $50 billion, 10-year plan aims to improve forest resilience in the “woodland urban interface“. In related news: how scrap-wood use can help curb carbon and wildfire; the upside to genomics-based assisted migration; EU wooden-structured telecommunication towers; and First Nations eye carbon credits despite some noted pitfalls.

In Business/Market news: the BC Natural Resources Forum kicked off with the recurring theme of investor uncertainty—despite record prices, production and profits; and homebuilder confidence drops as material prices and inflation rise. Company headlines include: Northern Pulp (mill restart challenges); Roseburg (new COO); and Cascades (sustainability ranking).

Finally, northwest forests provide a breeding ground for sci-fi tale about alien invasion.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A feature story on how Saskatchewan—the sleeping giant of Canadian forestry—has awakened. And part 2 on the History of Logging Protests in BC—enduring themes and key differences. In related news: more old growth arrests in BC; and another précis on the recent TLA conference. Meanwhile; the Canadian Defence Dept. will help the feds plant trees; forest products and Canada’s circular economy; and Cambodia and Slovenia lean on their forests to achieve carbon neutrality.

In Business/Market news: converting Alberta’s wood waste into biofuel; Canadian housing starts trend lower: Southern timber prices trend upward; and Forests Ontario’s Strength in Biodiversity (virtual) conference will be held Feb 9-11.

Finally, how a non-fungible token (NFT) project is helping to revive Colorado’s forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Two pulp and paper unions and Canfor reached a tentative deal, establishing the pattern for Western Canadian forestry. In other Business news: our summary of the final TLA panel on modernizing forest policy in BC; the TLA’s perspective; and related coverage by Vaughn Palmer and Nelson Bennett. Meanwhile: paper shortages are impacting newspapers; structural panel consumption is up but production is down; lumber volatility is at a 75-year high; and the Alberta industry warns of soaring power rates.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC First Nations push for forest policy revamp; search for missing Fairy Creek protester grows tense; New Mexico takes action on rising wildfire risk; a new film pans logging in the Tongass; an interview with Asia Pulp and Paper’s sustainability expert; and weather disasters begets a call for mandatory insurance.

Finally, a scaled down Rolls-Royce replica built out of wood. And yes, you can drive it.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor