Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Some winners (the US South) and losers (BC’s value-added sector) as a result of BC old growth deferrals – a summary of Day 2 of the Truck Loggers convention, and coverage by journalists Nelson Bennett and Tom Fletcher. In related news: logging deferrals are already impacting this Vancouver Island business; and a Haida journalist pushes back on Extinction Rebellion protesters.

In Climate news: a panel says Canada needs to ‘up its game‘; Nighbor says Canada is a leader in climate smart forestry; warmer weather sees the southern pine beetle reaching Maine; fungi, not weather, may explain the secrets of tree growth; and to avert catastrophe, we have to save the world’s big trees. Meanwhile: some wood durability clarity by Wood Preservation Canada; and FSC International has a new chairperson.

Finally, giving communities the power to make informed decision on wildfire mitigation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Truck Loggers Association sponsored dialogue to move BC’s Forest Sector forward is a good news, bad news story. Detailed summaries by the Tree Frog News on BC’s markets and investment climate and expert perspectives, and coverage by mainstream journalists Nelson Bennett and Tom Fletcher dominate today’s news. In other Business news: the US Commerce Department amended its countervailing duty order, adjusting some rates marginally; and US inflation hits a 39-year high.

In Forestry/Climate headlines: BC’s devastating floods called a wake-up call; conservation cash is vital to securing BC old-growth; the new face of environmental racism in Quebec; wildfire recovery strategies for the Sierra Nevada; and pushback on biomass being billed as a clean alternative to coal.

Finally, the TLA dialogue on BC’s forest policies continues today, starting with old-growth.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC forest product producers face ongoing uncertainty with renewed resolve. In related news: despite the timber surplus in US South, supply is expected to tighten—raising sawlog prices; how do prices compare in Sweden; and the WSJ says a big reason for rising prices is the weather. In other Business news: foreign investment and the pulp and paper sector; O’Toole says Canada-US relations are at a low; and a pollster looks to upheaval and First Nations empowerment.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s ombudsperson finds gaps in professional reliance; musician Carole King says US bill will promote more logging; and a climate fund aims to help indigenous people protect forests. Meanwhile: the TLA virtual Conference kicks off; and some program updates by NRCan; BC Wood; the Quebec Wood Export Bureau; the Southern Forest Products Association; WorkSafeBC; and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada. 

Finally, the Times Colonist says control old-growth blockades, or we’ll have more of them.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FEA’s Paul Jannke expects lumber prices to remain elevated and volatile in 2022. In related news: Fannie Mae says US multifamily markets are poised to outperform; BC’s homebuilders say floods have raised construction costs; Vancouver and Dallas report of housing shortages; and stability returns to the UK timber supply chain.

In Forestry/Climate news: more old growth protests in BC; a study on the impact of mass timber on climate and forests; controlled burns and thinning said to be key to containing US megafires; EU researchers on the secret drivers of tree growth; the struggles to regenerate the American White Oak; and how wildfires challenge fisher recovery efforts.

Finally, much-needed dialogue on BC’s forest sector kicks off tomorrow at the TLA.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

An investigation of a complaint about harvesting and landslides found that Tolko met all the requirements of the Act, but could have done more to help mitigate potential risks. In other Forestry news: Teal Jones files lawsuit against ongoing blockades; old growth logging activists plan to block BC highways; and in the run up to the TLA’s virtual convention, Bob Brash asks “can anyone remember a more tumultuous time in BC forestry.”

In other news: rebounding lumber prices are forecast to remain elevated in 2022 due to strong demand and supply side challenges. In related news: how the pandemic supercharged US sprawl. 

Finally, you can add “tree repairman” to the skill set of Panama ants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

James Hardie Industries fires its CEO to avoid a leadership exodus, appoints Harold Wiens as Interim CEO. Meanwhile, in Market news: lumber is soaring again thanks to supply snags in BC, and insufficient US output; but elevated inflation is back, and Russ Taylor expects the volatility and high prices to persist in 2022.

In other news: a TLA perspective on protectionism in BC’s forest industry; a broader view on deforestation worldwide; a U of Washington study says the mass timber trend is more than sustainable; and the path to net zero needs to focus on building materials. 

Finally, the US Bureau of Land Management turns 75. Here is Steve Wilent’s take.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Consumer confidence, housing and remodelling demand are poised to drive building product price strength in 2022. In related news: US home builders continue to urge action on softwood duties. Companies making headlines include: Rosboro (purchase by Equity Partners); Catalyst Paper (future after Powell River curtailment); UPM (strike extension in Finland); and Structurlam (mass timber firsts near Victoria, BC).

In Forestry/Climate news: controlled burns, clever use of low-value wood can help tackle climate change; Japan looks to wood pellets to reduce CO2 emissions; ozone and smoke pollution rise with wildfires; and LiDAR helps track deforestation in the tropics. 

Finally, the oldest wooden tug boat in the West is dismantled, parts saved for museums.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

California’s massive Dixie Fire ignited after a tree fell on PG&E electrical lines, officials say. In related news: the US establishes a Commission to advise on the rise of megafires; BC resource roads could take years to fix post-flood; record land burnt in Greece in 2021; and leaving standing dead trees after a fire can exacerbate climate change. In other Forestry news: BC First Nations call for a reset on ‘flawed’ consultation process; and tough choices on how best to protect the West Coast spotted owl. 

In other news: Paul Quinn’s 2022 outlook for pulp and paper; Robert Dietz on US construction job trends; Chuck Fowke reflects on 2021 as he steps down as NAHB Chair; and PEFC CEO Ben Gunneberg steps down after 22 years.

Finally, well known BC forester — Jim Girvan — publishes a unique biography.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Welcome to the first Tree Frog News of 2022—where predictions abound. Here’s what FPAC’s Derek Nighbor & Kate Lindsay, Truck Loggers’ Bob Brash; Forest2Market’s Pete Stewart; and SFPA’s Eric Gee are on about. In other Business news: Vancouver’s Stuart McNish asks if BC is a no-go investment zone for forestry; Canfor’s Houston, BC mill to resume full operations; Russia expands lumber export restrictions; and 7 UPM mills in Finland are on strike.

In Forestry news: UBC prof says logging and climate change impacts salmon habitat; BC Wildlife Federation seeks a watershed security fund; Ireland seeks clarity on what it wants from its trees; and why deforestation in the Amazon surged in 2021. Meanwhile, mass timber boosts in BC and Oregon. 

Finally, we bid adieu to actress Betty White (Honorary Forest Ranger and wildfire prevention advocate) who died at 99.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As 2021 draws to a close, the volatility of prices and price forecasts beget the suggestion that ‘lumber prices should have their own storm advisory’. In related news: sawlog values move with lumber demand; new home sales rise in November but remain well below a year ago; and Canada’s GDP is up again. In other Business news: the Truck Loggers Annual Convention switches from in-person to virtual; and New Brunswick’s stumpage changes fail to satisfy the US.

Other year-end stories include: calls for more habitat protection by WWF Canada; bur oak conservation efforts in New Brunswick; the need for changes in Nova Scotia’s forestry practices; conservation collaboration in Colorado; and bark beetle trends in New Mexico. Meanwhile, the BC Wildlife Federation says it agrees with COFI’s call for balanced debate—but before more species face extinction. 

Finally, barring breaking news, the Frogs are off until January 4th. Best wishes to all!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian and US Christmas tree farmers are adapting to survive in a warming climate. In related news: fire safety and Christmas trees; O redwood tree, o redwood tree, can tree genetics save thee; and the Minister or Transport clears Santa for travel. Meanwhile: David Browstein on the history of logging protests in BC; and Derek Nighbor looks to the opportunity in Canada’s forests in 2022. In other news: PotlatchDeltic acquires timberlands in Arkansas and Louisiana; Canfor announces extended outage at Northwood Pulp Mill; and Indiana wood firms receive technology grants. 

The Tree Frog News is entering it’s 15th year—which we couldn’t do without the generous support of our sponsors. In January we will again seek their (and new sponsor) support so we can continue. The more readers we have, the more value we can provide back to those who support us. As such, our Christmas Wish is for every one of our thousands of readers to invite 2-3 friends and colleagues to become a Tree Frog subscriber (for free)!

Finally tomorrow is our last news day for 2021. We hope that the new year brings stability and prosperity for our sector and that each and every one of you enjoy health, happiness and peace in 2022. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada issued a Notice of Intent–under the new NAFTA—to challenge the US decision to hike duties on softwood lumber. In related news: RBC’s Paul Quinn on why more lumber acquisitions are likely and what’s left to buy. Meanwhile: new Covid-19 restrictions may impact the Truck Loggers Convention; why lumber is big business in Canada; the economic and environmental benefits of wood pellets; and how the supply chain crisis impacts all sectors of the industry.

In other news: columnists Derrick Penner and Rob Shaw on the many challenges with BC’s old-growth deferrals; more on the call for a logging moratorium in Nova Scotia; the long and winding journey from seed to Christmas tree; and Ontario’s first mass timber institutional building is underway.

Finally, the Three Little Pigs fable said to reinforce wrong message for natural materials.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Strong demand for wood products in Europe and North America increased global lumber trade in 2021. In other Business news: Fannie Mae ups its GDP forecast on strong home sales; Teal Jones on their Louisiana expansion plans; Conifex’s share-buyback is oversubscribed; and Resolute renews agreement with Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.

In other news: WestFor rejects calls for logging moratorium in Nova Scotia; a retired BC logger regrets loss of forestry-worker friendly government; and Maine may lead the mass timber ‘revolution’. Meanwhile; the latest Softwood Lumber Board newsletter; and meet the folks at the Alberta Forest Products Association. 

Finally, an early Christmas greeting to our readers and thanks to our sponsors. We’re on the job until Christmas eve and then back January 4th. And – it’s the Winter Solstice—Short day. Long night!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC forestry companies are investing billions in the US, Europe and other parts of Canada (stories by Vaughn Palmer and Nelson Bennett). In related news: unpredictability the norm for BC; and the TLA Convention seeks to fill-the-gap on policy consultations. In other Business news: lumber is on the rise again; Verso to be acquired by BillerudKorsnäs; Louisiana Pacific announces facility in Bath, New York; and Georgia Pacific expands in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Ottawa reveals plan to plant 2 billion trees; Fairy Creek documentary makes Whistler Film debut; Okanagan First Nation pans BC’s old-growth plan; melting ice increases wildfire risk; California spotted owls benefit from forest restoration; and new research confirms that trees are photosynthesizing more due to higher CO2 levels.

Finally, the Californian giant Sequoia fire is finally extinguished after four months.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In company expansion announcements: Canfor is acquiring Alberta-based Millar Western’s sawmills and tenure; the Teal Jones Group will build a new sawmill in Louisiana; and Kruger is doubling its future tissue machine in Sherbrooke, Quebec. In other Company news: Northern Pulp is suing Nova Scotia; Resolute’s Tennessee layoffs a shock to locals; and Nice-Pak partners with Project Learning Tree. In Market news: the latest from Bloomberg and Housing Wire.

In other news: Washington mass timber project adds t 3-floors to existing building; BC looks to assist more low-carbon building; Canada aims to meet two billion tree planting target; EU plans border levy to combat carbon leakage; and BC updates its old growth deferral process, as most First Nations request more time for review.

Finally, ForestEDWest resurrects the conversation about forest education.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Canfor’s Don Kayne issued an open letter, calling for a new approach to BC’s old growth deferrals. In other Business news: Resolute idles its Calhoun, Tennessee pulp and paper mill; Lowes sees upside in home improvement sector in years to come; US housing starts and builder confidence are strong at year’s end, and the prospects of woody biomass from the US South.

In Climate Change research news: the link to BC’s extreme weather needs more study; the potential role of Oregon forest reserves; fire implications of increased dry-fuel availability; and a global breakdown of GHG emissions by sector. In other news: Ontario’s Rob Keen comes to fed’s defence on trees planted; and nighttime is not quieting US fires like it used to.

Finally, how wood dust compares to sugar and flour as one of ten explosive materials.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s tenure take-back legislation is having a chilling effect on forest sector investment. In related news: David Elstone puts the accumulated AAC impact of BC’s policy changes at close to 40%. In company news: West Fraser’s Quesnel pulp mill curtailments end this week; Pacific Bioenergy will be closing its pellet plant Prince George, BC; and International Paper is building a corrugated packaging plant in Atglen, Pennsylvania. 

In Forestry news: BC ups the AAC for Tree Farm Licence 33, Oregon State University researchers call for more forest protection; and soils in old-growth treetops store carbon too.

Finally, 2021 was a groundbreaking year for wood construction. Have a look.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Kirk LaPointe (Business in Vancouver) and the National Post’s Tristin Hopper on the future of Canada-US trade wars. In other Business news: the lumber price surge is driving industry consolidation; the impact of recent flooding, and government reforms on the BC forest sector; and the US South retains its log-cost advantage. Meanwhile, mass timber updates from Ontario and Oregon, and concrete’s sustainability move.

In Forestry/Climate news: Forests Nova Scotia, and a professional forester push back on ENGO claims surrounding Lahey Report; BC community still searching for post-flood answers; Oregon and Arizona forests stand to gain from spending bill; and Michigan’s hemlock pests.

Finally, boreal forests are proving even more carbon hungry after a fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Supply constraints drive modern-era record-rise in inflation in both Canada and the US. In related news: lumber duties’ inflation impact highlighted in a National Review op-ed; and Australia’s timber scarcity creates market chaos. Meanwhile: Canada’s Earth Tower a game changer for mass timber; and Canada Wood Group 2021 Impact Report shows 21:1 ROI on Asian market investments.

In Forestry/Climate news: Conservationist warns of increased risk of landslides from logging; putting a price on how nature protects us; new forests said to capture more carbon than old forests; how biochar can help slow climate change; and the future of wood pellets in North Carolina. 

Finally, dozens of firefighters had a close call – processing the trauma of a near miss.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US forest sector applauded Biden’s net-zero initiative, citing benefits of wood construction. In related news: US opposition to Biden’s tariff policies gathers steam; and Ontario taps Unifor head to fight US protectionism. Meanwhile: EGGER expands in North Carolina; Sweden’s cargo ship fire threatens to spread; and lumber prices storm back, as Canadian construction rises.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC old growth updates from Port Alberni; Campbell River and Revelstoke; perspectives on BC’s early-century E&N land grants, and the Indigenous downside of protester tactics; tackling climate change one road at a time; and the U. of Tennessee’s Don Hodges named fellow by the Society of American Foresters.

Finally, New Zealand researchers design earthquake-resistant CLT connections.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

CP Rail shareholders overwhelming support the proposed merger with Kansas City Southern, plan name change. In other Business news: the forestry fallout from BC’s floods; Nova Scotia invests in value-added; and a Japanese real estate giant buys a Russian lumber producer.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada invests in species at risk habitat; Nova Scotia ENGOs call for logging moratorium; a new tree disease threatens BC’s Doug-firs; Lakehead U. profs to develop genomic-assisted tree breeding models; and divergent views on the role of reforestation and biomass on climate change.

Finally, Russ Taylor’s unabashed view of BC’s forest policy changes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor