Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

West Fraser announces senior leadership changes, declares quarterly dividend. Other companies making news include: Northern Pulp (mill restart review process); Catalyst Paper (MOU with Tseshaht First Nation); GreenFirst (three new board members) and Resolute (share repurchase plan). In Market news: two housing experts on what’s coming in 2022; and the latest on lumber production and prices courtesy of RBC’s Paul Quinn.

In other news: WorkSafeBC on the hazards of post-flood recovery; mass timber updates from Ontario, New Zealand and Australia; and a peek ahead to the International Biomass Conference and Expo in Jacksonville, Florida.

Finally, the suburban shift for home construction continues but eases-off.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hiking US duties on softwood lumber could damage Canada-US relations. Related headlines include:

• Why is Biden increasing the cost of building houses?
• US urged to restore international dispute mechanisms
• Lumber dispute threatens jobs on NW Ontario
• Lumber prices surge amid BC flooding, higher US duties
• The US to impose duties on thermal paper imports

Meanwhile: CN trains are rolling again; Resolute expands in Arkansas; and West Fraser completes its South Carolina deal. On the Forestry front: more fallout from BC’s old growth deferrals, the status of BC’s value-added sector; the Alberta/Saskatchewan pine beetle fight; and using remote-sensing to catch infestations before it’s too late. 

Finally, a Michigan lab clones giant sequoias to help tackle climate change.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new report says Canada is bleeding capital due to fiscal and environmental policies. In related news, BC forestry firms send their investment dollars to the US South and Eastern Canada. In Market news: lumber and other wood product prices continue to rise; and recycled scrap paper prices remain strong despite China’s ban. Meanwhile, Tolko mandates vaccines for head office; the USDA issues support to loggers; and Rayonier Advanced Materials has a new CEO in Vito Consiglio.

In other news: more arrests at Fairy Creek; BC First Nations, ENGOs speak out on old growth deferrals; Nova Scotia said to be slow-walking forestry changes; Democrats eye shift in war on wildfires; and a judge halts logging in wildfire burnt Oregon forest. 

Finally, the latest threat to Ontario’s forest is lurking just off shore.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fortune Magazine asks: is the lumber price rise a canary in the coal mine for other goods? In related news: the Washington Post says Biden’s duty hike is misguided; the Steelworkers demand federal action; and US contractors expect higher prices. In other Business news: Canfor announces flood-related curtailments; Red Leaf Pulp gets federal support for straw pulp technology; and more on the Paper Excellence Powell River mill closure. Elsewhere: Jean-Pierre Martel is appointed head of Canadian Federation of Forest Owners.

In other news: the wood pellet industry is on the rise, but the climate benefits of biomass are not clear cut; a European study says forests offer minimal protection against major floods; FSC Canada’s François Dufresne in CEO Magazine; and more from First Nations and ENGOs on BC’s old growth deferrals.

Finally, NRCan’s Charlotte Norris raises the importance of soil on World Soil Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A Canadian trade delegation heads to Washington D.C. to address softwood duties and other protectionist measures. Meanwhile: Paper Excellence announced the indefinite curtailment of their Catalyst Paper Tiskwat Mill in Powell River, BC. In other Business news: New Brunswick pushes back on First Nations’ land claims; BC flooding causes layoffs in Alberta; the largest Far East forest company is sold; and what recent acquisitions mean to the top global lumber producers.

In Forestry/Climate news: the New York Times on forests and climate change; Canada invests in new carbon capture technology; First Nations express concern over BC’s old growth deferral process; and the police say Fairy Creek protesters assaulted officers. 

Finally, SFI and NCASI launch new tools to measure carbon and conserve water.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Three years after the Lahey report, the author reports little evidence of change in Nova Scotia’s forestry practices. In other Forestry news: Huu-ay-aht First Nations announce decision on BC old growth deferrals; scientists urge FSC to allow genetically engineered trees; lessons from the wildfire that nearly destroyed Tahoe; Alaska’s roadless rule tug-of-war; and Arizona’s salvage logging mess.

In other news: US lumber tariffs have industry on edge; Celedon to build two recycled pulp plants in the US Southeast; RBC’s Forest Product Conference kicks off tomorrow; FSC announces winners of the 2021 Furniture Awards; Weyerhaeuser appoints David Graham president of its Canadian subsidiary; and Stora Enso introduces bio-based packaging foam.

Finally, a new book calls ‘BS’ on common anti-forestry claims.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Wall Street Journal says the timing of Biden’s lumber duty hike is tragicomical, as home builders and lumber groups condemn its impact. In related news: Ontario lawmakers express disappointment; while Resolute says JD Irving used contacts to influence their rate. In other Business news: West Fraser announces some flood-related curtailments; Skeena Sawmills reopens; One Sky’s new OSB mill will co-locate with Paper Excellence; and Mexico approves CP’s railroad merger deal.

In other news: Kandola Forest Products seeks to bring mass timber to Quesnel, as wooden real estate expands in the US and Europe. Meanwhile: BC forestry workers hold rallies against old-growth deferrals, as activists say BC is too timber-centric, and blockades expand in Revelstoke. 

Finally, what’s behind the chainsaw billboards, and fungi’s carbon-storing role.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s independent manufacturers’ Brian Menzies says US duty increase hammers more nails into value-added coffin. Other perspectives include:

• Frank Dotorri (White River CEO): Basically, it’s indirect price fixing
• Susan Yurkovich (COFI): Industry is facing a lot of headwinds
• Ron Marcolin (Cnd. Manufacturers): It’s the homeowners that lose
• Edward Letterman (Twin Cities, USA): It’s hard to think of a dummer thing to do

In other news: the TLA’s Bob Brash and Ucluelet First Nation on BC’s old growth deferrals; Ontario embraces mass timber manufacturing and contruction; Oregon’s new vision for forestry marks a new dawn of a new era; Greenpeace wants Canada to drop trade deal with Brazil; and the American Wood Council sets the record straight after the Boston Globe’s construction story.

Finally, this fire-loving fungus eats charcoal, if it must!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US duty increase on Canadian lumber is called unacceptable at any time by BC’s Forest Minister—’but even more so during a pandemic’. Other responses include: disappointment by federal Minster Ng, the Ontario government and Tolko Industries; unacceptable given the US housing crisis by Alberta Minister Horner and the Ontario Forest Industries Association; potentially deserving of retaliation by federal Minister Freeland; and a blow to Canada-US relations. In market news: Russ Taylor on lumber prices and the NAHB on US new home sales.

In Forestry/Climate news: the timing and content of BC’s forest policy changes called disrespectful by Liberals, and toxic to investors by David Elstone. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s Moose recovery plan faces opposition; NRCan says rising temperatures and falling humidity drive extreme wildfire events; and wood pellets as a pragmatic off-ramp to decarbonization.

Finally, news of serious forest industry injuries/claims from Quebec and Australia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Lumber Trade Council President Susan Yurkovich voiced her displeasure with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final decision on countervailing and antidumping rates on Canadian softwood lumber. The new combined rate will be 17.9%, which is double the current combined mark of 8.99%.

As previously noted, this is moving week for the Tree Frog headquarters. The News is still be updated and available daily on our website, but you will not see our summary blurb and daily email reminder until Friday. Thanks for your understanding.

Kelly Mccloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Britain’s Drax is considering building a biomass plant in the United States whose power generation it says will absorb more emissions than it creates.

As noted, this is moving week for the Tree Frog headquarters. The News is still be updated and available daily on our website, but you will not see our summary blurb or our daily email reminder until Friday. Thanks for your understanding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor Corporation announced today that it has reached an agreement with an affiliate of Kelso & Company to acquire 100% of the equity interests of EACOM Timber Corporation.

Finally, a reminder that this is moving week for the Tree Frog headquarters. The News will still be updated and available daily on our website, but today and Wednesday you will not see our summary blurb or our daily email reminder. Thanks for your understanding.

Flooding in BC and Washington have supply chains in disarray, skewing lumber prices higher. In related news: critics says climate change and over-cutting are key drivers of physical chaos; and BC’s old-growth deferrals hit industry hard, put BC cedar mills at risk. Elsewhere: builders say Biden’s policies are exacerbating the housing crisis; the US infrastructure bill has relief for overworked firefighters; US builders can’t keep up; and single-family home size trends higher.

In other news: Stella-Jones completes purchase of Cahaba Pressure; Michael Green says mass timber is the right material for now; and Finland and Sweden seek to block EU rules over biomass. 

Finally, a reminder that this is moving week for the Tree Frog headquarters. The News will still be updated and available daily on our website, but tomorrow and Wednesday you will not see this blurb or our daily email reminder. Thanks for your understanding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The latest extreme weather event to hit the Pacific Northwest disrupts supply chains, fuels a lumber price rally, creates insurance concerns, and (sadly) spurs the return of hoarding. In related news: supply chain challenges cause temporary curtailment at Paper Excellence‘s Powell River mill; Christmas tree farmers expect shortages; and Canfor donates in support of flood relief. In other Business news: Paper Excellence secures Competition Bureau approval of Domtar purchase provided is sells its Kamloops BC mill.

In other news: more on BC’s old growth plan and First Nations engagement; Biden to restore Tongass forest protections, and expand wildfire mitigation funding; the link between wildfires and flooding; and BC bolsters indigenous rights protections. 

Finally, the Tree Frog’s headquarters moves to Vancouver Island next week. The News will still be updated daily, but we may not be able to send out our daily email reminder. As such, if you don’t see one, just go directly to our website and scroll away!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Court of Appeal reserved its injunction decision on logging protests, says temporary injunction remains in place. In related news: the pros and cons of court ordered injunctions; BC’s new commission to protect workers; community concerns over logging deferrals; floods postpone Stand up for BC rally; and connecting the dots between logging and floods. Elsewhere: a California study says climate-driven fires are on the rise; the European Space Agency is tracking forest biomass change; SFI says sustainable forestry is key to combatting climate change; and the pros and cons of wood pellets.

In other news: CP Rail raises money to pay for KC Southern deal; Amazon is switching from plastic to paper bags in France; and market updates on lumber prices, housing starts and permits, and supply chain woes. 

Finally, the tales trees tells – from the laboratory of tree-ring research.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC forest products industry faces an uncertain future as the province’s forestry overhaul plans for old-growth and tenure reform take shape. In related news: the BC changes include increased accountability for log exporters; Fairy Creek protesters get their day in the Appeal Court; and Canfor’s tenure transfer to Peak Renewables officially closes. In other Business news: US builder confidence rises despite supply side challenges and lower housing starts; two views on Canada’s housing outlook; and how paper shortages are impacting booksellers.

In Forestry/Climate news: Finland votes against the EU’s new forest policy; the Sierra Club on forestry, floods and fires in Western Canada; the US Forest Service’s non-let-it-burn policy; and community forests take root in Virginia.

Finally, when this retired tree planter sees a clear cut, he sees potential – and life.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite record labour shortages, housing starts and sales remain strong in Canada and the US. In related news: Home Depot’s Q3 earnings rise; and Sappi reports strong Q4 results. In other Business news: Teal Jones makes rule of law case to BC Appeal Court; BC introduces legislation facilitating tenure reform; and Great West sues Thunder Bay over 2015 mill fire.

In Forestry/Climate news: a UN report outlines how wood use helps tackle climate change; Canada seeks to reduce tree planting costs; Stanford University on how wildfire accelerates tree migration; and California’s firefighting chief is retiring.

Finally, updates by SFI, the Green Building Initiative and the Int. Mass Timber Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Almost 200 nations, including Canada and the United States, signed on to a last-minute climate deal at COP26. Perspectives on the agreement include: what Canada agreed to do; the European Council’s view on the new forest strategy; and Oxfam on the challenge with fixing the climate with trees. Meanwhile: railway competitors take issue with CP/KCS merger plan; Quebec fences in another caribou herd; and the US plans to spend billions on wildfire prevention. 

In BC old growth news: forest workers plan a Stand up for Forestry rally this Thursday; the Wilderness Committee calls for war-time level transition investments; the Fairy Creek protesters vow to stay in the woods; and the RCMP speaks to some of the more unexpected safety risks. 

Finally, a note from our readers on the North American lumber camaraderie at NAWLA.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In its new report, the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices provides a sober assessment of where Canada stands. If anything—says Jock Finlayson—they underplay the challenge. In related news: the Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Action Network comment on COP26 Deforestation Declaration; the potential for green fuels to gain a foothold; new studies on the value of protecting soil carbon, and on the location of Canada’s carbon stores; and BC plans to up-its-game on carbon credits.

On the BC old-growth deferral front:

• Best science and data not used to develop old growth deferrals (David Elstone)
• Forestry has the potential to increase forest carbon sinks (Nelson Bennett)
• BC Needs a Forest Revolution (Phillip, Bercov, Coste and Parfitt )
• Deferrals should be viewed as a tool on route to a plan (Bob Simpson)
• Deferrals will allow us to have a more managed transition (Darwin Coxson)

Finally, first-ever use of tree DNA in prosecution sends poacher to prison.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Government says 4,500 jobs are at risk with old growth deferrals, industry says 18,000 — BC’s Forest Minister weighs in. In related news: Bob Brash says impacted workers are distraught; and Kevin Kriese says landscape plans will take 8-10 years. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia’s old growth policy is said to fall short; California’s governor focuses on saving forests; the Timber Trade Federation on embodied carbon; and the EU’s reliance on forest biomass.

In other news: a log yard fire erupts at West Fraser Quesnel; an abandoned sawmill burns in Thunder Bay; Tolko renews its forest management agreement with Alberta; Conifex reports lower Q3 results; and updates on US building material prices, and the Japan and China markets.

Finally, don’t forget to commemorate (virtually if need be) Remembrance Day in Canada, Veterans Day in the USA. The Frogs will be back on Friday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Transportation, manufacturing and reforestation are set to benefit from the US Infrastructure Bill. In other Business news: the pending increase in softwood lumber duties, BC’s old-growth plan adds uncertainty to lumber trade; and Nova Scotia seeks input on its old-growth, as their forest minister says the Lahey report will take time to implement. Meanwhile: Boise Cascade expands in Ohio; Steel River and Trans-Pacific Trading partner in Alberta; Stella-Jones reports Q3 results; and Conifex pursues a share repurchase program.

In Forestry/COP26 news: a Tropical Timber Accord is launched; UK researchers test CO2’s impact on Amazon forests; and a perspective on the world’s promise to end deforestation. Meanwhile: Alberta invests in the bioindustry; and artificial intelligence is coming to a log turner near you.

Finally, the Softwood Lumber Board pledges to match the USDA Wood Innovation Grants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US launched the Forest Investor Club at COP26. In related news: Canada commits funds for biodiversity loss prevention; BC wins award for GHG investment programs; and Louisiana Governor speaks of climate perils but also clean energy solutions. In other news: Intelligent City opens its urban housing factory in BC; Weyerhaeuser bets on a strong housing market; and US wood chip & pulpwood price trends. 

In Forestry news: more commentary on BC’s old-growth deferrals by Teal Jones; BC First Nations; Justine Hunter; Derrick Penner; Jim Hilton; Zoe Yunker; Taryn Skalbania; James Steidle; and Gerry Warner. Meanwhile: a judge halts Oregon post-fire logging; and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has a new plan.

Finally, charred tree rings point to an Antartica that was once a land of fire and not ice.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Forest Minister Katrine Conroy defends plan, denies government handed decision-making over to environmentalists. Other perspectives include:

• Value-added manufacturers will bear a disproportional share of job losses (Brian Hawrysh)
• The timeline is too short, lack of financial support (Indigenous leaders)
• Taxpayer subsidies mean NDP can ignore Steelworkers (Vaughn Palmer)
• Activists and foresters share concern for communities (Revelstoke Mountaineer)
• Government efforts do not appear to apply to private lands (The Discourse)

In other news: Biden’s mixed messages on old-growth forests; Resolute’s CEO on possible lumber duty increase; Stella-Jones purchases Alabama treated wood plant; Enviva’s plant update/construction plans; Northern Pulp wastewater options; Interfor reports positive Q3 2021; and Nova Scotia slow-walks the Lahey report recommendations. 

Finally, Diane Frances says Lomborg is a rare breath of fresh air in the climate debate.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

RBC Capital Markets and Dodge Data say, respectively, the Canadian and US housing markets will cool, not collapse. In other news: an advisory panel says Nova Scotia is dragging its feet on the Lahey report; Wisconsin lawmakers seek to keep Verso Paper mill viable; global shipping times increased by 23%; and positive Q3’s are reported by Western Forest Products; Resolute Forest Products; and LP Building Solutions.

Meanwhile, more perspectives on BC’s old growth deferral announcement:

• It will be devastating to workers, families and communities (Steelworkers)
• Concerned but look forward to working with First Nations (Tolko)
• Counter to goal of encouraging more value-added manufacturing (Brian Menzies)
• What is actually protected will depends on talks with First Nations (Tom Fletcher)
• Hard to imagine logging resuming in those areas to any degree (Les Leyne)
• Facilitates the required paradigm shift in forest management (Garry Merkel)
• First Nations need more time to respond (BC First Nations Forestry Council)

Finally, beetles have more sex when it’s hot, and it’s killing California’s pine trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government’s plan to defer logging in its ‘most-at-risk’ old-growth forests will be devastating to business, drive investment elsewhere; and hurt the value-added sector the most. Other perspectives include: 

• 14 to 20 sawmills and two pulp mills will close (Susan Yurkovich, COFI)
• Lack of consultation with those impacted unacceptable (Bob Brash, TLA)
• Economic viability is jeopardized (Annita Huberman, Surrey Board of Trade)
• Our processes will determine our land-use decisions (Huu-ay-aht First Nations)
• Giving in to the forces of ‘No’. Not modernizing (Steward Muir, Resource Works)
• An essential first step but funding clarity required (Sonia Furstenau, Green Party)
• Encouraging, but a lack of action (Torrance Coste, Wilderness Committee)

In other news, the COP26 Deforestation Pledge: is lauded by Canada’s forest industry; called a losing battle by two US NGOs; is better than the last one in 2014 per WWF. Meanwhile: Northern Pulp secures extension of creditor protection; the Huu-ay-aht First Nation hosts old growth logging summit; and the Oregon timber accord is said to come with more restrictions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

At COP26, more than 100 world leaders representing 85% of the world’s forests pledge to halt deforestation. In BC Forestry news: as the province’s old-growth panel deliberates; a report by Forsite Consultants says 30% not 3% of BC’s old forests remain; BC’s First Nations say the consultation process is flawed; and Ancient Forest Alliance co-founder TJ Watt wins prestigious award. Elsewhere: 2021 was a record fire season in Ontario; rising temperatures are said to threaten the Canadian boreal; and US fire experts dispel misconceptions about forest management.

In other news: Lumber, panel and pulp outlooks amid labour woes; CP Rail and Kansas City Southern file merger application; Boise Cascade reports positive Q3; and Trex targets wood with new Arkansas plant. 

Finally, its Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – here are some tips to keep you safe.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC industry is bracing for bad news on old growth logging, says journalist Nelson Bennett. In related news: Derrick Penner reports on industry’s effort to  get its voice back; Jim Stiring asks—is it an aura of calm… or is it quiet desperation; and Virgina Thompson says we too are frustrated—in response to the Truck Loggers call for a collective vision. Meanwhile: could Bill 23 put BC back into the driver’s seat?

In other news: Biden’s spending plan is lauded for its climate benefits; an international wood manifesto is launched in concert with COP26; Westervelt’s Alabama sawmill built during the time of covid; Oregon reaches deal to overhaul private forest management; and a feature story on the Native American Tribes’ way of fighting wildfires.

Finally, Cal Mukumoto is chosen as Oregon’s new state forester.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

More than 275 BC industry leaders are calling for a balanced approach on old-growth. In related news: a new report raises questions, suggests BC is not running out of old-growth; BC’s GHG emissions continue to rise; and an ENGO report suggesting Canada’s forest carbon emissions are understated is “not supported by the science”, according to Werner Kurz. Elsewhere: 128 ENGOs asked Biden to stop logging in old forests; and the “Darwin Effect” may help forests better tackle climate change.

In other Business news: Nova Scotia pushes back on Northern Pulp lawsuit; Catalyst Crofton on its supply chain woes, Weyerhaeuser and Mercer report positive Q3 results and US economic growth decelerated in Q3.

Finally, is hemp the next disruptor in construction after wood?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite challenges, West Fraser’s Ray Ferris says Q3-2021 was one of the company’s strongest ever. In related news: Acadian Timber reports positive Q3 results; Canadian Craft Paper’s output is in high demand; and Paper Excellence receives a US EPA award, announces two-week curtailment at its Crofton mill. In market news: US interest in new-built homes declines; while US manufacturing continues to expand.

In other news: BC pursues a forestry reconciliation agreement with ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation; Forests Ontario partners with Ontario’s Greenbelt Foundation; a US House Committee considers wildfire firefighter pay; and COP26 newsmakers debate forestry’s positive and negative role.

Finally, and sadly—the 2 workers trapped trapped under debris at Quebec mill have died.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor reports positive Q3 results from both its lumber and pulp and paper segments. In related news: International Paper is up 90% year over year; Mercer’s Dave Gandossi is recognized as CEO of the Year; Western’s Cowichan Bay mill may face local restrictions; and White Mountain Paper resumes tissue production in New Hampshire. In Market news: expensive lumber makes a return; US new home sales post solid gains; and US consumer confidence rises.

In Forestry/Climate news: Biden to cancel Trump’s endangered species rules; Trudeau roils oil patch with Greenpeace activist as climate chief; Putin looks to forests for carbon neutrality; timber and concrete are Canada’s green construction future; FSC launches its two-part General Assembly, while ENGO’s say FSC is no longer fit for climate purpose.

Finally, Part 2 of Dave Elstone’s view on BC’s proposed forest policy changes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser is expanding again with the purchase of Georgia Pacific’s OSB mill near Allendale, South Carolina. In related news: Saskatchewan’s Premier trumpets forest industry growth; Canfor wins Benefits Canada Workplace Award; Kimberly-Clark warns of supply chain disruptions; and PotlatchDeltic and Simpson Strong-Tie report positive Q3 earnings. Meanwhile, the International Mass Timber Conference returns to Portland as an in-person event.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study demonstrates the importance of protecting tropical forests; black spruce struggles to regenerate after arctic fires; BC updates its climate plan as overall emissions rise; and Brazil offers to hasten end to illegal deforestation. 

Finally, 10 injured, two still under collapsed scaffolding at Domtar’s Windsor Quebec plant.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A historically deep low pressure system is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to BC and US-West states. In market news: lumber supply is catching up with UK demand; the desire for homeownership cools in the US—as does housing starts; and the remodelling industry remains strong, despite headwinds. 

In Forestry/Climate news: preserving BC’s old-growth forests could cost billions; and COP26 begets efforts to regulate global bankers; to standardize carbon offset rules; to leverage sustainable forestry; to reforest our cities; to curb old-growth logging; and to increase wood use. Oh my!

Finally, author Hannah Fries says forget forest bathing, just take a hike!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A study commissioned by COFI and executed by Forsite Consultants says the remaining productive old growth in BC is 30%, not 3%. In related news: another day, another dubious claim—says Resource Works’ Stewart Muir; while Teen Vogue says violence at Fairy Creek is part of a police reckoning. Meanwhile, opining on BC’s revamped forest policy—are Kevin Kriese (it’s a good start); and David Elstone (these are exciting times).

In Climate news: COP26 begets a world of wood festival; a policy shift towards wood use in the UK; a declaration on biodiversity and climate by the world geography community; and an international day of action against big biomass. 

Finally, how millennial’s view the lumber industry is a recruitment dilemma.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government introduced a bill to revamp its forest policy, claiming it will increase local community and First Nation involvement. In other Business news: US homebuilders ask Congress to lift lumber tariffs; and wheat straw pulp and paper makes headway in Washington state and Saskatchewan. In Wood Product news: US WoodWorks releases mass timber construction manual; BC Wood returns to the European market; and the University of Idaho will study re-engineering refuse from construction for 3D printing.

In Forestry news: the RCMP say the Fairy Creek roads have been cleared for forestry; the Huu-ay-aht First Nations seeks input on the Teal Jones injunction appeal; and ENGO’s target Enviva’s wood pellet operations in North Carolina. 

Finally, a recyclable home built with 100 different plant-based materials.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Edit

Northern Pulp signals legal action against Nova Scotia, commits to use funds to restart Pictou pulp mill. In related news: a Fort Frances councillor bemoans demolition of former Resolute mill; and Wisconsin paper mill closures are putting loggers out of work. On the market front: lower US housing starts; lower paper shipments, more supply chain constraints and panic ordering by retailers. 

In Forestry news: a US study looks at the sideways flow of water and forests; a BC First Nation says no more logging without consent; and experts say thinning and fire-resistant homes can best offset wildfire losses. Meanwhile: BC establishes new award for renowned artist Judson Beaumont; the Softwood Lumber Board and USDA announce a mass timber competition; and Ontario Wood WORKS! is accepting design award nominations.

Finally, the driver of this logging truck escaped injury after dip in the Elk River.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Supply chain difficulties with steel (and brick & mortar) create opportunity for mass timber in Canada. In related news: mass timber growth exceeds overall construction in United States; the American Wood Council celebrates National Forest Products Week; and the UK industry promotes the carbon benefits of wood use. Meanwhile: wood showcases in Arkansas and Colorado; and eight books for architect lovers. 

In Forestry news: BC proceeds with 172 criminal charges against anti-logging protesters; police resume enforcement at Fairy Creek as protesters dig in; and old-growth blockades continue in Revelstoke and Nelson. Elsewhere: Drax is dropped from S&P index of green energy firms; JD Irving’s view on glyphosate; Nova Scotia funds two more forest innovation projects; and [sadly] Penn State forestry professor emeritus Jim Finley dies at the age 72. 

Finally: architect Michael Green on sustainable wood design and Greenpeace’s birthday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Strong consumer demand helped push US builder confidence higher despite rising material prices, labour challenges, and supply chain woes. In related news: Canada’s housing starts trend lower; and China’s construction starts slumped for a 6th straight month. 

In Safety news: Terrace Bay Pulp and Paper is fined over worker injury; Ontario pulp mill workers says their health still compromised two decades later; and Judy Village is appointed to WorkSafeBC’s board. 

In other news: President Biden issues a proclamation on National Forest Products Week, recognizing the forests’ essential role in the environment and economy; Oregon needs to do more to reduce forest fuels; and big gains are made against California wildfire.

Finally: the FSC annual report is released and awards winners announced.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Industry slams a UK report claiming biomass energy is worse than coal, calls the study flawed and counter to UN IPPC. In related news: a shuttered Fort St. James bioenergy plant to restart; and New Zealand coal boilers are being replaced with wood pellets. In other Business news: BC Safety Board finds no evidence linking railway with Lytton wildfire; and updates on/from GreenFirst (Board changes); Weyerhaeuser (wildfire efforts); San Group (award nomination); EACOM (donation); and Capital Forest Products (employee-owned).

In Forestry news: columnists Keith Baldrey and Vaughn Palmer on the BC government’s approach to old-growth logging protests; a US ENGO sues the Forest Service due to grizzly concerns; and calmer winds aid California firefighters.

Finally, a BC firm taps robotics to assemble mass timber buildings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The EU Commission is investigating whether wood pulp companies have violated antitrust rules that prohibit cartels. In related news: Drax calls NRDC’s report on biomass neutrality ‘ill-informed‘; big energy pitches carbon-neutral oil and gas; a climate change contrarian reinforces the import of science; and wood pellet use falls as a source of US home heating. Meanwhile: lumber markets show signs of another price run; and the US consumer price index is on the rise.

In other news: California’s wildfire dilemma—houses or forests first?; the long road to recovery—three years after Hurricane Michael; a Vancouver Island Wood Industry Forum emphasizes collaboration; and this Swedish town is what a climate-conscious future looks like.

Finally, after 2 years hiding in the forest, a Colorado elk is freed from its tire necklace.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

President Biden seeks to ease supply-chain bottlenecks amid rising concerns by truckers and lumber dealers. Companies making news include: West Fraser expands again with purchase of Angelina Forest Products in Texas; International Paper announces share repurchase program; the Segezha Group purchases Inter Forest assets; and Aspen Planers considers the impact of timber lost to wildfires.

In Forestry/Climate news: a US bipartisan bill would treat deforestation as a crime; Brazil reports an increase in Amazon logging; police assess resources after court reinstates Fairy Creek injunction; Canada’s forest sector and climate change; and what can trees really do to mitigate emissions.

Finally, Captain James T Kirk says BC’s old-growth forests ‘should live long and prosper‘.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor