Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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