Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Precipitation and wildfire trends illustrate the dire situation in Western US and Canada. In related news: the NY Times on why wildfires are intensifying; the BC Wildlife Fed points to BC’s archaic management; how indigenous culture burns can reduce wildfire risks; and a new app maps Canada’s forest fires; while an IBM tool tracks tree carbon. 

In other news: PowerWood’s grand opening; the Pacheedaht First Nation’s forestry lifeline; and KPMG’s settlement in the China Forestry fraud case. On the pundit front: Wasted Days and Wasted Nights—a two-part EdiTOADial on the Canada/US softwood dispute; Greg Rickford, Ontario’s ‘minister of everything‘ is stretched too thin; Paper Excellence’s media show in Nova Scotia; and justice for all—including those at the Fairy Creek protests.

Finally, academically speaking: Gerry Franklin says old trees function as networks; but Kathryn Flinn says the idea that trees can talk is misleading.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Biden announced his administration’s intention to end large-scale, old-growth timber sales in Alaska’s Tongass. In related news: Trudeau convenes group to discuss wildfires and extreme weather; US homebuilders urge congress to adopt a new softwood lumber agreement; and China’s largest plywood exporter is accused of fraud. Companies in the news include: Teal Jones (feat of altruism); Pinnacle Renewable Energy (wildfire donation); Paper  Excellence (Northern Pulp transformation); and Domtar (paper machine restart).

In Forestry news: what should a Dean of Forestry say about old-growth logging; can logging prevent the next wildfire tragedy; aggressive BC wildfire season strains resources; evacuations expand in Oregon as fire spreads erratically; and Edmonton issues alert as BC smoke reduces air quality.

Finally, how timber helps the UK get to net-zero; and BC’s 2020 Wood Design winners.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Growing numbers of evacuations as wildfires rage in Ontario, Oregon and BC (where one firefighter was seriously burned). In Forestry/Climate news: the EU plan to cut GHG’s is said to threaten biomass progress; the San Group takes up the Teal Jones challenge—donates lumber to Lytton rebuild; and BC Premier, Kamloops mayor want to reduce fire risk with more prescribed burns.

In Business news: how GreenFirst became a major industry player; Paper Excellence proposes to transform its Northern Pulp mill; and Ikea is accused of selling illegally logged wood from Russia. Market updates include: lumber’s price decline; OSB’s resilience; remodelling’s strength; and the rise of offshore lumber imports.

Finally, Vancouver based Fast + Epp celebrates their new “earthquake proof”, mass timber office building.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A BC Supreme Court judge has ruled in favour of First Nation treaty rights, recognizing the cumulative effects of natural resource development. In other Business news: US inflation reaches a 13-year high; lumber is down but house prices stay high; and New Brunswick tree sellers aren’t reaping the rewards of recent lumber prices.

In Forestry/Climate news: police and a protester are assaulted at BC’s old-growth blockade; US forest growth outpaces removals by 60%-100%; how biomass energy from forests is carbon neutral; and Western Forest Products’ forest practices influence on climate change. In forest product news: wood use is celebrated at Portland’s International Airport; in US modular housing; for biophilic design in India; in Vietnam’s sauna manufacturing sector; at Japan’s Osaka 2025 World’s Fair; and at a public transit station in China. 

Finally, BC’s 2020 Wood Design Awards goes virtual, today at 3:45 PST.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing past fire assistance received, Teal Jones donates 500,000 BF of lumber to Lytton rebuild. In related news: Canada limits train speed in wildfire risk areas; fire’s widespread implication for Canadians’ health; homes are threatened in 10 Western states; and fire updates for northwest Ontario, Vancouver Island, and southern Oregon. 

In Product news: the plastics industry rejects “toxicity moniker” by Trudeau; the material of the future is destined to be bio-derived and biobased; and lumber’s freefall wipes out 2021 price gains. Meanwhile, Canada releases new GHG targets, Nelson, BC scraps plan to heat with wood waste; and the conflicting science of forest biomass. 

Finally, more on the new US Forest Service chief, Randy Moore.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

High temperatures, wildfires and evacuations abound. Headlines include:

• Wildfires beget evacuations in BC, Ontario and Oregon
• California and other parts of the West broil and burn
• Wildfires rage in Russia, Spain and US amid high temps

In other news: Canada confirms ambitious new GHG reduction target; BC urged to embrace more controlled burns; Pacheedaht elder at odds with Chief on old-growth protesters; and the controversial role of forestry and carbon sinks in Europe. Meanwhile: BC appeals Tolko fire-cost assessment; Weyerhaeuser sells timberland to Hampton Lumber; panel prices hold firm as lumber freefalls and log prices trend higher; and why the wood pallet industry is on edge. 

Finally, tree DNA helps convict Washington state timber thief after fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US lumber demand-growth will likely exceed incremental supply, keeping prices elevated, says Russ Taylor. In related news: most US home building growth occurred in 3-census regions; and lumber’s price drop has yet to ease Idaho’s construction costs. In other Business news: Trudeau and Horgan meet on BC’s wildfires situation; federal NDP leader Singh speaks on forestry; and Smartlam adds two industry veterans to its team.

In other news: a CNN feature on how EU energy policy is driving US pellet exports; what you need to know to be ready for wildfires; making our cities more fire resilient, and changing how towns evacuate in the future.

Finally, wildfire updates from BC, Ontario, Yukon, California and Oregon.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The deadly heat wave that roasted the Pacific Northwest—a once in a millennium event—was virtually impossible without climate change, study says. In related news: learning when to suppress fires in Canada is key to safe living; Nordic countries endure record heatwave; and wildfires in California and BC are well ahead of schedule, burning longer and creating health concerns. 

In Business news: PowerWood celebrates opening of new Agassiz, BC mill, West Fraser’s cash conundrum; CN Rail and CP Rail on the devastating Lytton fire; the TLA’s Bob Brash on the import of BC’s forest policy review; and Stand.Earth’s Tzeporah Berman on Trudeau’s love of fossil fuels.

Finally, top 5 reasons builders still use lumber despite the price hikes!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires in western Canada generated heavy clouds, causing 710,000 lightning strikes in a single night. Other notable headlines include: On the Subject of Old-growth Forests—by UBC forestry dean John Innes; from the Bioeconomy Conference—The Path to Net Zero on World Bioproduct Day; and from the Copenhagen Consensus—”climate coverage ignores the heavy impact of heat on cold deaths”.

In other news: Canadian consumer and business confidence rises to record levels; the use of mass timber soars despite lumber costs; and West Fraser launches share buyback initiative. Also available today – online versions of the Truck LoggerBC magazine and the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference presentations; and courtesy of the new Tree Frog News platform— our most recent EdiTOADials (by Russ Taylor, John Innes, David Elstone, Rob van Adrichem, and yours truly). 

Finally; an online game that demonstrates wood supply chain complexities in play.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia is investing $5.4 million in ecological forestry and training, but industry says it fails to create a market for pulp wood. In other Business news: Teal-Jones asks the court to consider criminal contempt charges for protestors; Huber’s plan to build an OSB plant is welcomed in Minnesota; concrete’s market share falls despite high lumber prices; and Silicon Valley builders and a UK furniture maker celebrate wood’s green credentials.

On the Forestry/Wildfire front: BC admits to communication shortfall during catastrophic Lytton fire; BC wildfire crews get a break in the weather; more than 60 fires are burning in Northwest Ontario and an air quality advisory is issued for Thunder Bay. Meanwhile: more voices from Fairy Creek, and the RCMP make more arrests.

Finally, BC lumberman, distinguished citizen and Sikh pioneer Asa Johal has died at 98. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change, heat waves and wildfires are forcing a rethink on how we manage our forests. The headlines include:

• Climate change threatens remote and rural communities
• The future of fire – we’re on the brink of a runaway fire age
• Heat wave possible harbinger of long, smoky wildfire season
• Climate change is forcing BC to rethink how it fights wildfires
• BC seeks military assistance to fight 130+ active wildfires
• Alberta communities share wildfire stories for new evacuation guide
• Resistant European forests are matters of fate for the climate

In Business news: Canada invests in Project Learning Tree; the history of BC’s new contractor regulations; Roseburg’s plan to build a sawmill in North Carolina; Wisconsin seeks a restart on two shuttered paper mills; and Oklahoma investigates alleged lumber price gouging. Meanwhile: Fairy Creek evokes memories of Clayoquot Sound; and BC protests were about more that just old-growth forests. 

Finally, long awaited updates to the Tree Frog platform launch today — with more to come. Your feedback is appreciated (and your patience, as we debug the site).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Record heat, forest fires and smoke have Canada and the US primed for another record-breaking wildfire season:

• Province ‘primed’ for another smoky summer, says UBC expert
• Lytton, BC evacuated as wildfire races through town
• Evacuation alerts issued for more parts of Castlegar, BC
• Smoke from wildfires in Northern California drifting over Oregon
• California firefighters battle big wildfires in high heat
• Oregon governor declares wildfire emergency

In related news: BC funds communities for wildfire support; Biden raises federal firefighter pay; US Forest Service warns of human-caused fire dangers; and Brazil sees 14-year wildfire record. In other News: Canada lobbies against California forest product law; police dispute protester’s claim of risky “removal tactics”; supply issues persist even as lumber and other prices stabilize; and the Financial Times on EU’s biomass dilemma.

Finally, for our readers on both sides of the 49th, Happy (belated) Canada Day and Happy Independence Day!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Tree Frog News team is taking the day off  today for Canada Day. Back tomorrow with all of your headlines. 

To help resolve shortages and rein in prices, US homebuilders want Congress to increase lumber production from federal lands. In related news: lumber buyer reluctance results in real price decreases; US consumer confidence continues its upward trend;  and new-home prices reach new highs as affordability falls.

In other news: one year into the new NAFTA—not much has changed; Alberta helicopter pilot dies fighting wildfire; BC fire near Lillooet explodes to 5,000 hectares on first day; the US Forest Service names Randy Moore new chief; and US lawmakers propose tax break for forests lost to natural disasters.

Finally, a global cocktail competition has one mixologist raising money to plant trees.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

Canada released a new report on how climate change impacts forestry and other industry sectors. In related news: the Softwood Lumber Board on wood’s nature-made solution for the construction sector; and the Wilderness Committee on climate change and reconciliation in BC’s North.

In Forestry news: BC First Nations want change to BC’s forest revenue sharing program; musician Bryan Adams calls for BC government’s ouster over old-growth logging; the Pacheedaht First Nation asks Fairy Creek protesters to leave due to fire risk; and extremely high temps push fire risk to uncharted territory; while campfire bans arrive; and air quality alerts continue.

In other news: a NY Times exposé on Biden’s softwood lumber duties/housing challenge; NBC News on how the lumber sector misread Covid’s impact; the NAHB on housing and mortgage rates; Global News on lumber prices; and the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau on North Carolina’s European lumber warning.

Finally, the USDA announces Randy Moore as new Forest Service Chief.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC, Washington and Oregon’s historic heat wave continues to generate wildfire, climate change and health & safety alerts. In related news: FPAC joins coalition pushing for action on climate resilience; ecocide proposed to join genocide as an international crime; wildfire danger rises to extreme in Prince George, BC; and record temperatures create wildfire challenges in Turkey.

In Forestry news: as more protesters are arrested on Vancouver Island; the province’s new old-growth panel is described as mainly hostile to logging (Vaughn Palmer); a means to move forward with deferrals (Rachel Holt); and more talk and log by the NDPs (Gerry Warner). Meanwhile: Rick Doman is appointed CEO of GreenFirst; and First Nation forester speaks at New Brunswick pesticide hearing.

Finally, the US effort to bolster firefighter ranks challenged by wage-driven resignations.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A dangerous days-long heat wave spurs wildfire and heat-related safety warnings in BC and Idaho. In related news: record breaking temperatures are reported in Russia’s Arctic Circle; the US seeks full-time wildfire crews; and Arizona secures funding to address fresh outbreaks.

In Forestry news: BC’s announcement of a new panel to advise on old-growth deferrals is panned by Huu-ay-aht First Nations, celebrated by the Ancient Forest Alliance. Meanwhile: more critics of BC’s forest practices; how software technology can improve forest management efficiency; an update on New Brunswick’s glyphosate hearings; Surrey, BC hosts panel on BC’s forest industry; Forbes magazine on America’s failure to build; and lumber prices drop while OSB hits new highs.

Finally, (and I quote) Pennsylvania police stop exorcism in Home Depot lumber aisle. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Police arrested more protesters on Vancouver Island despite logging pause, spurring calls for rhetoric-free info on old-growth. In related headlines: protesters’ agenda not in the public’s interest (Resource Works); can conservationists purchase the timber rights (The Discourse); and a family visit to the front lines (Castanet).  Elsewhere: New Brunswick dodges spruce budworm infestation; and stories on forests and climate mitigation from BC and Russia.  

In Business news: Canada grimaces amid US trade blows; the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference wrap-up by Rob van Adrichem; and stories from Dust Safety Week on fibre pile management and the importance of blast zones. Meanwhile, Western Forest Products’ releases its Sustainability Report; Paper Excellence partners to plant trees; and updates on US and Canadian housing starts, lumber prices, and new home sales.

Finally, a new wood trade analysis service by Lesprom, and sawmill directory by Madison’s.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario’s recent cabinet shuffle merges natural resources, forestry, and mining with northern development. In other Business news: Doman completes its acquisition of Fontana Lumber; and Western Forest Products receives an expropriation notice for its curtailed Somass Sawmill lands. Meanwhile:  lumber prices continue their downward trend, housing’s prolonged underbuild keeps housing prices high; and BC Wood launches its 2021 export training program.

In Forestry/Climate news: celebrities and Vogue add visibility to BC’s old-growth protests; climate activists  disrupt the loading of logs in Nanaimo; New Brunswick launches hearings on pesticide use; wildfires cause havoc in Southern BC and Oregon; and drought conditions have the Amazon bracing for a terrible fire season.

Finally, a Nova Scotia logrolling champion teaches his crow how to logroll. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell looks to lumber’s wild gyrations to dampen inflation concerns and explain the post-pandemic recovery. In other Business news: David Elstone opines on BC’s new rules to assist forestry contractors; Huber Engineered Woods to open new OSB plant in Minnesota; Ontario trains workers for wood manufacturing jobs; and timber is showcased in the Tokyo Olympic Village.  

In Climate news: a new study says commercial forests deliver GHG benefits when harvested wood products are considered; Simon Fraser University looks to biomass to reduce carbon emissions;  an ENGO group says net-zero may not be as green as you think; what can be done to counter emissions from tropical forests; and small tree farms are the focus of US greenhouse gas efforts.

Finally, a bipartisan group seeks to tally the true cost of US wildfires to incentivize more active forest management.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As lumber prices pull back from from their record highs, inflation concerns ease. In related news: home builders juggle intense demand; material shortage puts some projects on hold; and log prices begin to match housing demand. Meanwhile: Canada wants Biden to refund duty monies; Anthony Timberlands’ record 2020; mass timber reaches new heights in Canada; and Australia seeks world-scale forestry R&D centre. 

In Forestry/Climate news: celebrities lend their name to BC’s old-growth campaign; First Nations/ENGO tensions laid bare at Fairy Creek; The Last Loggers—a new book on growing up in a BC logging family; time to compromise on Alaska’s Roadless Rule; forest use is driving reforestation in the US South; and the UK timber industry wants embodied carbon regulated.

Finally, Summer arrived, followed by dry forests, wildfires and evacuations.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and the Consulate General of Canada denounce a California bill that would restrict forest products coming from boreal forests. In related news: BC’s Green Party leader—along with 100 prominent people—call for an end to all old-growth logging; while foresters; politicians; journalists, and Indigenous leaders opine on the topic.

In other news: despite the decrease in lumber prices, tight supply and elevated construction costs resulted in a call for additional government support—in the US State of Nation’s Housing Report. 

Finally, a new species of frog honours Led Zeppelin and their extraordinary music.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The European Commission wants to prevent some forms of wood-burning energy from counting towards GHG reduction targets. In related news: biomass accounted for 22% of US renewables in 2020; and Ontario’s biomass plan receives endorsement from Canada’s pellet producers. Meanwhile: BC’s old-growth protests continue; Louisiana moves to protect its iconic cypress trees; and an NGO report says banks upped their tropical-deforestation investments during covid.

Company headlines include: San Group’s possible expansion to Terrace, BC; NRCan’s investment in fibre utilization at Mercer, Celgar; Canfor’s selection of Louisiana for its new sawmill; an update on Structurlam’s Arkansas project, and Collins Pine’s forest closure due to wildfire risks. Also: updates on AF&PA’s new sustainability goals, and SFPA’s Forest Products Expo.

Finally, Derek Nighbor’s personal journey and the importance of calling out bullying in all its forms.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber prices have fallen 40% since May’s record highs, as US home construction moderates, and sawmills gradually increase supply. In related news: experts debate what the price decline signals for inflation; US Builder confidence falls 2 points; and a new study says the US is underbuilt by 5.5 million homes. In other Business news: North Carolina issues warning on the use of EU lumber; and Canfor announces appointment of Sandra Stuart to their Board.

In Forestry news: Caribou recovery efforts near Revelstoke BC are proving effective; and from the Ottawa Hill Times: some opining by Richard Canning (NDP), Annamie Paul (Green Party); Ian Lee (Carlton University); and Ben Parfitt (Centre for Policy Alternatives).  

Finally, the 2021 BC First Nations Forestry Conference kicks-off at lunch today!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber prices are falling back to Earth but company CEOs expect them to remain high due to the strong housing market. In related news: US building material dealers lobby Commerce on lumber volatility; Canada’s housing starts are up 3.2% in May; and Resolute Forest Products announced a special dividend and capital investments in four mills.

In other news: PotlatchDeltic reported a mill fire in Arkansas; Russia’s new pulp & paper mill is the first in 40 years; the US Land Management nominee faces scrutiny over tree spiking case; Canadian forestry does not equal deforestation; the quiet strength of California’s Redwoods; and high elevation fires in the Rocky Mountains. 

Finally, the world’s first wooden satellite, and NZ adopts Timber-First policy—to metal’s chagrin.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forests need a clear vision, carbon offsets and science, says John Innes, UBC’s Dean of Forestry. Other perspectives on old-growth and logging include:

• Garry Merkel – Coastal BC logging needs old-growth for at least next decade
• David Suzuki & Peter Wohlleben – all old-growth logging must be stopped
• BC MLA’s Babchuk & Simons – deferrals require Forest Nation consultations
• Vicky Husband – Horgan’s forest policies are a colonial defence of talk and log
• Doug White – BC needs to pause so that we can work out our approach to the Aboriginal title landscape

In other news: a new poll says a majority of Indigenous people support resource development; BC’s war in the woods continues despite old-growth deferrals; Biden plans to restore Alaskan forest protections; and tree tracking start-ups surge with climate change.

Finally, firefighters from BC & Alberta deploy East, as wildfires surge in Ontario & Quebec.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

On the heals of BC’s old-growth deferral on Vancouver Island, the Squamish First Nation calls for a moratorium in its territory. In related news: seniors protest in Victoria, as pro-forestry groups counter-rally in Campbell River; ENGOs crowdfund to buy forests; mothers and mother trees are said to nourish us all; and a new study says planting trees could undermine the climate fight.

In other news: Canada combats truck driver fatigue with tracking device regulation; BC implements new rules for contractor rate negotiations; Resolute invests to expand lumber output; Paper Excellence gears up for Prince Albert mill restart; NorSask, Steelworkers reach 5-year agreement; and Mitsubishi partners with Drax on carbon capture. 

Finally, architect Michael Green’s latest mass timber tower in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government agreed to defer old-growth logging in Fairy Creek for 2 years. In related news: ENGOs say deferral is not protection; First Nations are humbled by response—but want protesters to leave; while civic politicians head to the front lines to get arrested. Elsewhere: a downed Ontario helicopter fighting forest fires is under investigation; and other safety news from WorkSafeBC and WorkSafeNZ. 

In Business news: tip-lines employed as job-site lumber thefts continue; the NAHB thinks Biden will act on the lumber crisis; high prices a boon for concrete construction in Atlantic Canada; lumber returns to Port Alberni’s deep sea port; timber values are stagnant despite lumber’s rise; and a post-mortem on Katerra’s sudden closure.

Finally, Naturally:wood and Truck LoggerBC Magazine go digital. Worth a look!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

GHG emissions reach a new high as the world’s economies reopen and people resume work and travel. In Company news: Louisiana Pacific breaks ground in Maine; West Fraser ups its quarterly dividend; Weyerhaeuser looks to expand its timber holdings; Mardan Lumber restarts after Vernon fire; and CN Rail takes another run at CP’s purchase of Kansas City Southern.

On the Forestry front: BC protesters vow to stay put—say old-growth deferral not enough; Saskatchewan set to announce forest sector expansion in the north; portrayals of US forest biomass in US Southeast called inaccurate; US Northeast seeks markets for its low-grade wood; and US wood pellet exports rise in first 4 months of 2021.

Finally, ’tis the season – wildfire stories from BC, Oregon, California and Arizona. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Three BC First Nations call for a 2-year old-growth logging deferral in Fairy Creek while they develop their own forest management plan. In response: Teal Jones and Western Forest Products say they will adhere to the First Nations’ request, protesters say it doesn’t go far enough; and Vaughn Palmer describes the news as welcome political cover. In other Forestry news: Ontario is investing in forest industry training; and Oregon’s hazard tree removal program secures 3rd party endorsement. 

In other news: Canfor announces plan to build a new sawmill in DeRidder, Louisiana; Neste Oyj plans to make diesel from forest waste in Quebec; forest pests in Pennsylvania and Maine; and Canada Wood Group updates from China and Japan.

Finally, the inside story on green steel – highly recyclable but energy intensive.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Lumber’s unprecedented rally is starting to falter but analysts predict prices will still be at historical levels through 2022. In related news: US lumber tariffs top priority for Canada’s trade minister; Susan Yurkovich on BC’s modernization plan; and wood’s resurgence in mass timber construction. Meanwhile: Clearwater Paper to close its Wisconsin paper mill; and Bechtel partners with Drax on carbon capture and storage.

In Forestry News: Canada will plant 30 million trees this season; Biden to restore US species at risk protections; and wildfire risks are on the rise in Canada and the US West. Finally, some breaking news and recent headlines from the BC old-growth front:

• Three First Nations announce old-growth logging deferral at Fairy Creek (BREAKING NEWS)
• Indigenous forestry set to expand, wrestles with old-growth debate (Justine Hunter)
• There’s much more work to do to protect old-growth (Forest Minister Katrine Conroy)
• Truck Loggers confident on new vision from the province (Bob Brash)
• Environmentalists hope threatened owls will end logging at Fairy Creek (Lisa Cordasco)
• Can luxury brands drive B.C. old-growth logging out of business? (Rochelle Baker)

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Marking World Environment Day, Canada is investing in 58 climate action projects, while Conservation International and Dove announce same in Indonesia. In other Forestry/Climate news: California passes groundbreaking deforestation bill; the Huu-ay-aht First Nation celebrates collaboration with Western Forest Products; a feature on the American teen that launched BC’s old-growth protest; and a Sierra Club survey on how the BC government is managing the controversy. 

In Business news: amidst ongoing supply disruptions, Doman Building Materials acquires Texas-based Hixson Lumber; the San Group partners with the Port Alberni Port Authority; Michael Green on the closing of Katerra; and the RCMP recover stolen lumber trailers in Alberta.

Finally, it’s the 75th anniversary of the Forest History Society. Definitely worth a look!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Truck loggers, First Nations and forest companies see opportunity in BC’s new forestry plan, while ENGOs say it sets the stage for more conflict. In related news: UNDRIP is behind Horgan’s measured approach; Tom Fletcher on Horgan’s go-slow tenure take-back; and Forest Minister Conroy’s response to the protests—says additional deferrals expected.

In other news: lumber prices whipsaw again as US softwood tariffs gather heat; timber royalty rates are on the rise but not in New Brunswick; the San Group plans to expand its Port Alberni, BC operations; Red Leaf Pulp will build a straw pulp mill in Regina, Saskatchewan; and Canfor promotes vaccinations with charitable donations.

Finally, registration for the 2021 Virtual Canadian Bioeconomy Conference is open and FREE.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s plan to modernize the regulation of forestry includes redistributing tenure to value-added companies and Indigenous communities. Commenting: Susan Yurkovich praised the establishment of a vision that includes protecting jobs; Vaughn Palmer says the process will be painful and costly; Sonia Furstenau says it lacks leadership; while Torrance Coste calls it status quo. Meanwhile: Trudeau ups Canada’s wildfire budget; and a US judge rejects efforts to halt wildfire protection efforts in California.

In Business news: the US Commerce Secretary may hold a lumber price summit, as GOP lawmakers and analysts criticize the proposed increase in tariffs. In related news: an interview with Madison’s Keta Kosman on the future of prices; and Forests2Market on lumber’s lower-than-expected capacity utilization.

Finally, a surprise – the well funded, mass timber startup Katerra is shutting down.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A construction boom is coming despite skyrocketing material prices, although the US Fed fears the inflationary implications. In related news: US jobs depend on Canada— its #1 trading partner; supply and demand tightens in the UK; and NRCan releases State of Mass Timber 2021 report. Meanwhile, Paper Excellence seeks surety to reopen the Prince Albert pulp mill, while its acquisition of Domtar has an analyst asking market questions.

In First Nations/Forestry news: the BC First Nations Forestry Council honours National Indigenous History Month; FSC endorses the First Nations Forest Strategy; solidarity builds for Indigenous claims at Fairy Creek; and a new video on First Nation reconciliation within forestry. Meanwhile, more protesters antics at the old-growth blockades, and how cutting down trees can help tackle climate change.

Finally, the use of old-growth timber hits a sour note in the music industry.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Teal Jones expressed frustration and defended its reputation, as forestry workers denounced the blockades and spoke of forestry’s import to BC. In related news: old-growth protesters target Premier Horgan’s office; BC launches search for endangered owls; and the Lake Cowichan mayor appeals for calm.

In other news: NRCan’s Minister says US unwilling to negotiate on softwood lumber; brazen lumber theft includes two fully-loaded trailers; insane prices are helping Trex’s composite deck business; and Alberta is expanding its harvest in First Nations community. Re: the giant tree (photo) that went viral: Western Forests clarifies its non-role, the tree’s buyer said it will make 3000 guitar soundboards, and The Tyee promotes UBC Faculty of Forestry’s BigTree Registry. 

Finally, on a scale of 1-10, how worried is this Oregon rep about the 2021 fire season. 12!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor has agreed to purchase four sawmills from Georgia Pacific (3 in US South, 1 in Oregon). In related news, pundits say: forestry stocks are down but investor interest remains high; rising prices may portend a pullback in housing sales; the return of the softwood lumber war is based on specious arguments; and—even pledging to name your first-born child after the home seller—doesn’t work in this crazy market.

In other news: CN blockade causes safety concerns for Canfor; wildfires are increasing in high elevation forests; and the US is bracing for a rough wildfire season. On the BC old-growth front: more arrests—some by officers with climbing training; commentaries by Vaughn Palmer and Andy McKinnon, a call for fed monies; and a recap by Justine Hunter.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The risk of tariffs rising on Canadian lumber is about protectionism, says Susan Yurkovich, while  the US Commerce Chief speaks to ‘silver lining’ of finding a long-term solution. In related news: Trump pins lumber crisis on Biden; Canada’s ex-industry minister says fights will continue; while Ian Dunn add’s Ontario’s voice to the ‘unjust actions’. In other Business news: builders report material shortages; trade tensions cause the Canadian dollar to fall; and more on the CN/CP railway saga. 

On the BC old-growth front: protestors ask RCMP to stand down, as arrests reach 127, and a local mayor expresses fear of escalation. In related news: Journalists’ Association and RCMP debate the media restrictions; while First Nation/ENGO groups and the Pique News editor demand action.

Finally, Paper Excellence celebrates First Nation chip-partnership; while North Carolina asked to halt pellet expansions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US/Canada trade dispute resolution system (updated under the USMCA) faces an early test with the US move to challenge dairy quotas. In related news: Biden fails to reverse Trump’s tariff policies; while New Brunswick takes cautious approach in denouncing duties. On the pundit front: lumber prices rose again (Madison’s); US South to add lumber capacity (Forests2Market); domestic output not keeping up (NAHB); and there’s never a shortage of lumber—only a shortage of lumber at cheap prices (Russ Taylor).

In Forestry/Climate news: RCMP arrest 30 more logging protestors, as old-growth review panel member speaks out; dozens of forest fires are burning in Ontario; Washington State U predicts early start to a prolonged fire season; and the UK is feeling the pressure of the global timber shortage. 

Finally, Alberta researchers, new research chair look to the future of Alberta’s forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US moves to double tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports. Related headlines include:

• If US thought lumber prices are insane now, just wait (Nelson Bennett)
• Tariffs will raise producer costs, unlikely to affect prices (Kevin Mason)
• Per previous litigation, Canada’s industry is not subsidized (Susan Yurkovich)
• Tariffs led to expansion of US lumber production (US Lumber Coalition)
• Biden Administration doesn’t care about housing affordability (US Home Builders)
• Independent wood processors unfairly captured by ongoing dispute (Brian Menzies)

In Forestry news: Tzeporah Berman joins BC NDP supporters feeling betrayed by old-growth logging, despite Pacheedaht First Nation support for Teal Jones, and Truck Logger’s call for a collective vision. In other news: forest product prices show continued strength; softwood promotion efforts generate 8 billion bf of demand; and family forests are said to be at risk due to proposed change in US inheritance law.

Finally, a Yellowstone tree-ring study says 2016 was the hottest in 1,250 years.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Seven more old-growth protesters were arrested in BC, including one for assaulting a police officer—while activists claim people are being tackled by the police. In related news: Resource Works says BC is a world leader in forest conservation; a Green MP asks Ottawa to get involved; and a newspaper editor predicts a long hot summer of protest. Elsewhere: US to increase forest thinning to tackle wildfires; Oregon’s hazard tree removal is panned; and the Narwhal on how the UK’s pellet industry impacts logging in BC.

In Product news: a Finish study says multi-story wood buildings sell for 9% more; a new proposal may curtail timber in Los Angeles; the tyranny of concrete in the UK; and wood showcases in South Carolina and Venice. Meanwhile, the BC Forest Practices Board is looking for a new Executive Director, and FEA welcomes Robert Fouquet and Ernesto Wagner to their team.

Finally, be FireSmart and bear-smart this long weekend, and don’t forget Dr. John Worrall’s 83rd.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor