Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The UK Drax Group’s “clean power” switch to wood pellets—begets praise and censure. In related news: the European Parliament blasts the EU forest strategy; UK seeks to bring order to carbon offsets; US old-growth said to be key to climate action; and the Paper Excellence merger sets off environmental alarms.

In other news: the RCMP is open to independent oversight at Fairy Creek; videos capture the speed and fury of a wildfire and a controlled burn; CN Rail gives Kansas City Southern a deadline on rail deal; Paul Fast says building taller with wood makes sense (mostly), and researchers assess whether Ontario’s forests can keep up.

Finally, invasive species control, wildfire fuel mitigation: Think Goats!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US rail regulator rejected CN Rail’s bid to buy Kansas City Southern due to antitrust concerns, but CP Rail’s offer still stands. In Finance news: Canada’s GDP declines in Q2; US consumer confidence falls in August; lumber prices hit bottom; home prices continue to rise;  and woodworking companies continue to struggle with supply chain disruptions.

In Wildfire news: BC extends its state of emergency, as South Lake Tahoe city is ordered to evacuate; and why the US South is ahead of the West in fire prevention. Elsewhere: why demolish when you can deconstruct; and a new report on tropical tree species at risk. 

Finally, Scotland culls female deer to protect trees, tackle climate change.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The return to historic lumber prices begets curtailments at Canfor, and a mill closure by Idaho Forest Products. In other Business news: GreenFirst’s 2nd quarter financials; Kalesnikoff in line for forest practice audit; and a feature on the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario.

In Forestry/Climate news: stories on how planting trees, building with wood and selling carbon offsets can help deliver climate mitigation. Elsewhere: restoring the western white pine in Idaho; Teal Jones seeks renewal of its Fairy Creek injunction, which in turn faces opposition; the driver behind police tactics at the blockade; and the Steelworkers express offence by the lack of balanced commentary. 

Finally, in hurricane Ida’s wake, we are relieved to hear that SFPA’s staff are safe!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

61 arrests stand between Fairy Creek and Canada’s civil disobedience record (set in 1993 in Clayoquot Sound). In related news: BC protests are making a mark on politics; Stewart Muir on the reality of high paying forestry jobs (and other letters by Bob Brash, Vicky Husband et al); and ABCFP’s Christine Gelowitz says it’s time to take a deep breath re: BC’s old growth technical panel. Meanwhile: BC’s firefighting force called too-small; California is said to be fiddling with carbon offsets as the state burns; and The Atlantic features how a small Oregon town fought two mega fires.

In Business & Politics news: Canada’s election draws pledges to build homes; analysts predict lumber prices to rise; the insurance sector wants disaster-resilient buildings; Wisconsin seeks increased mass timber use; the Softwood Lumber Board encourages investments in wood products; and GreenFirst completes its purchase of Rayonier assets.  

Finally, tallying the cost of BC’s summer of fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The San Group builds new relationships with the first new sawmill on BC’s coast in 15 years; and in Ontario, a new mass-timber plant claims to be the most fully automated plant in the world. In Forestry news: Westbank forest manager on what it takes to be a forestry professional; how clear-cutting impacts river volumes on Vancouver Island; and forest management in the “Pyrocene” era in Sierra Nevada.

Fairy Creek continues to headline: David Suzuki calls out Premier Horgan; RCMP watchdog logs over 70 complaints about enforcement; while local businesses feel the brunt of negative media coverage.

Finally, solid wood or composite — Alberta DIYers are four to one for composite!

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Different methodologies for setting stumpage rates can disproportionately impact sawmill operators, says Russ Taylor. In related news: the cost of doing business in BC is blamed for Canfor’s curtailment; and the Steelworkers hope this is only for the short term. Elsewhere: Resolute Forest Products invests in its Fort William mill, while it fights an equipment fire at its Thunder Bay mill; and Roseburg closes its Dillard particleboard plant.

In wildfire news: federal parties pledge support for old-growth forests as RCMP crack down on activists; forest thinning, controlled burns help slow Washington wildfire; Montana lawmakers tout active forest management; and wildfire updates from BC, California, Montana and Minnesota.

Finally, the BC Forest Safety Council creates dedicated webpage on Communicable Disease Prevention.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfire conditions are trending in the right direction in both Western and Eastern Canada. In related news: good conditions prompt an ignition burn near Vernon, BC; but California’s fires continue to burn; a Minnesota wildfire is like a ‘freight train‘; and Oregon prepares for the fight. Tragically, a firefighter was killed in the Gales fire near Eugene, Oregon.

In other news: Canfor to reduce operating schedules in BC due to low lumber prices; Jim Girvan says mill closures are expected if BC stops old-growth logging; Business in Vancouver says compromise is needed; Anthony Britneff says move the jobs; and Paul Quinn expects an end-of-year lumber rally. Meanwhile: old-growth protesters use video to pan RCMP tactics, while the BC Forest Alliance shows how edited videos can distort the truth.

Finally, David Elstone’s view on what BC should be doing given the new wildfire trend.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber prices are down but overall construction costs are up due to labour and material shortages. In other Business news: Louisiana Pacific’s Houlton, Maine expansion takes shape; Tolko seeks approval for redevelopment of Kelowna mill site; APA elects new trustees; and SFPA announces their sawmill safety award winners.

In other news: the Haidi Nation signs landmark deal over Haidi Gwaii islands in BC; the growing market of not cutting trees down; and a UBC ecologist says “just as human homes are in the path of the fires, so is animal habitat.” In other wildfire news:

• BC’s use of international crews rather than local contractors is panned
• BC Wildfire Service, forestry companies butt heads over fire protection efforts
• Oregon loggers are firefighting heroes, but they need year-round work
• Why it takes months to subdue some Washington wildfires—safety first
• As California burns, some ecologists say it’s time to rethink forest management

Finally, weather and wildfires didn’t deter evacuations by BC hospital transfer crews.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

Timberland owners are diversifying their revenue with carbon credits, as prices are on the rise worldwide. In related news: California wildfires consume offset-forests; and Korea buys credits to preserve Asian forests. In Economic news: Canada’s residential construction performed despite pandemic; US custom home building makes gains; US home size is rising; lumber prices remain above average; Conifex Timber’s lumber curtailment; Kandola Forest Products’ fibre search; and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper‘s sewage assistance.

In BC old-growth news: Resource Works says the province gains 17 soccer fields worth of old-growth forests every day; a Focus on Victoria op-ed says the NDP is ignoring science-based advice; and the Fairy Creek protesters accuse RCMP of aggression, paper spray use. Meanwhile, California closes 9 national forests, to the chagrin of some Northstate officials.

Finally, new climate-proof smart bats—hit it out of the park.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing high logs costs and low lumber prices, Conifex is curtailing its Mackenzie, BC sawmill. In other Business news: generational family-owned Tolko Industries celebrates 65 years; West Fraser completes share repurchase bid; hindsight on the GreenFirst/Rayonier deal; and Kenogami Forestry secures Ontario forest licence. Meanwhile, US and Canadian housing updates by Fannie Mae, and Reuters.

In Forestry/Climate news: researchers say forests may cool the planet more than thought; China to plant trees to reduce GHGs; and the science on both sides of the EU biomass debate. Meanwhile: firefighter fatigue concerns are on the rise in BC; US national forests close as evacuations surge in California; and wildfire updates from France and Turkey.

Finally, 49 protesters are arrested at Fairy Creek, bringing the RCMP total to 690.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Court of International Trade struck down the ‘expedited review‘ rule used by some Canadian lumber companies to obtain lower duty rates. In related news: home-improvement chains says lumber markets returning to normal; an analyst says prices will tumble further; and US housing starts fall despite strong townhouse construction. In other Business news, Canfor’s tenure sale is approved, clearing way for Peak Renewables’ pellet plant plans.

In other news: the Softwood Lumber Board and US Endowment to show how wood and forests help tackle climate change; Toronto Conservation Authority’s office building to showcase sustainable development; BC First Nations ask province to rethink its forestry intentions paper; CP and CN face class action lawsuit on Lytton fire; and finger pointing and wildfire commentaries from BC and US politicians.

Finally, Travis Keatley succeeds Adrian Blocker as Senior VP Timberlands at Weyerhaeuser.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Falling lumber prices spur demand but the Delta variant threatens output in the US South. In related news: US housing starts retreat in July; and Canadian producers shed lofty profits. In other Business news: the cumulative impacts of industry on indigenous treaty rights; more mill closures loom for BC; and West Fraser’s share repurchase program is oversubscribed. 

In Climate/Bioenergy news: the recent UN report is seen as a ‘call to action‘; an international symposium will discuss forestry’s role in reducing GHGs; UBC’s forum speaks to building climate resilience into the forest; biomass seen to support the potential of ‘green hydrogen’ power; and Canadian biomass production is expected to grow in 2021. 

Finally, Russia breaks wildfire record, as BC extends its state of emergency.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With memories of a 2009 fire, employees at Gorman Bros. united to defend their West Kelowna mill from a forest fire. In related news: wildfires are linked to increased covid deaths in the US West; and evacuations abound in BC’s Interior; California’s northeast; and southern France. 

Meanwhile, in BC’s old-growth debate: the TLA’s Bob Brash says BC’s forests deserve facts not fabrications; the RCMP’s use of ‘exclusion zones’ at Fairy Creek is disputed; and defining old-growth said to be key to resolving blockades in Revelstoke.

In Economic news: Ian De La Roche on growing new markets for wood; RBC’s Paul Quinn on what’s next for lumber; the CMHC on Canada’s slowing housing starts, and the NAHB says builder confidence falls to a 13-month low. 

Finally, a new book examines the revolutionary shifts in US forestland ownership.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Insurance claims due to severe weather have quadrupled over the last decade—higher premiums will follow. In related news: gusty winds prompt new evacuation orders in BC; 105 fires are burning in Northwest Ontario; and fires threaten homes, strain resources in Northern California. On a positive note, Oregon’s Bootleg fire is now 100% contained.

In other news: wood shows its environmental credentials in Atlanta and London; and some voices on forestry and logging:

• Fact are among the first casualties of BC’s war in the woods (Nicola Dickson, RPF)
• I challenge the definition of old growth in BC (Virginia Thompson)
• Tree planting is good. It is not seedling abuse (Peter Kuitenbrouwer)
• West Kootenay forests may never be the same, says ecologist (Greg Utzig)
• Active forest management creates healthier forests in Montana (Kendall Cotton)

Finally, why scientists and winemakers are fighting smoke taint from wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forests are at a turning point—fire scientists at UC Berkeley underscore the truth of “good fire“. In related news: mitigating fire with prescribed burns, smart logging and education; Big Basin redwoods survive last year’s fire; and wildfire updates from the BC Interior; Oregon; California; Southern Europe; and Turkey. Meanwhile, a smattering of opinions on the UN Climate Change report:

• Unequivical — there’s no going back (John Fyfe, Environment Canada)
• Not the apolcalypse but a problem in need of smart fixes (Bjorn Lomborg)
• Dire, but also some prospects for hope (Rebecca Solnit, The Guardian)

In Business news: Western Forest Products sells Port Alberni mill site to the city; and San Group signs MOU with Tseshaht First Nation. Meanwhile, the Canadian government announces funding for Kruger (energy efficiency), the UBC BioProducts Institute, Indigenous-led conservation and Indigenous-led forest economy.

Finally, any plans for Friday the 13th? In New Zealand, ‘golbincore’ is the latest craze.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sustainable forestry and forest carbon viewed as key to tackling climate change in Canada and the USA. In related news: Europe’s Green Deal needs sustainable biomass to achieve neutrality by 2050. Meanwhile: Canada to protect Quebec caribou; more buildings lost in BC wildfire; California fires could burn until winter; and more bad news from Russia and Algeria. 

In Business news: Interfor plans to expand its new South Carolina sawmill; Northern Pulp restart plan secures industry support; and Roseburg completes purchase of Oregon timberlands. Meanwhile: lumber prices fall to nine-month low; and US inflation growth slows.

Finally, Timber Kings’ trucker Rene Bremner praised for generosity to stranded elderly couple. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires run amuck, but ignoring evacuation orders in BC and California puts lives at risk. In related news: 900 buildings are destroyed in California; Oregon changes strategy on prescribed burning; US private forests suffer less than public forests; and wildfire updates from BC (in the Interior, North and Coast); California; Montana; Russia; and Algeria.

In other news: First Nations urged to boycott BC forestry plan; subject matter experts request involvement in BC’s old-growth review; and RCMP says protesters creating environmental damage. Elsewhere, Canada invests in cellulose-based alternative to plastic microbeads; batteries are made from trees in Finland; Canfor reopens its Houston mill, and Conifex reports strong Q2.

Finally, Southern Forest Products Association’s Forest Products Expo kicks-offs in Georgia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian Pacific Railway ups-the-anti for Kansas City Southern Railway in bidding war with CN Rail. In other Business news: McDonalds grapples with tight supply of to-go bags; Weyerhaeuser grant supports mobile forestry classroom; and market updates on Japan, China, and US pellet exports. Meanwhile: RCMP make more arrests at Fairy Creek; activists celebrate a year of blockades—present old-growth petition; climatologist lays blame for Ontario’s wildfire season; and fire updates from BC, Ontario, Greece and Russia.

In Climate news: a smattering of opinions on yesterday’s grim UN climate report:

• Companies must see past trees to blazing forests (The Financial Times)
• A climate of catastrophe – the facts aren’t that dire (Wall Street Journal)
• Report heightens urgency for businesses to take action (Globe and Mail)
• Climate change’s dangerous effects on the boreal forest (JSTOR Daily)
• I’ve hit my climate tipping point (The Atlantic)

Finally, the strange, mysterious underground world of… mushrooms.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The latest UN report on climate says humans are to blame for acceleration in climate change, but it’s not too late for action. In related news: the UN’s five possible scenarios explained; Canada opens call for studies on carbon capture; renewable energy said to outcompete fossil fuels on cost; and energy efficiency means tackling embodied carbon as well as emissions.

In Business news: Interfor invests to restart DeQuincy sawmill in Louisiana; Domtar faces legal action by Ontario First Nation; and lumber and OSB prices fall as plywood gains market share. In Forestry/Wildfire news: more fires could be the solution to BC’s wildfire problem; and US researchers on whether wildfire efforts impact future fire risk.

Finally, no wildfire relief in August as another period of hot, dry weather is forecast.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor and Western Forest Products report record earnings in Q2 on robust lumber prices. In related news: Washington’s lumber industry reports record revenues; and US housing affordability plunges on high material costs. Elsewhere: Sierra Pacific buys Seneca Sawmill; FPInnovations receives monies for research equipment; and an Omaha recycling company plans to make plastic lumber.

In Forestry news: USDA nominee Wilkes to focus on wildfire management, as Agriculture Chief calls for overhaul; scientists collaborate on adapting forests to new fire regimes; and satellites show how forests help moderate climate. Meanwhile, an update on Ontario’s North Caribou Plan; more arrests at BC’s Fairy Creek and wildfire updates from Europe, Brazil and Greece.

Finally, the 2021 Global Buyers Mission – new format, same great event!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite a long history of helping each other out, both Canada and the US are taxed by the early and severe wildfire season. In related news: BC extends its state of emergency, as the community of Falkland evacuates; how logging and thinning is helping the US reduce risks; and wildfire updates from BC, California, Russia, Greece and Turkey.

In other news: journalist Aaron Gunn wonders who’s behind BC’s old-growth protests; First Nations group rejects BC’s forest policy review process; and increased glyphosate use put on hold in Canada. Companies making headlines include: Tolko (diversification strategy); Volumetric Building (Katerra purchase); Huber Resources (service expansion); Cascades (Q2 results), and Westrock (record financials). 

Finally, American Forest Foundation CEO, Tom Martin is retiring, Rita Hite is his successor.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mercer International enters the CLT business with purchase of the bankrupt Katerra plant in Spokane, Washington. In related news: US LBM acquires three more building material companies; North American lumber prices drop again; and strong Q2 earnings reported by Weyerhaeuser, Mercer, Louisiana-Pacific, Rayonier Advanced Materials, and Enviva Partners.

In Forestry/Climate news: a trio of reports call for climate-smart restoration of US forests, as case studies point to forest disruption; China releases low-carbon construction guidelines; and Oxfam says governments are hiding behind unproven carbon capture and storage technology. 

Finally, wildfire updates from the Northwest Territories, BC, Oregon, and California.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The proposed US infrastructure bill includes $5.75 billion for forest management and protecting forests from wildfire. In related news: California says federal ‘let it burn‘ policy is reckless; Western megafires are the result of a lack of fires; First Nations want a bigger say in how Canada’s wildfires are managed; and wildfire expert Bruce Blackwell on the barriers to increasing the use of prescribed fire. Meanwhile: fire updates from BC; Ontario; Oregon; Idaho; Turkey and southern Europe. 

In other news: BC’s Fairy Creek blockaders plan anniversary event; Quebec under pressure to protect more woodlands; Sweden on verge of timber war due to climate change; and saving spotted owls comes at expense of barred owls. Meanwhile: strong Q2 results by Boise Cascade and Stella-Jones.

Finally, touting the allure of wood workplaces, and New York City’s hidden old-growth.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor Corp. reports record high Q2 earnings, while Domtar shareholders approve merger with Paper Excellence. In related news: record lumber prices deliver sawmill windfall, boost manufacturing sales; and do-it-yourself home projects take the summer off. Elsewhere: Australian timber processors are under pressure; and log exports face backlog at New Zealand ports.

In Forestry and Wildfire news: BC wildfires have costly consequences; smoke expected as winds shift westward; Ontario is not yet ready to declare wildfire emergency; and Oregon warnings issued due to expected lightning. Meanwhile; a veteran BC forester speaks out against lawlessness and disrespectful Fairy Creek protestors, as a retired logger cheers them on. Finally, wildfires and Covid-19 have a lot in common — time to vaccinate our forests!

It’s a long weekend in Canada. The Frogs will be back on the pond Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser, Resolute and Acadian Timber report record Q2 earnings. In related news: despite profits, companies focus on falling prices; retailers blame lumber for rising housing costs, but this professor says growing demand is a driver too. Meanwhile: Japan’s National Stadium—steel and wood roof—is the centrepiece of the Olympics; International Paper wins Friend of the Forest Award; and Maine Forestry Museum honours four trailblazing women.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC court ruling could mean First Nations consent needed for any new project; Ontario First Nation expresses frustration over wildfire response; some US firefighters defect over low wages; and a new report says drought not forestry reason for Australia’s devastating 2019/20 bushfires.

Finally, if you were looking for the “Read More link” in yesterday’s news – so were we! They’re back but your patience is appreciate as we trouble-shoot.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With the UN’s 6th climate report pending, scientists differ on significance of recent extreme weather events and wildfires. In related news: half of Canadians say climate urgency is increasing; Oregon wildfire consumes GHG forest preserve; BC fires burn 10-times more than in 1990s, while costs exceed monies spent all of last year; and wildfire updates from Russia, Greece and Turkey.

In other news: US consumer confidence remains strong; lumber buyers seek discounts as prices find new (temporary) floor; Oregon Logging Conference plans in-person event; and BC is adapting its forest regeneration policies. 

Finally, (not funny) but I’m dreaming of a gnarly brown Christmas

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko Industries and Hunt Forest Products announced plans to build a new sawmill in Louisiana. In related news: Louisiana incentives help secure forestry investments; while BC’s unfriendly business environment is called a barrier. In other Business news: concerns raised over Paper Excellence’s deal with Domtar; Drax increases its stake in US pellet plants; PotlatchDeltic reports record Q2 earnings; and market commentaries by the NAHB, Forbes, Harvard University, and Caroline Dauzat (SLB Chair).

In other news: wildfires create their own weather systems in BC and California; BC’s fuel load becomes the priority as fire season could be worst ever; more air quality alerts issued in Ontario; Arizona’s ponderosa pines may vanish; and sustainable forestry’s contribution to climate is significant but wildfires increase emissions. 

Finally, Gerry Burch, RPF honoured, visits 3rd growth forests he cruised 70 years ago!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Although Northern Pulp has not said how it will finance its proposed reopening, electioneering in Nova Scotia suggests they can’t count on the province. In related news: Alberta signs historic forest management agreement; Weyerhaeuser’s timberland sale supports Hampton’s Darrington sawmill; and a European investment house acquires Australian forestland. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news:

• Climate change expected to bring longer wildfire seasons, larger area burned
• BC’s rare inland rainforest at risk of collapse, international scientists warn
• Scientists fear for wildlife in Ontario’s boreal as wildfires get more intense
• Heat, dry summers main cause of tree death in Colorado’s subalpine forests
• Removal of barred owls slows decline of spotted owls in Pacific Northwest
• Good wildfire news? Evidence from the Bootleg Fire supports thinning forests

Finally, Paul Quinn’s forest product thoughts ahead of Q2 earnings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The United States joins Europe in pursuing carbon tariffs on products from countries with weak climate policies. In other Business news: wildfires cause lumber prices to spike again; Horgan says BC lumber profits should go to wildfire fight; BC forestry employment is up 5%; Universal Forest Products reports record Q2; and CN doubles revenue as regulators mull Kansas City Southern deal. 

In other news: Ontario lawmakers call on Premier Ford to declare wildfire emergency; high lumber prices not benefiting New Brunswick landowners; US wildfires are burning-up carbon offsets; artificial intelligence is used to predict blazes; and Canada’s GHG approach may include a forest loophole.

Finally, Oregon’s magical marbled murrelet merry-go-round is called “unscientific”.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber prices are on the rise again as lumber output and shipments are impacted by Western wildfires. In related news: Canada’s environment minister says extreme weather is a wake-up call; BC Premier says wildfires are graphic evidence of climate change; Western smoke elicits Eastern air quality alerts; the climate benefits of sustainable forestry in the US; and carbon trading updates from New Zealand and the UK.

In other news: Downie Timber diffuses old-growth blockade in Revelstoke; Western Forest Products donates to wildfire relief, and ups its sustainability commitment, Teal Jones says old-growth logging supports 50,000 jobs on the BC coast; green-groups challenge CSA’s forestry certification standard; and a BC judge rules in favour of journalists at Fairy Creek.

Finally, will Big Timber be renewed for a 2nd Netflix season? This insider believes so.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC declares state of emergency as wildfires grow and wind is expected. In related news: transportation challenges result in Canfor lumber production curtailments; forest treatments are proving to reduce fire intensity in Oregon; and wildfire updates from Ontario; Manitoba, Oregon and Montana. Is your emergency kit packed?

In other news: calls for old-growth protection continue in BC, as criminal contempt charges are now expected. US lumber dealers participate in White House supply-chain summit; and the USDA announces pandemic assistance for loggers and haulers. Meanwhile: CN Rail cashes in on the commodities boom; Weyerhaeuser sells some timber land to Hampton; and Stora Enso doubles its earnings in Q2. 

Finally, seems some of you may have missed Part 2 of our Softwood Lumber EdiTOADial.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Alberta firefighters that fought the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire have persistent lung damage. In related news: pressure mounts on BC Premier to declare wildfire crisis; Ontario restricts higher-risk forestry activities; air quality alerts announced for the Toronto, Ottawa and Timmins area; US West fires are moving into uncharted territory; and calls for help from Oregon.

In other news: the BC Prosecution Service says criminal contempt charges possible at Fairy Creek; the US pellet industry pans CNN’s biomass reporting; the Tongass timber wars may never be over; and the European Union’s forest strategy is said to suffer from serious overreach. Meanwhile: the US construction industry remains resilient, as housing starts top forecasts but permits weaken. 

Finally, Part 2 of Wasted Days and Wasted Nights—an EdiTOADial on the Canada/US softwood dispute (click here for Part 1)

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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