Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Canadian Pacific Railway’s plan to acquire Kansas City Southern will create the first rail network connecting US, Mexico and Canada. In related news: ENGO’s target the Drax takeover of Pinnacle Renwable Energy; and San Group is declined relief from Port Alberni tax hike. Meanwhile: US homebuilders continue to sound the alarm on lumber prices; architects are encouraged to see the forest and the carbon; and Google’s pending mass timber unveil.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC First Nations Forestry conference announced; Alberta researchers use tiny “flight mills” to assess pine beetle spread; hazard tree removal proposed for Oregon wildfire areas; the EU releases guidelines for wildfire prevention; and Russia has big plans to use forests to offset carbon. 

Finally, wood is good—so say the producers of mushroom bustiers and wood nickers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

This year’s International Day of Forests theme: Forest Restoration as a Path to Recovery and Well-Being, gives rise to stories of Canada’s green recovery; India’s increasing forests; Switzerland’s bioenergy conundrum; palm-oil’s green progress; and ENGO exploitation warnings. In related news: BC faces rising criticism on old-growth, as protests make news in Grand Forks, Nanaimo, and Victoria; Oregon Industry pushes back on forestry board changes, and UK Timber Trade Federation says Greenpeace covets headlines over consensus. 

On the Business front: Cariboo updates on West Fraser, Parallel 55, and Tolko; as well as stories on mass timber progress in Canada; the US; Washington DC; Boston, and the UK.

Finally, a Women of Paper exhibition in Quebec and a map of Canada’s Women Pioneers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Americans do not need to be protected from wily Canadians selling lumber at reasonable rates, says the National Review’s Kevin Williamson. In related news: the US construction material cost-shock migrates beyond lumber, creating shortages and pushing new home prices higher. Elsewhere: New Brunswick is panned for not increasing timber royalties; Resolute might permanently idle two Quebec newsprint mills; and the trade impact of Russia’s proposed log export ban.

In Forestry/Climate news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor on forestry’s role in Canada’s net-zero future; BC faces protests, calls for action on old-growth, climate change, and species at risk; the USDA announces investments to conserve forest and wetland habitat; and the proposed REPLANT Act seeks to restore US National Forests damaged by wildfires.

Finally, Alabama school children meet Lucy and a Logger.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Chile and the United Kingdom look to forests and bioenergy to reach their net-zero emission targets, but ENGOs say burning wood for fuel undermines climate goals. In Safety news: (sadly) a logging accident on Vancouver Island claims the life of a faller; while Prince George is set to launch a helicopter-based rescue service that caters to resource industries.

In other news: the US housing slowdown is blamed (in part) on lumber prices, which eased somewhat last week; while UK housing rebounded despite a 16% drop in 2020. Meanwhile, Frank Dottori’s Ontario sawmill upgrade; Nova Scotia’s Lahey report challenges; and Weyerhaeuser’s burt log salvage focus in Oregon.

Finally, NLGA has a new president and the UK Softwood Conference is only 2-weeks away.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Skyrocketing lumber prices pervade most of today’s headlines:

• Lumber prices a headache for US home buyers, builders
• Will Northern Ontario benefit from rising lumber prices
• Cost of Canadian lumber skyrockets during pandemic
• Canadian manufacturing sales rose, powered by lumber
• US housing starts decline, but momentum will resume
• Why are Southern Pine log and lumber prices out of sync

In Forestry news: BC’s Green Leader and the BC Forest Alliance speak out on old-growth, as pressure mounts on Premier Horgan; and forestry protestors gather at Nova Scotia’s legislature. Meanwhile: the International Biomass Expo kicks-off; SFI announces their conference details; Oregon’s Forest Science complex is finally completed, Charles Barkley gives back; and Swiss scientists generate electricity from wood.

Finally, Happy St. Patrick’s Day – a welcome distraction from the day’s news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario’s forest industry’s Ian Dunn (and other AGM speakers) on how the forest sector is well-positioned to support the province’s economic recovery. In related news: the restart of Powell River paper mill is called ‘bittersweet’; softwood duties continue to hamper US imports; 35 organizations urge Biden to take action on lumber; high material costs drive builder confidence down; Covid-19’s impact on buyer wants; and why the current housing boom is different from the last one.

In Forestry/Climate News: BC’s Supreme Court to hear historic land title case; the USDA seeks input on its climate-smart forestry strategy; Covid shutdowns result in short-lived improvements to air quality; and John Brink’s inspiring journey from Holland to Canada and the establishment of Brinks Forest Products.

Finally, the colourful lives of Interior logging truck drivers is proving to be successful TV.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The trend in Canadian housing starts declined in February, as the lack of supply sent sales and prices higher. In related news: the US reports strong single-family permit gains in January; and record steel prices add to building-material woes. In other Business news: NRCan invests in earthquake-resistant schools (with mass timber); construction at Washington’s Darrington Wood Innovation Center is set to begin; and Australian timber faces protracted logjam with China.

In Forestry news: BC’s forest minister takes old-growth moratorium off the table, as concerns rise over delayed action; Mosaic works to retain public access on its private lands; Women in Forestry Summit calls for culture shift; the yin and yang of post-wildfire logging in Oregon; and Louisiana forestry is still tallying the cost of storm damage.

Finally, the secret life of trees: US researchers probe elevated methane emissions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC urged to protect most at-risk old growth forests while it works to transform its forestry policy. In related news: ENGO report card gives BC a failing grade, Nova Scotia brings back Biodiversity Act; ENGOs assail “lack of action” on Lahey report; protesters and industry claim victory after Nova Scotia judge rules on blockade; and the New York Times on a global plan to conserve nature.

In other news: North American lumber prices extend surge, as Canada loses market share to European sources; BC establishes a new community forest with First Nation involvement; Colorado and Arizona focus on their fire risks; and a USDA update on Rocky Mountain beetle outbreaks. 

Finally, scientific intervention could save the Arctic permafrost, but should we?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Greenpeace’s recently launched campaign “Destruction: Certified” is called biased and unconstructive by PEFC and FSC. In related news: ENGOs give BC a failing grade on old-growth; the Nature Conservancy highlights Canada’s 9 Ecocrisis Regions; Nova Scotia reaffirms commitment to forest management changes; and a coalition of groups say we need to preserve nature to prevent future pandemics.

In Business news: Unifor expresses relief over Powell River mill startup; more on the proposed biomass and biofuel plants in Prince George; and Oregon’s forest industry pushes back on tax policy criticism. Meanwhile: strong lumber and paper demand begets upward revisions to provincial GDP forecasts, and Australian insights on what we need to know about nature’s gift (wood).

Finally, a kilted Scotsman traverses Canada to save Scotland’s ancient pinewood forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia’s  Premier plans to be Canada’s first carbon-neutral province, cites changes to forest management as part of the process. In related news: Resolute commits to reduce GHG emissions by 30%; the proposed US GREEN Act will support bioenergy; and the Dutch Parliament disallows new subsidies for forest biomass-for-heat plants. Meanwhile: logging concerns from Peachland BC; Nova Scotia; Poland and Australia. 

In Business news: a look ahead for BC’s forest industry by Jim Stirling (Logging & Sawmilling Journal); Stella-Jones reports strong Q4 results; crews douse fire at Carrier Lumber’s sawmill; Western Forest Products donates land for a community trail; and consumer confidence is up in Canada, as lumber prices continue to rise.

Finally, how small were homes 100 years ago? How about the year you were born?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Assessing the cumulative impact of human activities on Canada’s environment is facilitated with new online access to data/reports. In other  Forestry news: wildfire fuel challenges in Prince George, BC and Payson, Arizona; the downside of Oregon’s 21″ rule; and deforestation in Mexico is up, while Indonesia reaches record low.

In Business news: Canada’s housing construction reached record levels (while Japan’s fell and South Korea’s rose slightly); as US forecasts record volumes in 2021 (Dodge Data & Analytics and Housing Wire). Meanwhile: Canfor considers biofuel project in Prince George; Powell River’s paper mill will restart in May; Westervelt celebrates new Alabama lumber mill; Sappi deputes Maine water contamination claim; and more on the Oregon Forest Resources Institute controversy. 

Finally tree surgeons fell centuries-old oaks to rebuild the Notre-Dame spire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

International Women’s Day is celebrated by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative; Canadian and Australian manufacturers, among others. In other Business news: Western Forest Products announced Board changes; a fundraiser for WFP contractor killed near Gold River; and BC’s Port Alice mill isn’t being demolished—its being recycled. Meanwhile: forest products add to Canada’s trade surplus; US construction employment drops in February; and Australian log exports are hit hard by China’s ban.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ottawa unveils carbon-offset-credit system; Ontario NDP pledge to bring back cap-and-trade; the Biden era of climate-aware forest policy; China announces plan to meet climate goals; new data says 2/3 of tropical rainforests are degraded; and a new US study affirms the harmfulness of wildfire smoke.

Finally, the Dr. Seuss controversy brings back memories of the Lorax parody.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A BC Supreme Court judge delayed the Teal Jones injunction request by three-weeks, giving blockaders time to prepare their defence; while protesters declared their solidarity to the old-growth cause in Mission City and East Kootenay, BC. In related news: BC investigates report of logging at archeological site; Washington state seeks more resources to fight wildfires; and Verra’s carbon offset standard is being updated.

In Business news: Dodge Data & Analytics says the US economy will be back to pre-pandemic levels by mid-year 2021; Harvard University sees growth for US housing and remodelling; and Statistics Canada reports record high building permits. Meanwhile: CWC promotes its Wood Wellness Summit; and Montana State researchers seek to improve wood’s strength with nanocrystals.

Finally, setting fires for frogs; and how females tune out useless male amphibians.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fort Nelson First Nation, local government reject ENGO criticism of proposed pellet plant, view partnership as a model for land stewardship. In related news: an NRCan report says wood pellets and chips dominate Canada’s bioheat sector; while Shellbrook, Saskatchewan and Tahoe City, California assess the potential for new plants. In other Business news: lumber prices surpass historical threshold; Canada’s lumber production rose in December; and Bluelinx reported strong Q4, full-year results. 

In other news: BC and Columbia Basin Trust partner to reduce wildfire risks; Colorado and New Jersey foresters assess their state’s fire risk; a US bill seeks to reduce tropical deforestation; and SFI awards grant to enhance songbird habitat in West Virginia.

Finally, the pandemic has travellers chilling through the Sounds of the Forest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Through its Green Construction with Wood program, Canada will help showcase a new mass-timber office structure in Vancouver. In related news: CWC’s Wood Wellness Summit focuses on health-centered living; while naturally:wood highlights wood industrial buildings. In Business news: Oregon’s timber industry says it can’t afford new taxes; and Conifex reports improved Q4, full-year results.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC old-growth dispute heads to court, as activists prepare for civil disobedience; BC investigates alleged logging at First Nation burial site; the US House passes Wild Olympics bill; Maine seeks to ban aerial herbicides; and a new study on pesticide’s impact on downstream aquatic species.

Finally, WestRock Co. elects new CEO in David Sewell, and APA’s new president is Mark Tibbetts.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Residential construction rose 2.5% in January, reaching a record high rate (seasonally adjusted). In related news: total US construction also increased; while rising costs for new homes is pricing buyers out of the market; and Canada’s housing chief acknowledges error in last year’s housing forecast. In other Business news: BC is encouraged to focus on leading export industries to kick-start economy; and China extends tariff exclusion on imported hardwood products.

In Carbon/Climate news: new research says temperate rainforests are altered by climate change; US Carbon Capture Coalition releases policy blueprint; tax credit for wood and pellet heating is signed into US law; Banff Alberta is converting wood waste into energy; and Rayonier quantifies its net positive climate impact.

Finally, Canada’s Ambassador to the US will speak at COFI, while SFPA elects new officers; and Tolko celebrates Orange Shirt Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Forest Products Association of Canada welcomes new federal advisory body on pathways to reach Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. In related news: Forbes on why bioenergy matters;  accelerated tree growth due to climate change, and coastal flooding is causing elevated methane levels. Meanwhile, thinning redwood forests without affecting stream temperatures; and Steelworkers and BC First Nation lobby for increased timber access.

In other news: blockade of Teal Jones’ logging is heading to BC’s Supreme Court; Northern Pulp is encouraged to change course on Nova Scotia mill closure; Domtar’s CEO is back to work after covid scare; Taiga reports strong Q4 financials; and Mosaic makes sizeable school-for-meal donation.

Finally, Rob Moonen on BC’s year of forest safety challenges and successes in 2020.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Drax is abandoning its plan to build Europe’s largest gas-fired power station, switches focus to wood pellets with purchase of Pinnacle Renewable Energy. In other Business news: Kruger expands its Quebec tissue plant; Kalesnikoff’s evolution in BC; and wildfires leave US and Australian forest owners struggling to secure liability insurance. Meanwhile, home builders continue to grapple with soaring lumber costs; US builders pressure Congress for relief; and economic updates by NAHB, CMHC, and BC Central 1 Credit Union.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s industry, Steelworks say the province’s old growth strategy needs to consider all Crown forest lands; new research adds to our understanding of climate change’s impact on US/Canada temperate rainforests; and planting trees can’t compensate for increased wildfires worldwide.

Finally, Canada and BC launch a new Nature Agreement to protect species at risk.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Record high lumber prices are spurring speculation of more merger and acquisition activity in 2021. In related news: pent-up demand will keep prices high; US single-family sales rise 4.3% in January; Resolute’s incoming CEO is bullish on lumber; Canfor reports record results for 2020 despite pulp sector woes; West Fraser announces share buyback plan; and Pinnacle, Cascade and Rayonier Advanced Materials report strong Q4, full year results.

In other news: Canada’s wood pellet industry says trees must go to their highest and best use; US Forest Owners are helping tackle climate change; timber is at bottom of list of commodities causing deforestation; and Drax purchase of Pinnacle is panned by NRDC.

Finally, US and Canada celebrate wood use and design while cement producers take umbrage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The American General Contractors have joined US homebuilders in urging White House intervention on lumber prices. In related news: high demand is keeping softwood prices high, while US tree growers claim they have gained nothing in the process; US consumer confidence trends up; and forest product manufacturing is off to a strong start. Meanwhile, news on: Resolute, Thunder Bay (effluent discharge); Go Labs, Maine (mill equipment); and New’s Zealand’s wave of mill closures.

In Forestry news: new research on climate impacts on forest seed production; how the forest sector can help mitigate GHG emissions;  Tom Vilsack is confirmed as agriculture secretary (again); and West Virginia’s senators announce funding for habitat protection.

Finally, Europe’s forest vulnerability, Germany’s beetle challenge and Ireland’s timber crisis.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Trudeau and Biden are set to release a roadmap for a renewed relationship, but a new US administration comes with new frictions. In other Business news: US and Canadian confidence indicators are on the rise as covid-concerns ease; the surge in residential building permits means strong markets ahead; builders point to material prices as their top challenge; and soaring lumber prices add to Oregon’s housing crisis. Meanwhile: Kalesnikoff Timber is named BC’s lead exporter of manufactured products; and Boise Cascade reports strong results.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s anti-logging protesters target Premier Horgan’s office; tree spiking is employed by Trans Mountain protesters; Nova Scotia ENGOs pan province’s logging ban; the US is reconsidering Trump’s spotted owl rollbacks; and keeping trees in the ground is championed to slow climate change.

Finally, registration is open for SFPA’s renowned Sawmilling EXPO.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Details are sparse but the United Steelworkers denounce possible increase to US lumber duties foreshadowed in Bloomberg Law. In related news: Southern Yellow Pine hits new record high; Madison’s positive 2021 market outlook; lumber prices are adding to the cost of a new homes; and some analysts forecast even more lumber upside. In other Business news: Alberta’s forest industry is booming despite the pandemic; Teal Jones seeks relief from logging blockades in BC; and the BC Forest Practices Board is hiring.

In Forestry/Climate news: next steps in Canada’s two billion tree planting program; Alberta companies take on the CO2 challenge; Montana’s 2020 wildfires worse since 2012; more California redwood forest is protected; and a new Oregon rule says the barred owl—not logging—is the real threat to the northern spotted owl. 

Finally, some Asian beetles are a threat to our forests, while others assist with invasive tree control.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US intends to reinstate higher anti-subsidy duties on softwood lumber, says it didn’t have authority to conduct “expedited” review. In company news: Western Forest Products’ strong Q4, full-year results; Louisiana Pacific’s upgrade plans for Golden, BC and Houlton, Maine; Rockshield EWP’s investment plans in Cochrane, Ontario, a new truss plant for 84 Lumber in Virginia; West Fraser’s Top 100 Employer’s award; and Canfor’s generosity.

In the Markets, a flat outlook for Arkansas’s forest owners; and more on record lumber prices, US housing starts, mortgage rates; and builder credit conditions. In Forestry news: forest health investments in Idaho; forest education goes virtual in Georgia; sustainable forestry in Malaysia; timber wars in Australia; and Brexit’s ban on Northern Ireland’s tree. 

Finally, congrats to Jim Girvan, one of BC’s newest Distinguished Foresters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The pros and cons of wood-based bioenergy initiatives comes to the fore in Fort Nelson, BC; Edmonton, Alberta; and Springfield, Massachusetts. In related news: safety at Canada’s wood pellet plants; and climate and forest management blamed for increasing fires in Washington state.

In Business news: headwinds for US housing construction activity in January due to rising lumber and other building material costs; Nova Scotia’s forest industry vows to help implement Lahey recommendations; Weyerhaeuser appoints new CFO; and good news for the Swedish startup that builds wind turbines out of wood. 

Finally, New Zealand introduces non-native insects to tackle its wasp problem.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US home builder confidence rose amid strong demand and double-digit home price gains, despite momentum concerns due to record-high lumber prices. Companies in the news include: Mercer International (improved Q4, 2020 results); Louisiana Pacific (Peace Valley mill restart); Pinnacle Renewable (Drax purchase); and Paper Excellence (Women & Girls in Science Day).

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia’s new premier sees the forest for the trees; ENGO map depicts BC’s disappearing forests; Canada supports growth of Temagami First Nation forest jobs; Minnesota winter is bad news for tree pests; and logging resumes in bushfire-affected Australian forests.

Finally, how much carbon is stored in US forests. How about in a 105-storey timber tower? 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Louisiana Pacific announced strong earnings along with plans to restart its Peace Valley OSB mill in Fort St. John, BC. In related news: home construction in Canada’s suburbs fuelled a January housing-starts surge; US permits end 2020 on a strong note; while lumber prices defy the normal winter slowdown; and US builders seek gov’t support to ramp up lumber production. Meanwhile, BC’s Forest Professionals celebrate their 2021 award winners and FSC Canada endorses BC First Nations Forest Strategy.

In Forestry/Climate news: forests are carbon sinks and sources (World Economic Forum); our economic system needs to “value nature” (Trevor Hancock); creating the largest boreal protected region in the world (in Alberta); prescribed fires can save Arizona’s forests (Peter Aleshire); and to keep forests intact, and we must use them (Blake Hudson).

Finally, the hunt is on for centuries-old oaks to rebuild the spire of Notre Dame.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s a long weekend for the Frogs and most of our North American readership. We will be back tomorrow with latest headlines!

West Fraser Timber and its wholly-owned subsidiary—Norbord, released strong Q4 and full-year results (along with positive outlook for 2021). In related news: Domtar reports losses due to lower paper demand; US housing trends prop-up US rail traffic; Collins Wood Products has a new CEO; and mass timber makes news in The Economist.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta expands the world’s largest boreal forest preserve; forest carbon offsets gain popularity in the Maritimes; Alaska landslides may have a carbon-storage upside; Australia’s logging said to increase flammability as the country’s forest wars heat up; Russia’s log export ban will be far-reaching; and Africa’s Great Green Wall aims to reforest the continent.

Finally, tree-free TP, no-vacancy pheromone treatments; and overnight, wood-infused whiskey?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forest minister discusses old-growth logging, says forestry stakeholders must break from the past and work together.

In other Forestry news: FPAC announces Canadian finalists for international forest researchers award; US Democrats reintroduce GREEN Act to expand renewable energy; Republicans say plant trees but also cut them down; wood pellets called a missed opportunity in Canada; pulpwood key for US landowners; Shell turns to forests to offset GHGs; and an EU academic says it’s time to stop treating the burning of wood as carbon neutral.

In Business news: Weyerhaeuser and Acadian Timber report strong Q4, year-end 2020 results; Norbord fined for worker injury; JD Irving declares Covid outbreak; and AF&PA elects Michael Doss as new Board Chair.

Finally, Patrick Moore on his new book: Fake Invisible Catastrophes and Threats of Doom.

Kelly  McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor has agreed to purchase the WestRock Co. sawmill in Summerville, South Carolina; while the San Group previewed its nearly-complete reman plant in Port Alberni, BC. In related news: the Port of Prince Rupert expansion will accommodate rising wood pellet shipments; a refresher course on how natural resources drive BC’s economy; log supply issues in North America open door for EU exporters; and lumber and housing updates by Madison’s; the NAHB; and the Mortgage Economic Review.

In Forestry news: an ENGO map shows the cumulative impact of industrial activity on BC’s forests; the Valhalla Wilderness Society says Selkirk Caribou are threatened; and BC’s Forest Practices Board finds issues in Clearwater BCTS audit. Elsewhere: Arizona lost 1 million acres to wildfires in 2020; and women still scarce in Tasmania’s forest sector—but change is coming.

Finally, fruit eating, seed-pooping animals can help restore Brazil’s degraded forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Residential construction in Canada continued to show strength for the 3rd straight month in December; while the share of US buyers purchasing homes reached a three-year high. Companies making headlines include: Pinnacle (Drax bid); Kruger Products (energy investment); Resolute (virtual office); Vicksburg Forest Products (mill expansion); Ritchie Bros. (management change); and Simpson Strong-Tie (record 2020 sales).

In Climate Change news: U of West Virginia researchers signal importance of forests; UK scientists warn misuse of climate models; and Forests2Market says industry should embrace the climate conversation. Meanwhile: BC pauses Spallumcheen logging proposal; bark beetle outbreaks threaten Colorado forests; and California addresses the treated wood waste issue.

Finally, CWC announces a Wood Wellness Summit on health-centred living using wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence invests $600k, hopes to restart its Prince Albert pulp mill ASAP. Other companies making news include: Pinnacle Renewable Energy (to be acquired by Drax Group); Resolute (restarting Ignace sawmill); Seaspan (two new containerships); and Interfor (eyeing growth by acquisition). Meanwhile: China reduces wood tariffs; South Korea relaxes codes limiting wood use; and more BC municipalities approve tall wood projects.

In Forestry/Climate news: TLA’s Bob Brash says it’s time to protect BC’s forestry sector; Nova Scotia hits 13% goal of land protection; Ontario gets mixed reviews on species-at-risk projects; lawmakers target timber tax cuts; and UN FAO Forestry Chair says turbo-charging timber and forestry key to fighting climate change.

Finally, BC foresters, biologists turn the page with enactment of Professional Governance Act.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor reported positive 2020 results and expects markets to remain robust in 2021. Other companies making headlines include: Paper Excellence (court approval to acquire Brazil pulp mill); Kenora sawmill (union update on possible restart); JD Irving (capitalizing on own mill waste); and West Fraser/Norbord (design trends newsletter). Meanwhile, updates on the wood product front Kevin McKinley (CWC) and Michael Green (Architecture).

In Forestry/Climate news: BC Forest Alliance pushes back on ENGO calls for more old-growth protection, as BC agrees to review Sierra Club report linking logging and climate risks. Elsewhere: Oregon groups want post-fire logging to stop; California targets boreal and tropical forest loss; and the world’s biggest owl is threatened in Russia.

Finally, forest leaders are recognized by BC Forest Professionals and Forests Ontario.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber prices rebounded last week as clarity remains elusive on sales and prices. In other Business news: Resolute reports improved Q4 and full-year earnings; a cooperative looks to purchase Verso’s Wisconsin pulp mill; Simpwc First Nation pursues a waste-to-energy mill for Vavenby, BC; a biomass-based diesel plant is being constructed in Port Arthur, Texas; and updates on US homeowner vacancy rates and sources of financing for new homes.

In other news: ENGO’s calls BC’s old-growth protection ‘misleading‘; Biden urged to protect non-native species at risk; and tree hunters find tallest sugar pines in the world. Meanwhile: FPInnovations says the future is wood; and robot logging trucks are coming to Northern Ontario.

Finally, BC’s Minister of Forests keynotes foresters’ AGM, and an update on the Montreal Wood Convention.

 Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US Secretary of agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack sees biofuels and bioenergy helping meet Biden’s climate goals. In related news: USDA support for bioenergy will be discussed at the International Biomass Conference March 16-17; and changes are coming to supplier shares of the Japanese biomass market. In BC Business news: the pillar of the province’s economy is made of wood; natural resource industries are helping the recovery; and exporters are increasingly caught in a container squeeze.

In other news: Nova Scotia protects 20 new sites; US perspectives on the role timber plays as an alternative to concrete and steel; and loggers as environmental heroes. Meanwhile: Sappi’s latest financials, Rex Lumber CEO joins the US Endowment board; and the Texas Forestry Association elects a new president.

Finally, the 2021 Association of BC Forest Professionals’ virtual AGM kicks off today.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The virtual Global Buyers Mission attracted 660 buyers and sellers of wood products, 85% of the usual in-person event. In other association news: the BC Forest Professionals’ AGM starts tomorrow; and the Southern Forest Products’ Tami Kessler is retiring after 45 years. Meanwhile: BC resources are said to pave the road to recovery; Western Forest Products has a new collective agreement; PotlatchDeltic reports positive Q4 and 2020 results; Rambler Wood Products announces new Virginia facility; and Weston Forest has a new VP sales.

In Forestry/Climate news: COP26 to focus on worldwide forest protection; US scientists confirm 2020 tied the record for hottest year; BC conservationists argue the climate impact of clearcuts; and BC allocates monies to increase wood fibre use.

Finally, from a groundhog in Pennsylvania, prepare for six more weeks of winter!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A report commissioned by Sierra Club BC says reduced logging will help protect the province from the flooding, wildfires and droughts caused by climate change. In related news: mild winters will exacerbate Alberta’s beetle problem; conservationists say BC’s coastal forests need protection now; Oregon’s largest tree a magnificent stump now; and New Mexico adjusts to year-round wildfire seasons.

In Business news: West Fraser concludes acquisition of Norbord; US homebuyer expectations improve as the housing boom rolls on; the pallet industry’s mixed outlook for the Biden presidency; and the Carbon Capture Coalition’s recommendations on climate change.

Finally, highlights from Day 2 of WoodTALKS at the GBM, and UBC’s expansion plans include extensive wood use.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

First out with their Q4 and full year 2020 financial results is Weyerhaeuser; while Domtar announced their CEO has contracted Covid-19. In other Business news: Verso Co. has a new CEO; Trudeau’s tree planting pledge could cost twice what’s budgeted; BC’s premier speaks to his recovery fund and low-carbon goals; and US new home sales bounce back from 4-month downtrend.

In other News: WoodTALKS at the GBM highlights the benefits of mass timber construction; Dovetail speaks to the pace of forest certification change; BC Timber Sales gets a good audit; the Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s wildfire reduction efforts; and Carbon Trust certifies Mosaic’s carbon footprint.

Finally, the Tree Frog readership is up 70%! Care to know the company you keep?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A European Commission report confirms the climate benefits of biomass, while the US stimulus bill raises questions on the carbon neutrality of burning wood for power. In related news: Finland-based UPM moves forward with new biomass biorefinery; Biden replicates Trudeau’s 30×30 approach on forests and climate; and the University of Victoria plans to establish a professorship of climate journalism.

In Business news: Weyerhaeuser tops the list of US lumber producers; BC hopes to incentivize its resource sector; an insurance company helps address mass timber construction risks; and softwood prices correct downward as construction costs rise.

Finally, building a dream-home from recycled wood and an ice-hut with a chainsaw.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With US lumber prices at record highs again, lumber buyers say they have to “pay up or run out“. In related news: US and Canadian homebuilding prevailed over the pandemic in 2020; while interest in purchasing a home continues to rise; despite the double-digit increase in home prices. Meanwhile: a new report on four-storey wood school options for BC; stronger building codes to protect against Colorado wildfires; a new code of practice for wood preservation in the UK; and New Zealand’s trade deal with China benefits wood exporters.

In Forestry/Climate news: Western Forest Products agrees to new preserves in TFL 19 near Tahsis; the City of Nelson wants to assess the embodied carbon in its buildings; 13 Nova Scotia lumber mills seek to hold back protester-blockades; and what we can learn from Arizona’s devastating forest fires.

Finally, tiny wood homes in Europe that fold for ease of transportation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Builder Magazine named America’s Top 200 builders, with the Top 10 capturing 30% market share. In related news: US commercial and multifamily starts pulled back in 2020; while Southern Yellow Pine prices are off to a record start in 2021. In other Business news: Cascades named as one of the world’s most sustainable companies; forestry is a top economic driver in Georgia; and the Softwood Lumber Board seeks six new industry directors.

In Forestry/Climate news: forest-based carbon trading is poised to go mainstream; wildfires open Oregon’s forests for wildlife and research; BC urged to protect more old-growth forests; and Kalesnikoff proposes agroforestry project in Nelson, BC.

Finally, life of a log hauler on the Discovery Network and a good news caribou video by FSC Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor