Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The New York Times: we made wildfire an Enemy for 110 years when it could have been an Ally. In related news: climate-fuelled wildfires may decimate forests worldwide; what can the US learn from BC’s wildfire smoke experience; and the latest on the fires in California, Oregon and Wyoming.

In Forestry news: there’s going to be a BC election, has the NDP kept their promises; funding for two of BC’s threatened caribou herds; artificial intelligence tracks California’s wildfire hazards; and a 7-part podcast on Oregon’s timber wars. In other news: lumber prices stabilize; Vancouver’s timber tower gets a reprieve; and an interactive map of Canada’s leading-edge wood buildings.

Finally, Tree Frog Editor Sandy McKellar makes news and forest-themed masks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As the 100th anniversary of National Forest Week is celebrated across Canada, FPAC announced its Awards of Excellence recipients; the CIF announced its 2020 National Award winners; and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC launched its 2020 Accomplishments Report.

In Forestry news: US wildfire news from Oregon, Wyoming and California; the potential of carbon credit programs in the Maritimes and Michigan; and reactions to BC’s old-growth announcement from Vicky Husband (shoddy spin-doctoring); the TLA’s Bob Brash (need to focus on the working forest) and the BC First Nations Forestry Council (lack of meaning involvement).

Finally, how long does it take to build a single-family home these days?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With the purchase of Kenora Forest Products, Itasca Capital added timber experts Rick Doman and Paul Rivett to its board. In other Business news: Canfor’s Vavenby mill is sold; a US lawmaker says Canadians threaten Maine logging jobs; Moody’s global paper & packaging outlook is positive, US Timber REITs are on fire; and dealers anticipate lumber prices to decline.

In Forestry news: BC’s Forest Practices Board says regenerating interior Douglas-fir forest a challenge; a series of marches to protect BC old-growth;  Ontario adds to Canadian support for US firefighting; it’s California’s worst fires season ever (again); and heavy rain should bring fire/smoke relief. In other news: BC student housing and condo tower proposals proof that mass timber is ready for prime time. 

Finally, with lumber prices up 170%, what’s happening with wood substitutes?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada is sending 300 firefighters to help battle extreme fire activity in Oregon. In related news: firefighters continue-the-battle in US West; human and financial resources running thin in California; Daines/Feinstein wildfire bill could speed up forestry work; hospital visits are up due to smoke; and BC air quality improves slightly but advisories still in place.

In other news: FPAC applauds FPInnovation’s biodegradable face mask; the Truck Loggers Assn. says its time to protect BC’s working forest; and ENGOs say BC announcement won’t slow old-growth logging. Meanwhile: BC implements changes to export requirements; and the Timber Trade Federation on how to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU.

Finally, mass timber makes headway in Vancouver and Prince George.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US homebuilder confidence soared to an all-time high this week, despite high lumber prices, which encouraged some buyers to postpone their plans. In related news: Iowa builders encourage resumption of softwood lumber talks; and another record-setting month for Canadian housing. Companies in the news include Western Forest Products (BC’s manufacturing tax burden); Georgia Pacific (recycling breakthrough); and Bayer (Roundup litigation resolution). 

In Forestry news: Vancouver Island old-growth blockade remains, as the United Steelworkers says panel tilted its findings to ENGOs. Meanwhile: BC Local News and the Globe’s Gary Mason on the viscid layer of smoke covering BC; and wildfire updates from Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Finally, on a sad note, longtime columnist and renowned professional forester, Roy Strang, has died.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The underlying cause of deadly US wildfires gets politicized; but it’s not as simple as climate change versus forest management. In related news: smoke spreads to six provinces; slow improvement reported in the US with updates and air quality maps; Covid-19 makes the economic pain worse; and how businesses such as Weyerhaeuser step up to help.

In other News: Interfor sells Gilchrist Specialty Mill in Oregon; Ontario’s first CLT plant nears completion; BC flood victims file lawsuit against BC gov’t and forest companies; BC’s Forest Minister won’t be seeking re-election; a UN report says biodiversity goals are not being met; and SFI announces E-Summit on sustainable forestry.

Finally, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom… but wildfire smoke delays the mail.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Firefighting teams from Oregon, California and Montana are bracing for wind gusts capable of producing extreme fire behaviour. In related news: bad forest policies are being blamed, salvaging useable timber is being encouraged; and some ask if today’s conflagrations will change US policy. Meanwhile, smoke hampers BC wildfire efforts in the Slocan Valley; US wildfires called a warning for BC; and Covid-19 sidelines some California crews.

In other news: BC suspends some old-growth logging, plans to consult with communities to develop final plan. Companies in the news include Domtar (fire at Kamloops mill); Western Forest Products (TFL 44 deal); and Northern Pulp (offsetting loss); and Canfor (tracking award).

Finally, what’s up with Frog tunnels, Frog archives and Frog masks?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Dealers report a lull in lumber sales, as construction prices rise and lumber futures climb to a record but also signal Autumn’s “fall back“. In other Business news: New Brunswick’s pulp and paper mills face a tax increase; US hardwood plywood imports from China plummet; Stora Enso expands CLT production; and mass timber makes headway in America and the UK.

In other news: wildfires dominate the US West with stories on the surge in firefighting jobs; increased risk of landslides; closures of forests to logging; and why environmental alarmism makes the fires worse. Meanwhile, Washington’s unprecedented fires; California’s death toll; and smoke and thus poor air quality will continue through the weekend.

Finally, looking for forestry-themed covid-19 protection? the Tree Frog Mask has you covered!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Death and destruction from wildfires in Washington, Oregon and California dominate today’s headlines. In related news: firefighters continue to tackle BC’s Castlegar fire; the highest risk for wildfires (among smaller towns in BC) is Nelson; California closes its national forests; and how all these wildfires could spark a financial crisis. 

In other news: Resource Works says old-growth recommendations weigh heavily on BC communities; Narwhal on monetizing nature-based climate solutions; WWF on the causes of wildlife decline; and Hurricane Laura’s damage to the timber industry. Companies in the news include: EACOM and Domtar (rail line closure); Flavelle Sawmill (closure); Port Hawkesbury Paper (pre-trial date); and Weyerhaeuser (new habitat rule).

Finally, National Forest Week is coming. The theme: Healthy Forests, Healthy Future.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Smoke from US fires is blanketing southern BC and eastern Washington state, leading to health warnings. In related news: heatwave-fuelled fires beget evacuations, firefighter injuries and helicopter rescues in California, while Brazil’s fire situation worsens, reaching 10-year high.

In Business news: Canadian housing starts increase 7% in August, softwood lumber prices pause as demand slows;  BC’s forest industry revenues shrink 31% in 2019; Ontario supports laid-off Kenora forestry workers; and the all-too-familiar storyline of the Huron Central Railway wind-down.

Finally, zen-like timber charging stations for electric cars in Denmark!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

California’s governor declared a state of emergency as fires forced thousands to evacuate. In related news: a record 2 million acres burned in California this year; crews rescue 207 trapped campers in the Sierras; the US has to get serious about wildfires; selective logging key to future blazes; and forget the redwoods—it’s the sword fern that is at risk.

In other News: ENGOs push Canada to halt trade talks with Brazil over deforestation; setting the record straight on Northern Pulp woes; BC’s prized karst caves are protected from logging; the pro and con views re: Oregon’s Forest Resources Institute; the US wildlife agency seeks to change protections for endangered species; and Louisiana lumbermen lament Laura’s long-lasting legacy.

Finally: record high prices drive up Alberta stumpage; while Southern prices plummet.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Even though it’s September, warm temperatures have British Columbia and Oregon officials urging vigilance with forest fires. In related news: three recent fires are among California’s largest ever, but Northeast Ontario’s season is relatively quiet.

In Business news: a hog fuel fire at Tolko’s Merritt mill; Domtar urges gov’t to support the Huron Central Railway; some optimism for Ontario’s Kenora sawmill; and the spike in lumber prices has some Texas homebuilders halting construction. In Forestry news: logging protest updates from Vancouver Island, Nova Scotia, and Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.

Finally, the most macabre of sciences asks if trees can be indicators of human decomposition.

The frogs are off for the Labour Day long weekend. Back Tuesday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s Prime Minister vowed to keep up the fight against US duties on Canadian softwood lumber. In other Business news: Kalesnikoff Timber lands three significant CLT school-contracts; Canfor secures BC gov’t support to convert wood waste into energy; Resolute reaches a production milestone in Thunder Bay; Hampton’s Steve Zika on Oregon’s threat to the working forest; and Spain-based Saica Group enters the US corrugated market.

In Forestry News: a WWF report says Canada’s at-risk species are in decline; Covid-19’s significant impact on America’s forest supply chain; lobbying claim prompts audit of Oregon Forest Resources Institute; forest recovery uncertain in Colorado after wildfires; and concerns abound as heat rarely ever seen is forecast by the weekend!

Finally, more on the Australian study-error linking logging and bushfire risk.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

While North American lumber prices continued to climb last week, there was a palpable reduction in the enthusiasm of buyers. In related news: price hikes continue to push up US home prices as buyers shift to the suburbs; Covid-19 weighed heavily on Japan’s Q2 construction activity, but China was mostly back at work in April.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s Huron Central Railway threatens (again) to cease operations; the American Wood Council announced Jackson Morrill as its new CEO, and the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association’s Get a Quote feature links leads to sales.

In Forestry news: BC’s Forest Minister appoints Wildlife Advisory Council; Vancouver Island’s old-growth protests enter fourth week, while ENGO’s announce online old-growth summit; and an upcoming podcast on Oregon’s Timber Wars. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US is proposing to make it easier to permit oil and gas drilling operations in national forests, angering ENGOs. In other Forestry news: New Brunswick party leaders, Nova Scotia residents take action to stop glyphosate spraying; the American Loggers Council seeks Covid-19 relief; and a Mongabay exposé on the international forest biomass industry.

In other news: demand for housing continues to boost home construction and home costs; BC is encouraged to incentivize pre-fab modular wood homes; and construction starts on 25-storey mass timber tower in Milwaukee. Companies making news include: Weyerhaeuser (timber transactions); Canfor (legacy fund); and Klausner Lumber (lawsuit settlement). 

Finally, research linking logging and bushfire severity in Australia is rejected by independent journal.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The forward-looking indicator—US pending home sales—increased for a third straight month in July. In other Economic news: lumber and copper prices suggest inflation is on the horizon; and lumber shortages continue to strain American and Canadian builders.

In Forestry news: BC to fund wildlife conservation strategy; the Vancouver Island marmot is back from the brink; and a gypsy moth outbreak hits Muskoka, Ontario. In wildfire news: US firefighters juggle Covid-19 infections on the fire lines; wildfires lead to air pollution warnings in Nova Scotia; an evacuation order is in place as Mount Hood, Oregon fire spreads; and Colorado’s Pine Gulch fire is now the state’s largest ever.

Finally, the One Trillion Trees’ US launch and the companies supporting it.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After hitting record levels, Forest Economic Advisors (FEA) says production disruptions from Hurricane Laura are likely to drive lumber prices even higher. In related news: the soaring prices are a concern for builders and lumber dealers, good news for producers; but unsustainable according to the analysts.

In Forestry/Climate news: an NRCan study says fire suppression could increase fire risk in some communities; a rescued Northern Goshawk takes flight on Vancouver Island; emissions reduction and fibre recovery in Smithers, BC; glyphosate spraying begets failing grades in New Brunswick; the US Trillion Tree initiative is promoted by USDA; and Costa Rica’s remarkable turnaround in deforestation .

Finally, paper satchels that look and feel like leather, wash like fabric!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nearly 50 forest product mills are in the expected path of Category 4 Hurricane Laura (23 lumber, 7 panel and 10 pulp mills). In other Business news: Builders FirstSource/BMC agree to merge; US Building Material Dealers protest high lumber prices; and on the World Trade Organization lumber decision—COFI’s Susan Yurkovich says the dispute is likely to continue for some time; while the Real Estate Industry says the WTO is okay with the province’s biomass programs.

In other news: the Softwood Lumber Board released its August update; the BC Forest Practices Board marks 25 years; California announces plan to prevent future catastrophic fires; Purdue University is applying COVID lessons to forestry; and the WWF says action is required on the growing incidence of forest wildfires.

Finally, predicting forest ecosystem health with audio recorders in treetops.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Further to yesterday’s extensive coverage, the summary details of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) decision on softwood lumber are out. Adding their voices to the issue are the United Steelworkers, the province of Ontario; the National Association of Home Builders and Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio. In other Business news: the Flavelle sawmill in Port Moody, BC is closing; a new sawmill is planned for St. Helena, Louisiana; the San Group’s Port Alberni, BC plant is progressing; and a fire strikes Norbord’s plant in Nacogdoches, Texas.

In other news: the California Building Standards Commission unanimously passed a tall wood code change; a BC firefighter on the history of slashburning in BC; a University of Boulder Colorado study on forest recovery after wildfire; and very sadly, a helicopter pilot died fighting a fire in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest.

Finally, Forsite Consultants’ Cam Brown on the uses and benefits of LiDAR.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Thank you for your ongoing patience as we continue to troubleshoot our server problem.

Dominating today’s news is the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute ruling on softwood lumber duties:

Canadian Press — WTO decision cheered by Canadian producers, denounced in US

Bloomberg — US blasts WTO lumber ruling, weighs a veto by filing an appeal

BC Lumber Trade Council — applauds WTO ruling on softwood lumber duties

US Lumber Coalition — panel report is posterchild for need to reform the WTO

Globe & Mail — WTO says Trump’s duties breached global trading rules

BC Premier Horgan — statement on WTO panel report on softwood lumber

Quebec Industry — WTO issues scathing report – arbitrators side with Canada

In other news: Domtar passes FSC certification audit in Ontario; Binderholz establishes foothold in US with purchase of Klauser mill; FH Stoltze to build CLT plant in Montana; Weston Forest buys Ontario-based Monterra Lumber Mills; and a UK law seeks to reduce consumption of products from illegally logged tropical forests.

Finally, a news species of frog in the Philippines looks a lot like our Tree Frog News logo. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

We think we’ve solved our news challenge. Seems our readership and our massive archive of stories overwhelmed our server. Fingers crossed!

In breaking news: the World Trade Organization says US duties on Canadian softwood lumber breached global trading rules. In related news: lumber prices reach all-time high, Canadian wood stocks soar; and the average US home costs $16,000 more. Elsewhere: a fire at IP’s Grande Prairie mill; grants for Indiana wood businesses; and more kudos for Ontario’s new forest strategy. 

In Forestry/Climate news: the challenge of logging BC’s spruce beetle killed timber; Port McNeil’s mayor on the impact of an old-growth logging ban; preserving trees to offset carbon emissions; what is it about California and wildfires; and why wildfire smoke is so bad for your lungs.

Finally, separating science from quackery is an important step towards environmental progress.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As many of you have noticed—and informed us (thank you!), we’ve been experiencing some website technical issues this week resulting in a blank page displaying where our current news stories should be. We know this is frustrating for you – and it’s very frustrating for us. Our tech-team is working hard to find the solution, but to make sure you can still get your daily-fix, we have included all of today’s stories in this email (see below).

Today’s top story is the NAHB reporting that the average new home price is $14,000 higher due to lumber prices, forcing 2-million households out of the market. In related news: lumber prices push lumber stocks higher; lumber mills are up to 8-weeks behind on shipping; and is the staycation syndrome causing the lumber shortage?

In other news: Ontario’s new forest strategy gets positive reviews by industry; new research focuses on the effects of glyphosate spraying; BC’s spruce beetle outbreak hits forests hard; the carbon storage lost to invasive pests in the US is massive; and a California wildfire destroys the state’s oldest state park.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Extreme weather and wildfire begets a declaration of emergency in Oregon; thousands are put on notice in the BC Interior. In related news: more than 360 wildfires are burning in California; Coulson Aviation converts another 737 into an air tanker; and fire-resistant homes are the focus in California’s wildland-urban interface.

In other news: Ontario releases plan to grow its forest industry; record lumber prices push Canadian stocks up; BC proceeds with controversial moose harvest; and the Ontario’s Slate Island caribou transplants are thriving. Companies making news include Weyerhaeuser (staff changes); Boise (pensions); Georgia Pacific (Covid-19); Domtar (safety); and Ponderay Newsprint (purchase offer).

Finally, as many of you have likely noticed, we’ve been experiencing some website technical issues this week resulting in a blank page displaying where our current news stories should be. We know this is frustrating for our readers – and it’s frustrating for us too. Our tech-team is working to find the solution, in the meantime, it seems our archive is unaffected, as such, you can access news from Tuesday and Wednesday here.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A resource-focused task force released its blueprint for Canada’s economic recovery. In related news: softwood lumber prices keep rising; Canadian and US housing starts break records; custom homes outperform the overall building market; and home size appears to be levelling off. 

In other news: BC is continuing its wolf kill program to protect caribou; Nova Scotia still stands behind the Lahey Report on forest practices; Oregon’s habitat conservation plan may reduce county revenues; Senator Danes adds detail to his Forest Reform Bill; and modelling avalanche protection in Switzerland’s forests.

Finally, if yesterday’s server issue kept you from your daily news-fix, you can access Monday’s news here. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts gained ground in July, soaring 23%, while starts in Canada are at a 2.5-year high. In related news: the reno-boom pushes BC lumber prices to record levels; Home Depot earnings are up 27%; and Southern Yellow Pine breaks price record four-weeks in a row. In other Business news: PRT’s nursery fire is under investigation; and Virginia loggers seek tax exemption. 

In Forestry/Climate news: China buys Germany’s beetle-killed logs as Canada fears retaliation over Huawei arrest; Nova Scotia approves 1500 hectares of aerial herbicide spraying; and Wyoming approves logging in beetle-killed timber. Meanwhile, BC’s lightning show sparks fires on Vancouver Island; while Oregon crews make progress on the Columbia River Gorge fire. 

Finally, renowned BC forester Harry Gairns is making news again.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The NAHB builder-confidence index reached an all-time high, as record lumber prices added thousands to new home building costs. In related news: Trump is advised that lumber prices threaten US housing recovery; COFI’s Susan Yurkovich calls the spike a double edged sword; and the home project boom is said to be driving lumber shortages in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and North Dakota. Elsewhere: FPAC calls for Port of Montreal strike to end; and US antidumping rule on moulding is negative for China, positive for Brazil. 

In Forestry/Climate news: beetle outbreaks are upending timber trade flows; old-growth protests continue on Vancouver Island; scientists unlock how trees defend against needle bladder rust; Quebec’s forests are a secret weapon against climate; and Ontario launches first-ever climate change impact assessment.

Finally, Ontario’s Red Lake fire abates as wildfires take off in Oregon; Colorado and California.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After a promising start to the wildfire season, Oregon (Columbia River Gorge) joins California (Los Angeles National Forest), Colorado (Poudre Canyon) and Ontario (Red Lake) with evacuation orders. In related news: a lack of fires hampers trials for Canada’s first night-time chopper; while California hosts a Women in Wildfire Training Camp. Meanwhile: two years after Nova Scotia’s Lahey Report, ENGOs say little has changed; and FPInnovations puts its 50 years of forest products research online.

In Business news: record lumber prices are good news for BC’s industry; lumber sales remain strong but pace slows; Mercer International makes opening bid for bankrupt Klausner Lumber; Teal Jones faces logging protests; and Seneca Hardwood’s Pennsylvania mill is destroyed by fire.

Finally, Rolling Stone Chuck Leavell’s new film opens at the Grand Opera House.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s old-growth review tackles an issue that’s bedevilled government for decades—Stewart Muir reports. In related news: a protester group calls for the BC forest minister’s resignation; the US wants to relax protections for Oregon’s large trees; a plan to log California old-growth faces opposition; and banning native forest logging in Australia is called absurd.

In other news: a report on Covid-19 job losses in Northern BC; the virus forces postponement of Ontario’s Resource Expo; and the Nature Conservancy Canada has a new CEO. Meanwhile, on the wildfire front: evacuations urged in Red Lake, Ontario and Lake Hughes, California; a UBC prof on staying fire-smart; and an angler’s view on the benefits of wildfires. 

Finally, how due you make cities healthier and cooler? Spoiler alert – it involves trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Unceasing demand sent softwood lumber prices into unknown territory; building material prices follow suit. In related news: Alberta’s forest products are booming; Interfor’s surreal quarter; Conifex’s Q2 earnings; and logging contractor rate increases. In other Business news: BC Business leaders call for carbon-tax protection, province risks carbon leakage otherwise; Nova Scotia fought against severance for Northern Pulp workers; and a two-alarm fire at Roseburg in Medford.

In Forestry news: Oregon Institute takes exception to lobbyist criticism; Suzuki pushes back on FPAC’s circular economy recommendation; BC’s old-growth hunger strike ends, but protests continue; the US Forest Service draws fire for revised logging rule plan; and California’s redwoods shape the soil underneath them.

Finally, Richard Guldin receives SAF award first given to Franklin Roosevelt in 1935.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The forest fire risk in northwest Ontario is rising, as a fire near Red Lake results in evacuation order. In other Forestry news: an update on Canada’s certification landscape; BC old growth protests up the pressure on government; and spotted owl habitat reductions are proposed by the US Fish & Wildlife.

In Business news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor on spurring Canada’s economic recovery; a BC prof promotes PPP self-sufficiency; and for some, BC’s forest industry is the best office in the world. Elsewhere: Pinnacle Renewable Energy reports record Q2 sales; excitement builds over Esquimalt’s newest mass timber structure; and concrete’s pollution problem has some companies testing new recipes.

Finally, most Murder Hornet sightings are a case of mistaken identity.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber futures rallied to record highs last week, propelled by the housing boom but also product shortages. In other Business news: a BC judge approves Northern Pulp’s loan; NRCan, FPInnovations and Kruger focus on biodegradable masks; Domtar considers multiple plant changes; and 84 Lumber opens a new truss plant in Ohio. Meanwhile, the Dept. of Commerce announced duties averaging 80% on Chinese wood-finishing imports, although some exclusions have been extended.

In other news: BC’s planting season wraps with no Covid cases; the Narwhal says the US outdoes BC in protecting endangered species; researchers race to protect Nova Scotia’s hemlocks; both tree cover and urban sprawl increases in Michigan; and Brazil’s deforestation is down 25% from 2019 record. 

Finally, a two-seater roadster mahogany flashback foible – oh my!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber futures climbed to record highs as dealers express concern over high prices, virus outbreaks and shipment-delays. In related news: BMO forecasts recovery of Canadian economy next year; US mortgage rates fall to record low; and China recovers from its record Q1 contraction. Meanwhile, more positive second quarter earnings are in for Western Forest Products, Interfor; Domtar and Rayonier Advanced Materials. 

In Forestry/Climate news: FPInnovations releases guide to road building on weak soils; arson is suspected in Southeast BC wildfires; Vermont’s broadleaf forests are being managed for carbon; Brazil invites the private sector to adopt Amazon forests; and Portugal’s forest workers are distressed by imprecise fire alerts. 

Finally, Interfor’s Covid-19 plan keeps Mohalla, Oregon sawmill outbreak in check.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

On the coattails of signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, the US considers relief for Covid-19 impacted logging communities, and a bill to increase forest management and reduce litigation is introduced (to the dismay of some). Companies in the news include: Cascades (Q2 earnings); West Fraser (new heat exchangers); Freres Lumber (PPP loan); Verso (mill closure); and Enviva (pellet plant purchase).

In other news: BC will fund a wildfire chair position at Thompson Rivers University; EPA’s cost-benefit analyses are are a path to better forestry; Europe’s forests face growing pest threat; and illegal logging is on the rise in Brazil.

Finally, the Olympic athletes of the carbon world are… the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study at the Harvard Forest Research site says the rate of forest carbon capture doubled in the past two decades. In other Forestry/Climate news: the gov’t of Canada is investing in BC’s species at risk; Alberta’s forest and wildfire training centre in Hinton to be updated; BC’s old-growth strategy report to be released soon; and EU and Chinese studies shed light on how biodiversity impacts forest ecosystems.

In Business news: the National Association of Home Builders seeks a meeting with US commerce secretary to address high lumber prices and tariffs on Canadian lumber; the Oregon Forest Resources Institute is called a de facto lobby arm of industry; and more positive Q2 financial results from Louisiana Pacific, Norbord and Stella-Jones. 

Finally, a mystery rock face and immortal trees?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber consumption continues to exceed forecasts despite drop in residential and nonresidential construction spending. In related news: Resolute hopes to reopen idled El Dorado mill; Boise Cascade reports positive earnings; and supply shortages a concern for Wisconsin builders.

In Wood Product news: stories on the value of old barns and bent wood; and mass timber innovation comes to Washington state, UK, and Australia. Meanwhile: the US seeks limits on habitat for species-at-risk; Covid-19 is blamed for a rise in Oregon’s human-caused wildfires; and thousands remain evacuated due to a Southern California wildfire.

Finally, the most sasquatch sightings per capita, and wood coffins at your farmers market!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Work-from-home policies are helping make lumber a winner, paper a loser. In related news: Resolute shares rise on lumber revenues; lumber dealers remain positive despite cover-19; timber housing meets housing demand; but housing starts continue to fall in Japan; and lower pulp prices push Weyerhaeuser, Mercer and Finish forest companies earnings lower. Meanwhile: Canada risks spat with Japan over log exports; court approves C&C Wood Products sale; and a Kentucky hardwood producer files for bankruptcy.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC announces new research chair in wildfire management, as it urges caution during the current heat wave and works to adapt firefighting strategies. Elsewhere, forest development stalls despite Trump’s order; and California wildfires grow as more redwoods are protected.

Finally, its a long-weekend north of the 49th, so the Frogs will hop back on Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US economic contraction in Q2 was the worst on record with GDP falling 9.5%. In related US news: pending home sales edged up in June; mortgage applications were down slightly last week and Southern Yellow Pine prices broke the previous record. Meanwhile: the BC Business Council offers up a blueprint for recovery; Nova Scotia’s forestry transition fund is accepting applications; Resolute reports a small Q2 profit; Sappi reports a big loss; and International Paper shows strong earnings. 

In Forestry/Climate news: an ENGO report says Ontario must act on its ‘hidden deforestation‘; the wildfire fix rule is adopted by the US Forest Service; a UK prof says both young and old forests are important to slow climate change; and wildfire pollutants put kidney patients at greater risk.

Finally, musical titan Chuck Leavell has a pending documentary titled ‘The Tree Man‘.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood prices moderated somewhat while consumers and forest sector analysts become less optimistic about the short-term outlook. Companies in today’s news include: West Fraser (strong profits); Pacific BioEnergy (conveyor fire); Northern Pulp (Nova Scotia gov’t pushback); Corner Brook Pulp & Paper (federal funding for diversification); and Weyerhaeuser (new sustainability strategy).

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s oldest Community Forest celebrates 20 years; Oregon increases fire restrictions due to hot temperatures; California’s Shasta College secures a commercial timber license; a book review of The Journey of Trees; and FPInnovations’ Smart Driver for Forestry Trucks training is now online.

Finally, almost 3 billion animals were affected by Australia’s 2019/20 bushfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Second quarter sales and earnings reported by West Fraser and PotlatchDeltic bolstered by strong solid wood prices. In other Business news: Kalesnikoff Timber shows off its new CLT plant, Fast + Epp completes its new mass timber headquarters; Corner Brook, Newfoundland has a new Centre for Forest Research and Innovation; and the Retail Hardware Association names its Top Guns Award winners.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s wet summer prompts slow fire season; fuel buildup puts Arizona communities at risk; a U of New Hampshire study improves drones ability to identify tree crowns; and an ENGO study on UK support for wood biomass is called “incredibly leading“. 

Finally, a new study says millennia trees have tricks to stay youthful but there’s no immortality.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The V-shapped housing market recovery is being challenged by low lumber inventories and high prices. Companies in the news include: Canfor’s Taylor pulp mill (record production); C&C Wood Products (a suitor is found); Elmsdale Lumber (a shortage of logs); Verso’s Luke Paper Mill (a lack of UI benefits); and Kimberly-Clark (new climate goals).

In Forestry/Climate news: the spruce budworm is surging in Ontario; a breakthrough agreement clears the way for thinning in New Mexico; new satellite technology to monitor Argentina’s forests; Scotland looks to expand its woodlands; and Germany’s forests decimated by insects, drought.

Finally, the summer heat is drying out BC’s forests; as wildfires abound in Maine and Portugal.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor