Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Despite a rate reduction, Canada vows to challenge US softwood duties at the World Trade Organization. In related news: US homebuilders and US producers are at odds over lumber duties; Ontario says the duty rate should be zero; and construction prices ease but lumber prices rise. Elsewhere: Binderholz buys a North Carolina sawmill; more pain from China’s Australian log ban; and the EU says Ukraine’s log export ban is illegal.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s carbon plan to include carbon tax hikes; a Nova Scotia judge ends logging road blockade; Ontario’s logging contractors are seeing better days; the implications of a growing US wood pellet industry; and next up for California’s sequoias—bark beetles.

Finally, Christmas tree growing pains in western Montana and Sydney, Australia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence is investing $13M in its Port Alberni paper mill to diversify into food-grade papers. In other Business news: Ontario ministers vow to protect Sault-Sudbury rail service; a Ford government bill is panned for the absence of species-at-risk provisions; and Biden brings back Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Meanwhile: US realtors predict post-pandemic rebound; contractors face shortage of lumber; and mass timber’s future includes hybrid solutions.

In Forestry news: BC’s old-growth pitch in photos; Oregon appoints a moderator on forest practice changes; Colorado’s forests are economically challenged; Maine’s wildfires are driven by drought; and the journey of an Alberta Christmas tree.

Finally, three wood-based gifts for the cannabis lovers on your Christmas list.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

California wildfires and climate change are putting the state’s most beloved trees at risk, says the NY Times. In related news: US senators seek to use trees to mitigate climate change; while Colorado’s burned areas are recovering naturally; Arizona is thinning its forests and Oregon looks to mass timber. Meanwhile: BC suspends logging in caribou habitat; safeguarding BC Okanagan’s watersheds; and Paper Excellence launches new website.

In Business news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor on Canada’s green recovery; BC’s Diane Nicholls on pellets’ good news story; NAHB’s Chuck Fowke on the key to US recovery; Timber Trade Federation on tight supply conditions; and Axios on the lumber market’s wild year.

Finally, singing the praises of Douglas fir (a book review), and Black Forests (the cake).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Northern Pulp intends to pitch a new treatment plant for its idled Nova Scotia mill. In related news: Pinnacle commences pellet production in Alberta; International Paper to spinoff printing papers; Ponderay Newsprint mill for sale again; Roseburg adds to its board; and Gorman Bros. input valued on housing development. Meanwhile: lumber prices keep climbing; MP Bob Zimmer on forestry’s role post-covid; and Kathy Abusow receives Society of American Foresters award.

In other news: ENGO group claims BC overstated old-growth reserve; Teal Jones faces a new logging blockade; Interfor co-op program attracts next generation workers; and outdoor classrooms and forest baths in the time of Covid.

Finally, Xmas gifts? Check out Sandy’s Tree Frog masks; black trees, and 1890’s era hockey sticks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The election of Joe Biden has pundits opining on the potential change to US environmental policy, deforestation in the Amazon. In related news: Wyoming’s governor opposes the whitebark pine protection proposal; a Penn State study says spotted owls may benefit from forest fires; and the Wildlife Conservation Society launches a new Forest Landscape Integrity Index.

In other news: a feature story on wood and sustainable architecture; US wood pellet exports rise again; low housing inventory means housing starts still have legs; IKEA’s catalog ends after 70 years; and the Southern Forest Products Association kicks off its virtual summit today.

Finally, Johnny Walker plants trees in Scotland, while Spruce-top thieves descend on Minnesota.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Residential construction continues to drive job growth in Canada and the US, and the surge in advanced home purchases bodes well for the future. In other Business news: BC’s new forest minister adds to trend of women at the helm; logging contractors in BC’s Interior report mounting difficulties; Australia sounds alarm on Chinese trade restrictions; US sets duty rates for Chinese hardwood plywood; and US LUMBER acquires Mid-State Lumber.

In Forestry news: Colorado looks to logging to help re-balance its forests; California expands research on critical forest fire issues; California-based Humboldt Sawmill to participate in European Carbon market; and Greece launches a massive reforestation program.

Finally, Western Forest Products’ Christmas cheer; Nannas unite to save native forests, and the harmony of hemlocks and humans. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Per their mandate letters, Katrine Conroy (BC’s new Forest Minister) and colleague Nathan Cullen (Minister of State for same) are directed to break up the ministry they lead. In other Business news: DR Systems welcomes Heidi Walsh as co-owner; Katahdin Forest Products ramps up Maine production; and Nestle—the world’s biggest food group—looks to forests to reduce their GHGs.

In Forestry news: the BC Forestry Alliance says old-growth blockades are misguided; BC researchers say logging after wildfires can have negative impacts; US Forest Service makes biochar at wildfire site; the World Economic Forum says planting trees can fight climate change; and the pros and cons of allowing logging in Australia’s native forests. 

Finally, this unfolding house can be assembled in 3 hours, and the proverbial wolf can’t blow down these timber high-rises.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products is adding a second shift at its Ladysmith mill, as lumber prices rally, and interest rates fuel a refinancing wave. In other Business news: US home builders keep profile on the softwood lumber dispute; wood pellets touted as gateway for BC’s clean energy plans; and the pandemic’s impact on consumer behaviour in the tissue products industry.

In Forestry news: the NY Times features UBC’s Susan Simard’s breakthrough mycorrhizal research; the UK Guardian adds profile to BC old-growth photo-campaign; American Forests applauds whitebark pine protection measures; a lumber trader’s horrific experience with covid-19; and announcements on BC’s Forest Practices Board IDF webinar; and the Association of BC Forest Professional’s virtual AGM.

Finally, Heidi Walsh, RPF (co-editor of the Frog) makes news of her own as co-owner of DR Systems, a leading forest management software company.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s fall economic statement includes billions for tree planting and ecosystem restoration; and FPAC says growth opportunities still exist with the bioeconomy. In other Business news: unseasonable demand keeps lumber prices up; homebuilders and dealers say more lumber tariff cuts needed; Stella-Jones adds Weyerhaeuser exec. to its Board; and a fire damaged Tolko’s  shuttered Quesnel mill.

In Forestry/Climate news: Quebec supports effort to produce biofuels from forest waste; Montana’s whitebark pine proposed for species protection; Oregon’s wildfires impact endangered spotted owls, as the state looks to salvage log some timber stands; forest management’s carbon mitigation potential; and megatrends that will affect future forests.

Finally, Christmas trees that hold their needles for 3 months. Now that’s SMART.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

The outlook for US housing remains strong despite rising prices and low inventories. In related news: the shift to suburban living continues, most specialty papers are growing; and the “catastrophe that was” housing forecasting. 

Also making headlines: Peak Renewables (Fort Nelson plant); Resolute (Innovation award); J.D. Irving (water rate increase); Norbord (carbon negative), FPAC (economic recovery); Softwood Lumber Board (program update); the American Wood Council (new chair); and the National Wooden Pallet Assoc. (new EPDs).

Finally, people are feeling the seasonal spirit early as tree sales surge.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Ministry of Forests is being broken up into Forests and Rural Development, and Crown Lands and Natural Resource Operations. In Business news: the US releases their administrative review findings on Canadian lumber duties; China’s ban on Australian logs is taking a toll; and First Nations call on BC to honour UNDRIP. Companies in the news include: Pinnacle (Houston fire); and Canoe Forest Products (surviving covid).

In other news: ENGO puts early pressure on BC’s new forest minister; action on Nova Scotia’s Lahey report falls to the province’s next premier; and California needs to invest more to improve forest resilience. Meanwhile: mass timber design returns to Toronto’s Bayside; and covid-19 sparks jump in the demand for fences and Christmas trees.

Finally, bamboo: eco-friendly fabric or environmental disaster?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Premier Horgan’s new cabinet includes the first female Minister of Forests—Kootenay West’s Katrine Conroy. In other Business news: Kelowna’s REN Energy to produce natural gas from wood waste; Peak Renewables’ pellet plans in Fort Nelson, BC; Conifex Timber makes move to repurchase shares; and Saskatchewan and New Brunswick on the recent change to US softwood lumber duties.

In other news: Ontario perspectives on the benefits of mass timber; a UBC professor on the need for action on endangered species; and climate change impact on New Jersey’s hardwoods, Europe’s deciduous forests, and BC’s Gold River steelhead.

Finally, although Black Friday was coined in the 1960s to describe traffic jams in Philadelphia, the day has a more fateful connotation in Australia. This due to their Black Friday fires in 1939, where on January 13th [a Friday no less], wildfires burned a total of 69 sawmills and 71 lives were lost.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser CEO Ray Ferris says housing starts are likely to stay strong for several years. In other company news: Cascades is closing its Laval napkins plant in Quebec; and a dryer fire at Pinnacle’s Houston BC facility halts operations. Meanwhile, more reactions on yesterday’s coverage of the US softwood duty reductions from BC; the Ontario government; the United Steelworkers; and New Brunswick lumber producers.

In other news: BC’s first title case since intro of UNDRIP legislation; the Trump administration races to finalize new environmental rules; more evidence on how wood boosts health and productivity; and the Southern Forest Products Association announces a free (virtual) Southern Pine Summit.

Finally, what happened to all the green toilet paper and the World’s largest forest-smiley!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Dept of Commerce reduced softwood duties on most Canadian producers after Administrative Review. Here are some of the reactions:

• US lumber duties ‘unfair,’ ‘unjustified’ (Mary Ng, Canadian Trade Minister)
• A step in the right direction (Susan Yurkovich, BC Lumber Trade Council)
• Resolute singled out for higher rates (Brent Jang, Globe and Mail)
• Affirms that Canadian lumber is heavily subsidized (Zoltan van Heyningen, US Lumber Coalition)
• Provides much needed relief but duties still unjustified (John Horgan, BC Premier)
• Canadian lumber stocks move up, BC cost curve improves (Carl Surran, Seeking Alpha)

In other Business news: Paper Excellence to restart Catalyst paper mill; Store Enso receives CLT approval for the US; BC contractors make progress on logging rates; US home prices climb 3%; and the coming hot banana (per Madison’s) for lumber sales and prices. Elsewhere: moose protests in Nova Scotia; and a new community forest for Golden, BC.

Finally, a happy and safe Thanksgiving wish to all our US readers. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Northwest Hardwoods—one of America’s largest producers with 20 facilities—files for Chapter 11 relief, announces staffing changes. In other Business news: a New York law firm investigates sale of Norbord; a fire is extinguished at Canoe Forest Products plywood plant; and Maritime Paper bets on the post-pandemic economy.

In Wood Product news: CLT is coming to Scotland, a BC company harvests old growth from old homes; and a NOVA special on the rebuilding of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, CWC’s virtual Wood Solutions Conference featured First Nations design; and BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission and the International MassTimber Conference announce plans to go virtual.

Finally, the famed New Yorker cover features Thanksgiving in the forest – covid style.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two of Canada’s preeminent forestry spokespersons are retiring—Interfor’s Ric Slaco and Ontario Forest Industries Association’s Jamie Lim. In related news: the Forest Products Association of Canada promotes four from within; and the Softwood Lumber Board 2021 board of directors announced. In other Business news, Resolute secures grants to re-open Arkansas mill; PotlatchDeltic sells Minnesota land to the Conservation Fund; and mass timber breakthroughs from Victoria, BC and Victoria, Australia.

In Forestry news: BC gives okay to trap endangered fishers; Alberta firefighters want rappel program reinstated; Quebec growers predict record Christmas tree sales; Oregon is still counting its wildfire losses; and Chuck Leavell and his songs from the wood.

Finally, BC’s Western red and Lebanon cedars face climate change woes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Wall Street Journal says lumber is making an unusual late-season climb as suppliers stock up for a big year in home construction. In other Business news: why have US lumber prices been so high; Jimmy Pattison on the West Fraser/Norbord deal; and BC’s mayors on the role of resource communities in covid-recovery. 

In other News: an insider view of the Huron Central Railway controversy; Great Northern Pellets (Upper Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia) and Resolute (Thunder Bay, Ontario) experience mill fires; and Ontario’s environmental commissioner releases several hard-hitting reports. 

Finally, two of Tree Frog’s favourite folk: Russ Taylor (new company launch) and Mayor Walt Cobb (hometown feature).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser Timber signed a deal to acquire Norbord in an all-stock transaction, management changes announced. In other transaction news: Peak Renewables purchase of Canfor’s Fort Nelson tenure; All-Fab Group buys Littfin Lumber; Bain Capital’s acquisition of US LBM; Carlton Owen passes the torch to Pete Maddon at the US Endowment; and Dave Anderson takes over at Mead Lumber.

In other news: Canada’s premier event for value-added wood products returns; COFI’s Susan Yurkovich on BC’s post-pandemic recovery; a new study says wildfires in Canada are not getting worse; and the future of forests in the (warming) American West. Meanwhile: a portion of a grant from Jeff Bezos will be used to protect forests in Clayoquot Sound, BC.

Finally, fire logs that smell like KFC (!) and panic-buying of  TP—this time there’s enough to go around.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

October home construction starts rose in Canada and the United States, as builder confidence reached new record high. In related news: lumber prices and overall building materials prices stabilized; and homebound residents fuel increased demand for fencing. In other Business news: Canfor sells Fort Nelson tenure to pellet producer Peak Renewables; California utilities are sued over wildfire damage; and US mass timber suppliers are on the rise.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC First Nations want to be “heard now, not later“; ENGO’s pan BC’s caribou strategy; a US study says climate change threatens commercial forestry; and burning wood found to be more climate friendly than coal or natural gas in the Kingdom of Denmark.

Finally, the world’s largest ocean-going, zero-carbon, cargo ship is being made of… wood!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko invests in Alabama mill, adding third lumber partnership to its US operations. In other Business news: West Fraser experienced a chip fire at its Soda Creek mill; and 84 Lumber achieved record sales. Meanwhile: the Lesprom Network on lumber prices; CMHC on Canadian housing starts; and David Elstone on the NDP election and the future of BC’s Coastal forest industry.

In other forest related news: Canada Wood Group’s impact report; economic recovery and the Alberta forest sector; FPInnovations and Quebec’s support for innovation; and America’s double whammy of a trade war and Covid.

Finally, another Bigfoot sighting. This time near Santa Cruz, California.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The UK’s Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) sign MOU with view to merge. In other Business news: strong gains for US single family permits in September; construction materials prices rise despite lumber drop; and AF&PA announces its sustainability awards. Other companies making news include: West Fraser (NC wastewater project); Northwest Hardwoods (restructuring plan); and Tembec (sale of former Cranbrook lands).

In Forestry news: New Brunswick pricing system challenges woodlot owners; Ontario moves to exempt logging from endangered species law; a former US senator’s view on the Tongass’ exemption from the Roadless Rule; and the latest research on developing biomaterials from wood in Sweden.

Finally, the BC Forest Safety Council on winter driving safety; and CWC’s Wood Solutions Conference launches today, as does BC’s Mass Timber Demonstration (grant) Program.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In today’s headlines: climate, carbon credits, wood buildings and forestry. Also: Shell Canada funds a BC reforestation project; Maine finalizes its climate plan; Prince George protesters demand ban on glyphosate; and Australia forecasts a prolonged wildfire season. 

In Wood Product news: BC Wood announces their export readiness training program; Maibec acquires Stave Lake Cedar mills in BC; furniture’s positive impact on human health; the Sustainable Furnishings Council earns FSC award; Iain Macdonald on Oregon State’s Tallwood Design Institute; a new CLT timber pavilion in Tokyo; and former AWC manager Sam Francis receives an International Code Council award.

Finally, it’s Friday the 13th and the inaugural National Drone Safety Awareness Day. Related?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After a Covid-caused drop in 2020, Dodge Data & Analytics forecasts US housing starts to climb 5% in 2021. In related news: could the Biden-Harris administration end the softwood dispute; and how Southern lumber manufactures succeed despite volatility. Companies making headlines include: West Fraser (honouring Bates in Arkansas); Port Hawkesbury (aid package dispute with Resolute); Domtar (Dryden mill viability); Fort Frances Mill (demolition); and Conifex Timber and Cascades Inc. (Q3 earnings).

In Forestry/Climate news: a quiet fire-year in Alberta but 80% were human caused; Maine’s logging industry is suffering and future is unclear; drought key to forest recovery after fire in Montana; and how forests buffer climate change in Oregon. 

Finally, a virtual wood solutions conference and a virtual mass timber building tour.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Third quarter results in China makes it the only G20 economy expected to report growth in 2020, albeit only 1.4%.  In related news: sluggish markets continue in Japan; Pinnacle Renewable Energy reports record Q3 results; PotlatchDeltic announces CEO change; and two fires at Pioneer Log Homes (of Timber Kings fame) deemed arson.

In other news: Parks Canada secures funds to reduce wildfire risks; UBC’s Sally Aitken on the promise of trees as a climate solution (audio); UMaine, NASA use LiDAR to map carbon in forests; Project Learning Tree seeks mentors to recruit future forest leaders; and a steel manufacturer says its LCA outperforms concrete and timber in mid-rise construction.

Finally, don’t forget to commemorate (virtually if need be) Remembrance Day in Canada, Veterans Day in the USA. The Frogs will be back on Thursday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian politicians, industry sectors welcome Biden, hope for alignment on climate change and trade (including softwood lumber). Companies making headlines include: Pinnacle (Pioneer Complex fire); Interfor (wood chip judgement); Tolko (Kelowna mill site); Northern Pulp (Boat Harbour cleanup); Norbord (Grande Prairie covid cases); EACOM (Timmins safety concerns); and Columbia Forest Products (wrongful death suit).

In Forestry/Climate news: US Forest-Climate Working Group seeks to shape climate action in new Congress; debut of Rolling Stones pianist Chuck Leavell’s new documentary; and a view on Oregon’s wildfire history as the state’s fire season end is declared.

Finally, new documentary on BC’s completely different, crazy world of tree planting.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber rebound drives record Q3 earnings for Interfor and Western Forest Products, pulp & paper begets net loss for Domtar. In related news: wood markets are moving (slowly) to a new trading level; Norbord is permanently closing its 100 Mile House OSB mill; hope remains for Ontario’s Huron Central Railway; and Quesnel wants C&C Wood Products’ forest licence transfer approved.

In Forestry news: a First Nations blockaid of Western Forest Products’ access garners support; it was a record year for Oregon wildfires; and 200 California firefighters tested positive for Covid. Names in the news include Joesph Perry (MA Forester of the Year); Joanie Mahoney (President, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry); James Bibler (Arkansas forest magnate and philanthropist); and Peter John Murphy (renowned but departed Alberta naturalist).

Finally, the business case for mass timber buildings by the developers that build them.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

As the results trickle in, pundits pontificate on the impact a Biden win or a Trump win would have on US Housing, Canada/BC. In related news: US housing affordability nears two-year low;  Canada’s trade surplus with the US falls despite rise in forestry exports; and mostly positive third quarter results from Norbord, Stella-Jones, Rayonier, Enviva and Resolute Forest Proctucts, as the latter also announces the appointment of their new CEO, Remi Lalonde.

In other news: track failure deemed the cause of a pellet train derailment in northern BC; Canadians urged to promote wildfire resilience; call to raise Quebec’s allowable cut gets pushback; and a new study says larger trees dominate carbon storage in forests. Meanwhile: UBC readies their Indigenous Land Stewardship program; and Georgia names  their 2020 forester of the year.

Finally, mass timber, carbon benefits highlighted in Milwaukee, Boston and the UK. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

National Association of Home Builders CEO says no matter who wins, the impact on lumber prices might be a wash (although builder confidence could be affected). In related news: lumber prices fell again last week but stabilized (says Madison’s), and the price action suggests another rally is in the cards (says Seeking Alpha). In other Business news: FPAC says Canada’s forest sector is key to the country’s economic recovery; and Louisiana Pacific reports strong Q3 results. 

In Forestry/Climate news: two Quebec forestry companies are in contravention of the Species at Risk Act; Parks Canada considers a breeding program for Jasper caribou; David Suzuki on what we lose if the caribou disapear; and the difference between forestry and soil carbon offsets.

Finally, the worst deforestation driver in the Amazon is… soy and cattle apparently.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Things are still looking good for US builders as construction spending is up and new housing supply is down. Elsewhere: the share of new homes with decks declined; mass timber education gains traction in Ontario; and building with wood could cut Europe’s cement emissions in half. In company news: Weyerhaeuser is upgrading its Natchitoches mill in Louisiana; Bayer takes a huge writedown due to Roundup claims; and Stimson supports training college with monies for a CNC machine.

In Forestry news: Trudeau’s massive tree-planting pledge lacks a budget; BC’s commitment to environmental assessments is questioned; and the trend in US wildfires shifts focus to forest management in Arizona and New Jersey.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario and Alberta experienced way below average wildfires seasons this past summer, as Oregon set a new record for destruction. In Forestry/Climate news: is it better to let forests regrow naturally (WIRED); Canada’s CO2 emission are surging (National Observer); Amazon’s offsets may overstate carbon reductions (MIT); and fungal colonies aid young and mature trees (Science Alert). 

In Business news: fresh off its election win in BC, the gov’t receives requests from the resource sector, a rural mayor and an old growth enthusiast. Meanwhile: how some small BC forest companies have thrived in tough times; Northwood Pulp acts quickly on a covid case; biodegradable covid masks are coming in 2021; Boise Cascade reports strong Q3; and both US parties have been tough on Northern Ontario imports.

Finally, tomorrow is election day in the USA. We wish all our US readers a safe one.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Weyerhaeuser reported strong Q3 results on record wood products earnings, but Mercer was down 10% due to lower pulp sales. In related news: US solid wood and southern fibre prices correct down; pending home sales retreat; and builder confidence in the 55+ housing market reaches an all time high.

In Forestry news: Canfor’s brush control plans in Prince George, BC gets pushback from local MLA; Alberta First Nations, ENGOs call for more Caribou protection; still no timeline for Nova Scotia’s Biodiversity Act; and the US is planning to end gray wolf protections. Meanwhile: evacuation orders are lifted for many Californians; and Oregon landowners face a lengthy and costly post-fire recovery.

Finally, have a happy and safe Halloween!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

An unshackled US economy saw GDP growth of 33% but a covid resurgence threatens the recovery. In relates news: housing’s share of GDP remains elevated; mortgage applications are up again; housing stocks ride the boom; mortgage applications continue trending; and BC’s construction workers miss out on the lift. Companies in the news include: Enviva (sustainability report); Acadian Timber (Q3 earnings); C&C Wood Products (forest licence); Pacific Bioenergy (logging for pellets)l and Western Forest Products (highway blockade).

In Forestry news: the US administration announced plans to end Alaska’s roadless rule; a new study says Quebec could increase its harvest without undermining renewal; Alberta is overhauling its Forest Act; China’s forest carbon uptake is said to be understated; and a TED-Ed video talk on what if there were 1 trilling more trees.

Finally, with Halloween in sight, the ghosts of Hastings Mill reappear.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada sets dumping and subsidy of up to 203% for Chinese hardwood plywood exporters. In Economic news: softwood lumber prices drop as expected; US consumer confidence eases in October; and the US covid-case-surge will lead to more economic woes. Elsewhere: Ontario’s Sudbury-Sault rail line needs gov’t support; softwood log exports from Russia are in decline; and Rayonier Advanced Materials adds to its hardwood capacity in Alabama.

In Forestry news: BC’s Chief Forester sets new (lower) AAC for Haida Gwaii, beetle killed timber exacerbates Colorado wildfires; Washington state releases a forest action plan; a huge Alaska timber sale remains on hold; and American Forests’ Jad Daley on the solution to some of America’s biggest problems.

Finally, a shortage of swamp ash triggers dismay in the rock and roll guitar world.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser and PotlatchDeltic report record earnings on the strength of lumber prices. In related news: US and Canadian housing starts shrug off the pandemic; single-family starts are up in September, and new home sales slow. Other companies in the news include: Catalyst (Powell River tax hike); Domtar (Dryden mill discharge); FH Stoltze (high sawlog prices), Hammond Lumber (new mill purchase); and Huron Central (railway layoffs).

In Forest Safety news: Canada mandates the use of electronic logging devices, and FPInnovations is the first to certify them; two firefighters are seriously injured as thousands are evacuated in California; and 16 BC firefighters return from the US with Covid-19. Meanwhile: the LCA of Redwood lumber; and communicating the sustainability of forests and forest products.

Finally, its time to get batty for Halloween and International Bat Week!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Premier John Horgan wins record majority with breakthroughs in the suburbs, fails to make gains in many forestry ridings. In other Business news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor on soaring lumber prices; the future of printing and writing after Covid; and worldwide softwood production is going to fall this year. Companies in the news include: Oxford Pallets (robotics investment); Katerra (Spokane plant); North Georgia Hardwoods (lumber storage fire); and UFP Industries (record Q3 earnings).

In other news: Canada, Alberta agree on Caribou protection; BC Community Forests create more jobs per m3; it was a good year for the Vancouver Island marmot; CLT passes wind and earthquake tests; and wildfire updates from California and Colorado.

Finally, how to protect yourself from the Asian murder hornets. Literally!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The first forestry major to release its third quarter results—Canfor Corporation, reported record high lumber earnings and pulp losses. In related news: hedging against the lumber crisis; the impact on remodellers; and lumber-price woes in Georgia and Arkansas. Companies in the news include: Enviva (carbon offsets); Verso (buyer search suspended); Ecowaste (waste wood recycling) and Canfor (Vavenby legacy fund).

In other news: Colorado wildfires grow by 100,000 acres in one day; and a new study says exposing firefighters to heat reduces related illnesses. Meanwhile, news updates from the BC Community Forest Association; the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities; and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Finally, Smokey Bear leaves the US for Canada—the fictional account.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A bipartisan group of 100 lawmakers is urging action on the lumber shortages which are threatening the US recovery. In related news: although lumber prices are dropping fast, the covid-housing boom continues, homebuyers’ wallets are hammered; and refinancing remains robust. In other Business news: Alberta is cutting 247 forestry jobs; a Maine paper mill leaked pulping chemicals; and the Softwood Lumber Board seeks proposals on wood innovation, while competitors challenge the touted benefits.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC First Nations Forestry Council wants a meaningful commitment from gov’t; BC’s old-growth forests get pre-election coverage in the Capital Daily and the Tyee; the European Union takes steps to bring forestry into the carbon market; and Colorado wildfires are unprecedented and historic.

Finally, Heather Berkund is Wisconsin’s first ever female Chief State Forester!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New Brunswick’s Auditor General says the irritant that provoked US tariffs on softwood lumber has been fixed. In other Business news: the new bottom for lumber prices expected by US Thanksgiving; Stora Enso’s Q3 revenue falls; fire closes Lumby, BC sawmill for at least six-weeks; and more BC pre-election forestry coverage in the Tyee, National Observer; and Rossland Telegraph.

In other news: FPInnovations on how newsprint operations are diversifying their products; forestry’s climate impact called ‘invisible’ under UN rules; the future of Arizona’s biomass industry; and a Colorado study on the effects of wildfires on forest temperatures.

Finally, SFI’s E-Summit starts tomorrow with an impressive cast of characters!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Voters in the United States and British Columbia face different choices when it comes to their parties’ stand on climate change and the environment. In Business news: US forest industry manufacturing is up again in September, as are US single-family starts, but multi-family starts are down. Elsewhere: Ritchie Bros. attracts record crowd for forestry equipment auction in BC; and plastic substitutes are projected to gain share in US exterior applications.

In other news: US wildfires continue to cause havoc in Colorado and New Mexico, as Western Canadian air tanker fleet gets a reprieve; more forest management is required to save California’s forests and the Columbia River Gorge gets a new management plan.

Finally, tree cover in Vancouver’s Stanley Park has recovered from the 2006 windstorm. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In a further show of strength for US housing, builder confidence surpasses the previous all-time high. In related news: lumber prices trend down; construction material prices trend up; and lumber dealers seek lower duties on Canadian lumber. In Wood Product news: Covid-19 bolsters biophilic design; mass timber makes news in BC, Alberta and Quebec; top sustainable wood furniture companies are named; and a Global Buyers Mission like no other!

In BC election news: as the campaigns heat up, the candidates trade barbs, and the NDP and Green forest policies are panned. Elsewhere: pushback for Suzuki’s piece on the circular economy; the White House now supports wildfire aid for California; a new study on wildfires and drinking water; and Australia’s timber wars resume.

Finally, AF&PA celebrates the White House proclamation on National Forest Products Week.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor