Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

WWF deforestation hotspots centres on the tropics, Australia being the only developed nation on the list. In related news: forest area the size of California has been lost since 2004; the US administration imperils spotted owl habitat; Canadian conservation made strides in 2020; BC acquires land to expands parks and protected areas; and BC First Nations strike deal with Interfor and Western to protect ancient cedars.

In Business news: Resolute is restarting its Ingnace, Ontario sawmill; NewLife Forest Products is building a sawmill in Flagstaff, Arizona; New Zealand log exports  are off to a great start in 2021; a US bill creates incentives for wood pellet heating; lumber prices are on the rise in North America; US contractor optimism improved in December; and the UK housing boom is starting to fade.

Finally, what do tree planters and samurai have in common? Ask Forests Ontario!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest Stewardship Council releases global strategy, sets direction and intended outcomes to 2026. Related forestry announcements or events of note include: BC Forest Professionals (AGM speaker profiles); UBC Faculty of Forestry (webinar with Robin Wall Kimmerer); BC Truck Loggers Association (today’s suppliers’ showcase); Canadian Institute of Forestry (new diversity initiative); and FPInnovations (fibre utilization workshop).

In other news: why there’s a lumber shortage in the US; KB Home’s positive 2021 outlook; a grim forecast if Boise closes Elgin, Oregon mill; a mass timber showcase for Seattle; and why capital flows to forests in the US South.

Finally, a heads up as we send out our 2021 support request. Thanks in advance to the generosity of our sponsors and frog friends.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfire smoke accounted for up to half of all health-damaging small particle air pollution in the US West, says a new study. In related news: the failure to cut carbon emission in the Cascadia region; and the challenge of accounting for carbon in the Amazon. Meanwhile: a US proposed rule skirts endangered species compliance; and an Alaska Native corporation is quitting logging after 40 years. 

In Wood Product news: the first week of trading outside the EU creates challenges for UK wood interests; the International Mass Timber Conference returns as a virtual event; tree-inspired towers are coming to Vancouver; wood infill demo project in South Korea; and reversible (EU) designs that can be repurposed. 

Finally, Conifex (on lumber prices); Boise (on Texas expansion); GreenFirst (new name for Kenora sawmill); and Domtar (on its diaper sale).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite the unpredictable 2020, Forests2Market principals lay out their expectations for 2021 on the global forest, pulp & paper, and chemicals industries and Paul Harder (Dakeryn Industries) answers 20 questions he posed a year ago. In other Business news: Vietnam moves to ease US tariff threat; Catalyst sues Enbridge over gas pipeline rupture; employees reflect on Domtar’s closing of its Port Huron mill; and US consumer confidence in housing falls again.

In Forestry news: North Cowichan, BC uses forest reserve fund to balance budget; Illinois signs forest management agreement with feds; while a Virginia group sues the US Forest Service over new environmental review standards. Meanwhile, in Oregon, landowners scramble to remove burnt trees, nursery capacity is strained and the state invests in wildfire preparedness.

Finally, on the leading edge with the shift to online marketing events like the upcoming virtual GBM.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Domtar reached an agreement to sell its “personal care” business, plans to focus on pulp, paper and packaging. In other Company news: Pinnacle extends supply contract with Japan’s Mitsubishi; Nova Scotia sawmillers fear fallout 1-year after Northern Pulp closure; and Paper Excellence faces similar emission challenges in France. Meanwhile: Russ Taylor’s latest on the Japanese housing market; the Timber Trade Federation on UK timber imports; and the Decorative Hardwood Association on Vietnam’s illegal wood trade with China.

In other news: Ontario ups its covid relief for small forest companies; Maine invests in forest bioproduct research; a Massachusetts town looks to mitigate global warming with carbon credits; and Vermont expands its logger certification program.

Finally, Charlene Higgins (BC First Nations Forestry Council) looks back at 2020, while Stewart Muir (Resource Works) looks to the year ahead.  

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fibre-based food packaging is an opportunity for the pulp and paper industry, as evidenced by Paper Excellence’s recent Port Alberni, BC investment. In other Business news: the pandemic continues to drive housing, with upsides for sustainable wood production. Companies in the news include: Norbord (shareholder considerations on West Fraser bid); Kalesnikoff (mass timber expansion); and Fibre Excellence (pollution trial).

In other news: identifying Canada’s conservation hot spots; repurposing military equipment to fight wildfires in the US; California wildfire emissions’ (GHG) car-equivalent; Austria’s close-to-nature fire management approach; and a research breakthrough in support of chlorine-free biomass production. On the Safety front: forest service road safety in BC; a logging truck collision in the BC Interior and a 15-car lumber derailment in Oregon. 

Finally, feeling snacky? Check out these recipes on “how to eat your Christmas tree“.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US consumer confidence fell to a 4-month low in December, but housing, tissue and lumber market prices are expected to remain strong in 2021, and industry CEOs are cautiously optimistic. In other Business news: Conifex will resume power pant operations by month end; Ponderay Newsprint may have a second suitor; and the LBM features one of its Dealers of the Year Ganahl Lumber.

In Forestry News: a research paper says Canada needs more protected areas; scientists track clouds of budworm on radar; Ontario announces funding for species at risk; BC’s Roosevelt elk are a nuisance and threatened; and a group is suing to protect the spotted owl as the US administration ends protections for gray wolves. 

Finally, the 17th annual Global Buyers Mission is set to kick-off January 25.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber is currently showing bearish momentum (i.e., steadily falling) after strong growth in the second half of 2020. In related news: US construction spending was up 3.8% in 2020, residential spending is on the rise and single-family homes are not as large as they used to be. Companies making news include: Weston Forest (acquired); Katerra (saved); Pinnacle/Tolko (begins pellet production); Paper Excellence (Port Alberni machine fire); UPM/Domtar (Plymouth agreement); and Ponderay Newsprint (the end is near).

In other news: biochar use is proposed to save Minnesota’s tamaracks; California classifies treated wood waste as hazardous; and Pittsburg is one of three cities to receive an urban forest grant; Meanwhile: BC’s forestry watchdog calls for old-growth review and Brazil’s environmental crime investigators fail to get the job done.

Finally, the species of wood used in Pharaonic coffins speaks to the economics of the day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Welcome to 2021 — with likely newsmakers to include the softwood trade war and protection of old-growth forests. Meanwhile, in Business news: Interfor expands its Adams Lake, BC sawmill capacity; Tolko invests to increase its Alabama lumber mill output; China’s trade ban pushes Australian timber to India; and Japan’s tropical log imports plunge to near zero.

In other news: BC logging truck collision sheds light on backroad safety; Nature Quebec wants more done to protect caribou; retired forester says BC needs new forestry laws; longleaf pine restoration gets a boost in Mississippi; US Forest Service grant begets new resource for mass timber use; and a new book on how wood shaped human history.

Finally, it’s a New Year for the Tree Frog News as well, and if you’re a regular reader you know that we exist solely because of the generosity of our sponsors and our frog friends. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forestry has been a bright spot for BC’s economy during the pandemic, according to this deputy chief economist. In other Business news: limited downtime at Canfor Houston this Xmas; US home sales fall after 5-months of gains; Maine loggers applaud Covid relief bill; China adds to its Australian timber ban; and the concrete industry sees mass timber eroding its market share. Meanwhile, tired of Zoom (you say), what about the Global Buyers Mission?

In other news: 2020 may just have been Canada’s most important year for nature conservation; Ontario approves the Temagami forest management plan; and the US can’t stop wildfires but they can start fighting them before they burn.

Finally, an early Christmas greeting to all our readers. Today’s Tree Frog News is the last of 2020, barring any breaking news over the holiday. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor reflects on the year that was and is to be, while COFI’s Susan Yurkovich speaks to the past and hope for 2021. In other Business news: Forbes and Quebec’s Industry say lumber prices likely to be stronger-for-longer; West Fraser and Norbord go virtual with their merger plans; Specialty Building Products has a new owner; and Dana Fitzpatrick has past away after a distinguished 66-year career (Fitzpatrick & Weller).

In other news: American loggers get Covid relief; Canada adds funding for Wood Buffalo Park restoration; Nova Scotia’s (post-Northern Pulp) transition fund approves projects; a BC First Nation restores three salmon bearing streams; Scotland recruits young workers to the industry; and Australia welcomes media correction on forest sustainability.

Finally, a giant wood xylophone in a Japanese forest plays the Bach’s Cantata 147!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Demand for lumber to remain strong in 2021, driven by a return of consumer purchasing power, millions of millennials entering the housing market and trade resumption with China. In other 2021 news: signs of a rebalance for biomass; Softwood Lumber Board to stay the course with demand generation; and maple syrup producers pan Quebec’s future lumber expansion plans. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC silviculture contractors lit up by Ottawa funding announcements; genetically engineered trees can help fight climate change; planting trees sounds nice but there are carbon downsides; and the area burned on US Forest Service lands in 2020 the highest in 110 years.

Finally, the Winter Solstice—Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Industry updates from experts Russ Taylor (Japan’s market potential); David Elstone (BC’s value-added sector) and Nick Boulton (Brexit’s coniferous quota). In other Business news: single-family starts highest since 2007; US wildfires cost insurers bigly; Resolute has a new wood products president; and EACOM employees spread the holiday cheer. Meanwhile, COFI and SFI join BC Wood/GBM and ABCFP in announcing virtual convention plans for 2021.

In Climate news: US senators introduce climate bill with forest emphasis; Pacific Biochar secures carbon credits; BP acquires stake in an offset developer; and the Nature Conservancy gets caught up in what some are calling dubious offsets. Elsewhere: BC’s forest watchdog says Prince George biodiversity at risk; and Wisconsin appoints its first female chief forester.

Finally, Dr. Christmas Tree’s globe trotting search for tree sans Phytophthora root rot.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New home construction rose for the third straight month; as builder confidence stays strong; projects shift to multi-family; and lumber prices move higher (again). In other Business news: Paper Excellence remains committed to Powell River; Norbord releases sustainability report; US WoodWorks snags Interfor’s Bart Bender; and the Western Forestry Contractors go virtual with 2021 AGM.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new documentary on Canada’s troubled boreal forest; BC fund helps forest sector with Covid costs; Quebec contractors fare well in rate negotiations; a US Forest Service report reflects on the year 2020; and Oregon is phasing out controversial pesticides. Meanwhile: BC’s new Energy Code ups-the-anti for wood buildings; and prescribed fires may mean safer smoke. 

Finally, how Interpol helps the world tackle forestry crimes from stem to stern.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Construction analyst firm Dodge Analytics reports a mixed bag of construction activity and uncertain outlook. In related news: the lumber price rally is here to stay (Bloomberg); supply chain disruptions hit the industry (WFAA Texas); lumber prices drive log prices up in the Pacific Northwest (Forests2Market); and mass timber is on the rise in BC (Naturally:Wood).

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario invests $40 million in pest management; moose and forestry can co-exist in Nova Scotia; Minnesota struggles to salvage fire killed timber; and Louisiana continues to deal with hurricane damaged forests. Meanwhile, the good and bad of increased biomass utilization.

Finally, a massive landslide wipes out a generation of salmon on BC’s south coast.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions involves spending $3.2 billion over 10 years planting trees—to the delight of FPAC, Ontario Forests and SFI Canada. In related news: Canadian homebuilders caution feds on green grants; Maine scientists says trees are out of equilibrium with climate; and a UK power firm looks to biomass to cut GHGs. Meanwhile: forests and the spotted owl, red-cockaded woodpecker and lilliputian frog.

In Business news: BC court extends Northern Pulp’s creditor protection; Norbord plans to restart Chambord, Quebec OSB mill; and Idaho Forest Group’s new sawmill in Lumberton. Meanwhile: Canadian housing starts trend higher, and lumber futures defy December lull.

Finally, wood is mankind’s killer app and Chuck “The Treeman” on managing forests with fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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