Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Forestry is dominating the air-waves in the run up to BC’s election. Here are the top headlines:

• Towards a healthy forest sector that includes old-growth logging
• North Island – candidates give their views on supporting forestry
• Kootenay East – action to maintain and recover old growth forests
• Resource development key to Stikine economy: provincial candidates
• Where they stand: The parties on saving old growth

In other news: Washington State’s race focuses on wildfires; high lumber prices not trickling down to New Brunswick woodlot owners; woodlot licences are a big deal in BC; and US remodelling confidence surges, as single-family permits post gains. Elsewhere: Canada invests in wood-fibre-based auto parts; Portland’s new timber-topped airport terminal; and California wildfire smoke exposes millions to hazardous pollution.

Oregon Department of Forestry declares an end to its fire season. FINALLY!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Retirement after two-decades at the head of Interfor didn’t last long, as Pinnacle Renewable Energy announces Duncan Davies’ appointment as CEO. In other Business news: COFI’s Susan Yurkovich says all BC communities are forestry based;  lumber drives building material prices up; US home building sales outpace starts; and Canadian home prices are expected to drop early next year.

In Forestry news: Horgan commits to implement BC’s old growth plan in its totality; the BC Forestry Alliance says Sierra Club claims are misleading; Canada is urged to protect the last breeding pair of spotted owls; Procter & Gamble shareholders are influenced by high-profile forest conservation campaign; and satellites could soon map every tree on earth!

Finally, although the fires are still burning, California pauses to thank 223 Canadian firefighters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Protecting old-growth forests was raised by Greens in BC’s (sole?) leaders debate. In related news: Vancouver Island candidates discuss forestry, while the Sierra Club, Fairy Creek Protestors, and Ma-Mook Natural Resources Ltd. speak up on the NDP government’s old growth plan. Meanwhile: new research on effective ways to prevent wildfires (Yale); the effects of droughts on different kinds of forests (UC Berkley); and California’s fall heat wave brings more fire danger. 

In Business news; Nova Scotia has a new forest minister; Interfor Montecello achieves safety milestone; a Prince Albert, Saskatchewan mill announcement appears positive; Hampton Lumber lays foundation for new Fort St. James, BC mill; and Arkansas forestry dean Dr. Phil Tappe is stepping down.

Finally, the premiere of America’s Forests with Rolling Stone / forest expert Chuck Leavell.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US Labour statistics from 2018 list logging as the most dangerous profession, on a fatalities per job basis. Meanwhile: lumber is still in short supply, as wildfires and trade disputes are exacerbating the situation; and mass timber leads a nationwide trend to wood, as California laws point to more wildfire-resistant construction.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the role of forest management as a means to help mitigate US wildfires is debated here, here and here. Meanwhile, fuels not weather control boreal forest carbon emissions; and the economic toll of California’s wildfires tops $10 billion.

Finally, this Whiskey distiller plans to plant one million white oak trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A supply chain study concludes that BC forest companies purchased $7 billion worth of goods and services from nearly 10,000 BC companies. In other Business news: the US Commerce seeks comments on softwood subsidies; Nova Scotia provides the forest sector easier access to financing; Alberta’s industry is confident the province can increase the allowable cut; and EPA’s new Clean Air Act rule is a boost to US sawmills. Meanwhile, more lumber price forecasts and investor analysis.

In Forestry news: BC’s old-growth strategy said to need improvement; Alberta secures fed support to fight the pine beetle; the world’s largest helitanker is employed to fight forest fires; and the US on forest products and Covid-19 recovery. 

Finally, some 2.5 million turkeys are scheduled to appear for Canada’s Thanksgiving. The frogs are imbibing so we’re back Tuesday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest sector awards and commendations top today’s headlines, including: Canfor’s Mark Feldinger (FPAC’s lifetime achievement award); EACOM’s Christine Leduc, Strategic’s Kim Lefebvre and Interfor’s Margo Lore (three of CFI’s top-10-under-40); and Derrick Wilkins and Clint Johnson (Arkansas Forestry Association’s top logger and top educator, respectively). Companies in the news include: Cascades (Pennsylvania mill closures); Resolute (dispute with Port Hawkesbury Paper); and Interfor (Gilchrist mill sale). 

In other news: BC’s Spruce beetle outbreak tops 1.3 million ha; the Great Miramichi Fire may be North America’s biggest ever; human cost not acreage should be focus of California’s wildfires; New England’s forests need more tree doctors; and California protects 30% of state land to mitigate wildfires.

Finally, the postponed Canadian Bioeconomy Conference releases their video substitute.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Once again, we offer our sincere apologies for the fact that our website continues to cause us grief. It’s become a game of “whack-a-mole” as we try to target the problem. We will continue to do this until our website is stable and back online. Meanwhile, here are some of the top stories:

• Lumber, panel prices expected to remain elevated despite recent declines
• B.C. NDP vows log quotas, community building fund
• New TV series on History Channel features Sooke logging business
• Armstrong residents push anti-logging petition for Rose Swanson Mountain
• Non-profit group plans to grow forest near Edmonton as a natural carbon capture
• Anti-logging protesters sentenced despite highlighting breaches in timber operations

Canada has plenty at stake with the US election, but trade tensions are expected to continue regardless of the outcome. In other Business news: Alberta stresses importance of forest sector to the province’s recovery; Enviva targets the US south for wood pellet expansion; and as the pandemic continues—code changes spur a timber revival in Canada; US homebuilder stocks fare well; and the market outlook differs for residential and commercial construction. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Democrats respond to proposed changes to Alaska’s roadless rule; forestry prof Bill Beese says, “fire just the tip of the iceberg” of climate change’s impact on forest; the epic scale of California wildfires continues to grow; the Amazon is near a rainforest tipping point; and Tasmania has a new Forest Practices Code.

Finally, we apologize for any challenges you may have experienced accessing our website.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With the BC election less than three weeks away, Premier Horgan talks mass timber and climate, Green leader Furstenau says net-zero needs a plan; and the Liberal’s Wilkinson talks stability via stumpage changes. In other Business news: Neucel’s bankruptcy will cost BC millions; US launches investigation into Vietnam’s  illegal timber imports; and lumber prices continue to impact new home construction.

In Wildfire news: FPInnovations on what we can do mitigate fire’s power; BC expert John Davies on the benefits of thinning and pruning; how the US battles forest fires; and misconceptions that negate good wildfire policy. Meanwhile: BC’s covid-free planting season; Alaska’s wolf hunt; and Europe’s wood pellet appetite.

Finally, transparent wood, 105-storey timber towers and Canfor’s Don Kayne on the future of the Softwood Lumber Board.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

More and better forest management is touted as the means to ensure the future of forest dependent communities and smoke free skies. In related news: Bruce Blackwell on the import of fuel management; and National Geographic on the pine beetle’s impact. In other Forestry news: carbon capture in Alberta: carbon losses in the Amazon; nitrogen pollution in Europe; tree modelling in New Zealand; and wildfire updates from California, Oregon and Ukraine.

In Business news: the Canadian economy approaches pre-Covid levels; lumber prices moderate; and single-family housing gains. Meanwhile: the Softwood Lumber Board is creating incremental demand for lumber; potential paper bag bans; and the most common home siding per the NAHB. Companies in the news include: EACOM & Domtar (rail service); and Teal Jones (US operations).

Finally, why is Eastern red cedar know as the ‘graveyard tree‘?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Strong housing demand combined with record lumber prices has lumber companies in the US reaching record profits. In related news: US pending home sales reach record high; optimism in Canada rises despite 2nd Covid wave; and US economists worry about impact of weaker-than-expected jobs data. Elsewhere, wood design education goes virtual; mass timber is on Delta’s horizon; Built Green on how to enhance wellness; and the Softwood Lumber Board continues to increase wood’s market share.

In Forestry/Climate News: timber losses from hurricane Laura exceed $1.1 billion; more death and forest destruction in the US West; Oregon highways reopen as some Ontario firefighters head home; and Trump talks forest management in the election debate.

Finally, a new plume of California wildfire smoke is heading for BC. Rats!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

WIRED Magazine says Western infernos are melting our sense of how fire works; megafires are said to imperil California’s fire-loving forest birds; and the John Muir Project says climate action not forest management is the solution. In other Forestry news: old-growth protests continue near Nanaimo, BC; Canada to conserve species-at-risk habitat in Nova Scotia; and a look-back at Oregon’s Timber Wars.

In Business news: US housing starts stall as lumber prices remain stable and US consumer confidence rebounds. Elsewhere: the proposed Alberta-Alaska rail line is Trump approved; Russia to stop uncontrolled export of unprocessed timber; more on the US-Canada lumber dispute; Nova Scotia encourages biomass burning; and Maine loggers grapple with low wood pulp prices.

Finally, Cascades launches 100% recycled cardboard food tray, a North American first.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US appeal of WTO’s ruling on softwood lumber, to the very body it is “accused of sabotaging“, disappoints Canada, puts Canadian lumber case in limbo. In related news: as the pressure on lumber demand eases, prices soften; new-builds surge (in Arizona), and the US housing outlook remains strong. Meanwhile, Unifor speaks out on Northern Pulp’s future; and Boise Cascade expands distribution to Nashville.

On the eve of the UN Biodiversity Summit: Canada joins a global biodiversity coalition and a story on forests and recovery post-Covid-19. Elsewhere: Ontario First Nations groups seek long-term forest licence (Agoke) and a judicial review (Chapleau Cree); and Nova Scotia glyphosate protestors celebrate the end of the spraying season.

Finally, Oregon’s industry—hit by Covid and wildfires—can add owl protection to the list.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US appealed WTO’s lumber ruling that favoured Canada—effectively blocking it from proceeding—says it’s open to discussions. In related news: NAHB’s chair says make a new softwood agreement a priority so housing can do its part. Meanwhile: BC’s wood design award winners celebrated; and Seattles tree-free toilet paper startup gets celebrity endorsements.

In Forestry News: Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources celebrates National Forest Week; BC’s plan for old-growth preservation gets kudos and flak; two perspectives on what Trump got right on forest fires; research efforts on saving BC’s whitebark pine and Minnesota’s oaks; and biomass energy is sought in Payson, Arizona but targeted in South Korea.

Finally, BC’s 2020 tree planting seasons finishes up covid-free!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A truism in the volatility of commodity lumber prices is that “what goes up, must come down”, says David Elstone (Spar Tree Group). In related news: lumber and panel markets are “running out of energy” (FEA); and soaring lumber prices pose a threat to “homebuilding” (NAHB) and “housing supply” (Toronto Building Ind.). Elsewhere: Resolute and Yves Laflamme receive Stevie awards; Boise Cascade donates to fire aid; and no word yet on when C&C Wood Products will re-open.

In other News: forest blockades continue in BC despite old-growth protections; more on the challenge of regenerating BC’s interior forests; the Indigenous approach to caribou recovery; ENGO’s decry proposed roll back of Alaska forest protections; and construction of the world’s tallest wood building is underway in Milwaukee.

Finally, FSC Friday celebrates certified forests as part of the solution to climate change.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s forest sector recognized in throne speech as partners in the fight against climate change. In related news: NRCan invests in biomass projects; and new studies on forest-based climate solutions. Elsewhere: Pinnacle diverts pellet shipments due to Fibreco incident; ENGOs may sue South Carolina pellet plant over air pollutants; and the Covid downturn hits Wisconsin’s timber-reliant towns.

In other news: why Nova Scotia’s harvests did not decline after Northern Pulp closure; a firefighters perspective on California’s wildfires; political gridlock and shifting to recovery in Oregon forests; and the US military prepares for a long (forest) fight in California.

Finally, BC communities lauded for wood use; and a first-of-its-kind mass timber building.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Celebrating National Forest Week in Canada includes celebrating wood architecture. In related news: BC influences wood design and use in India; and US developers turn to wood despite complaints by the concrete industry. In other commemorations: BC salutes 100 years of forest research; the Orange Shirt Society and Tolko Industries support Indigenous reconciliation; and Arkansas’ tops forester selected to lead the National Assoc. of State Foresters.

In Forestry/Climate news: three First Nations file suit against the Ontario gov’t; wildfires throw a harsh light on Arizona’s forest management; who/what’s to blame for the US West wildfires; forest margins may be resilient to climate change; and the EU’s new climate plan is panned by forest owners.

Finally, energy efficiency of new homes reduces the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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