Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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