Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

Finally, a mystery rock face and immortal trees?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor bounces back into the black, reflecting materially higher lumber earnings and a small pulp products loss. In related news: BC forestry revenue rebounds but employment lags; North American dealers retain upbeat outlook; Maine loggers welcome fed relief bill; and EU wood pellet demand is expected to increase. Elsewhere: Unifor supports Northern Pulp’s bid for creditor protection; and Western Forest Products donates $100,000 to 13 food banks. 

In other news: prof studies the effects of glyphosate on northern BC’s forests; climate change hits home for Russia in Siberia; Greece wildfires rage out of control; and wildfire smoke ages, becomes more toxic over time. Meanwhile: Toronto breaks ground on its newest, tallest wood-frame building; and the US National Defense Authorization Act provides for mass timber use.

Finally, the BC Forest Practices Board welcomes two new appointees. Congrats Gail and Cindy!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Dept of Commerce announced a further 60-day delay on administrative reviews, postponing the anticipated duty changes on Canadian softwood lumber. In related news: US home sales rebound; nonresidential construction is down; and Russian timber exports fall. Companies in the news include Teal Jones (property tax increase); Western Forest Products (food bank donation); and Verso Corp. (potential buyers). 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC stands behind predator control as ENGOs ask court to revoke wolf kill permits; wilderness designation is sought for parts of Olympic National Forest; scientists say the Amazon is trapped in a climate/forest loss cycle; and New Zealand passes bill to help domestic wood processors.

Finally, the US Congress passes an historic bill to boost conservation, parks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood lumber prices continue to rise but demand flows east as high operating costs keeps some BC mills shuttered. In related news: can a forest machine connectivity project reduce BC’s harvesting costs; CN Rail recalls some of its laid off workers; and a new train cargo facility is planned for Terrace, BC. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia opposes Northern Pulp’s bailout deal; and a California court upholds verdict in Monsanto glyphosate case. 

In Forestry/Climate news: the UN says forest loss is still a problem in the tropics; the Sierra Club BC calls for a logging moratorium in at-risk old-growth forests; and an Australian hardwood store blockade seeks to reverse the company’s decision not to stock native forest timber products.

Finally, pizza boxes are recyclable despite cheese and grease. And wine bottles are next!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The UN FAO released an interactive version of its 1990-2020 analysis of the world’s forest resources. In other Forestry news: fibre access challenges Aspen Planers in BC; Forest fires up, hectares lost down in Ontario; US House spending bills to address conservation; endangered species status sought for rare Alaska wolves; the sustainability (or not) of biomass electricity in the Netherlands; a New Zealand court decision emphasizes steep slope safety; and Iran’s forest fires attributed to human error.

In other news: Covid-19 fails to dampen US home purchase plans; 84 Lumber to expand with 200 new hires; Alabama Pellets secures incentives for new mill; Verso shutdown impacts Wisconsin’s loggers; and Rayonier Advanced Materials reports lower Q2 earnings.

Finally, as the affordable housing crisis intensifies, its granny flats to the rescue.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts increased by 17% amid reports of rising demand in the suburbs but a resurgence in Covid-19 threatens the recovery. In related news: a renovation boom boosts Canadian lumber stocks, leads to treated lumber shortages in Ottawa; Maine’s loggers face tough times; and Arkansas’s Governor addresses growing importance of timber.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC seeks intel on the impact of climate change on its resource industries; researchers say climate change is impacting Labrador’s caribou herds; UBC invents a portable DNA device to detect tree pests; and 9-axle B-trains make log hauling safer and more efficient. Meanwhile, mass timber gains momentum with BC government support and FPInnovations’ guidebooks. 

Finally, why Bigfoot and other beasts of the forest loom large in the human imagination.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Builder, remodeller and dealer confidence levels rally as US housing starts and Canadian sales continue to rise. Companies in the news include: Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (paper machine fire); Proctor & Gamble (climate campaign); Georgia Pacific Warrenton, VA plant (4 covid cases); and SmartLam Columbia Falls, MT (new CLT plant opening). 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC announces funding for caribou habitat restoration; Bruce Blackwell defends Whistler’s approach to fire mitigation; Ontario works to keep fatal wildlife disease at bay; a study says ethical labels fail to change corporate conduct; Brazil takes action to preserve Amazon forests; and climate change is blamed for Siberian wildfires. 

Finally, researchers find the further they go, the stronger mountain pine beetle’s signal gets.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s resource industry and (separately) a large group of environmental organizations are organizing to influence Ottawa’s post-covid recovery plans. In other Business news: Canada seeks to stem out-migration in Northern Ontario; BC’s log export plunge may violate the Trans-Pacific Partnership; the US furniture industry wants the Chinese tariff exclusions to be extended; recovered paper shipments to China could cease by year-end; and economic updates abound by Fannie Mae, MarketWatch, and the Mortgage Bankers Assoc.

In other news: BC’s wolf kill program is panned in The Atlantic; ENGOs seek protection for Alaska’s wolf population; lifting the Tongass Roadless Rule said to benefit China most; and Two Sides launches its Love Paper campaign.

Finally, biodegradable fleece clothing made from wood – yes it’s possible!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood lumber prices increase toward 2018 levels and lumber futures reach new highs. In other Business news: deck demand creates run on treated wood; Truck Loggers Association cancels 2021 convention and trade show; SmartLam debuts new facility in Columbia Falls; Fastmarkets names US boxmaker Anthony Pratt CEO of the year; and Marianne Berube—of Wood WORKS! fame—elected chair of Nipissing University Board.

In Forestry/Climate news: the challenges inherent in UN’s REDD+ plan to save forests; BC’s wolf kill program found to have no detectable effect, US loggers seek COVID-19 bridge relief; and Canada urged to protect rare moss clinging to life on Moresby Island.

Finally, want to celebrate National Forest Week in America? Here’s how.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC successfully tests forest fire suppression by helicopter at night with night vision goggle technology. In related news: California to prevent wildfires sparked by power lines; the US Forest Service considers logging-rule-change to reduce fire risk; and the latest wildfire potential outlook for the Pacific Northwest (above normal) and the US Southeast (below normal). 

In other news: softwood lumber leads the rise in residential construction costs; Canada Wood’s latest update on the Chinese market; with federal support, BC is on track to plant 300 million trees; the pros and cons of wood pellets and climate change; heat-treated wood inks North American distribution deal; and a Korean architectural firm adds another first to its wood leading designs.

Finally, genomes and fossils reveal how oaks evolved to rule North America’s forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian government announced emergency funding for COVID-19 safety measures to protect the 2020 tree planting season. In related news: the US Administration’s suspension of temporary visas bars key workers for tree planting; Colorado’s loan program helps forest product businesses; and Scotland provides grants to get more trees in the ground.

Meanwhile: Fort McMurray’s fires had a lasting impact on its rivers; a Philadelphia study links growth in tree canopy to human health; and Fort Nelson secures BC’s largest community forest, as Quesnel moves closer to securing same. 

In Business news: US pandemic challenge hits BC exports; the Canada-China Huawei dispute threatens lumber trade; lower log prices hurt New Zealand exports; who owns Northern Pulp?; and Setra’s Q2 results.

Finally, Wood CO₂ts less; the world’s newest frog; and Johnny Walker in paper bottles.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

America is on a lumber binge (treated wood shortages, futures up 85%), but paper mills regress (two Maine operations close). In related news: the US Northeast struggles amid Covid-19; little help for Mackenzie, BC despite Premier’s tough talk; and the Steelworkers speak to problems with international trade. Companies in the news include: Domtar—Kamloops (emissions odour); Brinks Forest Products (chip pile fire); Hood Container (mill investment); and CN Rail (wildfire appeal loss). 

In other news: BC’s forestry watchdog finds issues with Quesnel timber sales; Northeast Ontario struggles with the spruce budworm; and the US Forest Service assesses conditions in northwest forests. Meanwhile: Notre Dame is to be rebuilt just as it was before; Russian firefighters are seeding clouds to douse wildfires, and Ontario’s heat wave exacerbates its fire challenges.

Finally, if you like the Sounds of the Forest, you’ll like these audio postcards.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mass timber gets a boost via a free online timber design tool (by Fast + Epp) and a new online networking community (thanks to US WoodWorks). Meanwhile, two projects by UK architects Waugh Thistleton are in the news—a new demountable CLT design, but also (sadly) a construction crane collapse. 

In Forestry news: the CIF defends Canada’s boreal forest management; FPAC promotes international awards for forestry; researchers at the U of Toronto co-lead a new Wildland Fire Research Network; six faculty at the U of Northern BC secure federal forestry research funding; investing in conservation found to generate huge returns, and the National Association of State Foresters seeks $500 million for its COVID-19 stimulus platform. 

Finally, purifying water with the help of wood, bacteria and the sun.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hoya Capital says a decade of underbuilding and mortgage debt service ratios at historic lows points to strong housing markets. In related news: the construction sector is hiring; dealers are underbought; softwood lumber prices are rising; and SYP is at a two-year high. In other Business news: a new pellet mill is planned for the Slave Lake, NTW; and Port Alberni’s Community Forest pays large dividend.

In other news: US predicts growth in biomass energy generation; Bayer’s Roundup settlement hasn’t ended its troubles; Kimberly-Clark vows to halve its environmental footprint; Walmart ups its requirement for certified paper sourcing; and Georgia considers early adoption of mass timber code changes.

Finally, Alberta’s grizzlies need more space while BC’s spirit bear needs more protection.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The weather and idle-cottagers (re: Covid-19) are blamed for the bad start to Quebec’s wildfire season. In related news: conditions spark surge in Northern Ontario; Arizona faces extreme danger; Oregon’s fire season is in effect state-wide; Brazil sees worst June in 13 years; Arctic wildfires cause spike in carbon emissions; and a look back at the sawmill fire that changed Vancouver forever.

In other news: Greenpeace supports FSC Canada; Mosaic says log exports needed to maintain domestic supply; Domtar blames weather for Kamloops’ pulp mill odours; Roseburg mill fire put-out in Missoula; Skeena Sawmills inks deal to secure fibre; and FPAC endorses federal innovation funding but only as a ‘first step‘ to recovery.

Finally, Ivanka Trump joins the American Forestry Conference speakers list.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood lumber prices surged 11% last week as dealers reported strong sales and US consumer confidence rose for the second straight month. In other Business news: CN Rail plans to expand and upgrade its BC network; Northern Pulp secured a loan to keep the lights on; no buyers yet for the bankrupt Kenora Forest Products operation; Empire Recycled Fiber plans to build a new mill in Pennsylvania; and Deere has a new worldwide president of forestry and construction. 

In Forestry news: NRDC disparages FPAC’s response to their tissue exposé, as well as SFI’s proposed standards revision; a white-tailed deer invasion threatens Alberta caribou; Ontario’s Gypsy moth outbreak dates back to an 1869 silkworm breeding experiment; and in the fight against prostate cancer—extract (and drink) cork tree bark.

Finally, to our readers North and South: a belated happy Canada Day, and an early happy Independence Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The long-awaited debut of NAFTA-two this Wednesday comes with predictability and stability despite new threats of tariffs. In other Business news: Mississippi’s forest industry backs effort to change state flag; Pinnacle Renewable Energy amends credit agreement with lenders; Ashton Lewis Lumber expands into Virginia; and luxury homebuyers bounce back but inadequate inventory persists.

In Forestry news: LiDAR advancements are touted by Forsite Consultants and SFI; while wildfire stories abound in Alberta (slow start to the season); Indonesia (early start); Oregon (preparations underway); and Michigan (new detection systems). Meanwhile: CLT makes headway in Vancouver and Sacramento; and Minnesota celebrated Paul Bunyan Day. 

Finally, the Frogs are taking a couple of days off to celebrate Canada Day but will be back with a full-week recap on Friday. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Softwood Lumber Board generated 420 MBF of incremental demand in Q1, as well as providing intel on what the ‘next normal‘ could look like post-COVID. In other Business news: New Hampshire industry lumbers on; BC based Mosaic and Conifex restart operations; Northern Pulp’s creditor protection creates reopening uncertainty; Georgia Pacific amends wood supply agreement with CatchMark; and COFI’s Susan Yurkovich comments on Mackenzie’s struggles as the BC town makes plans for another forest rally. 

In other news: wildlife biologists defend BC’s controversial moose cow-calf hunt; more coverage on NRDC’s contested report linking US toilet-paper makers with Canada’s boreal forests; forestry careers get a boost in Quesnel, BC and Georgia; and the city of Salem named Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Finally, the who, what, when and why of dust hazard analysis. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A contested report by US lobby group NRDC claims working from home exacerbates the US tissue manufacturer’s ‘tree-to-toilet pipeline‘, which is devastating Canada’s boreal forests. Meanwhile: Wildsight takes aim at BC’s ancient forests; an Alberta-Pacific report supports maintenance of FSC certification; and forests’s climate change role is double sided.

In Business news: Mosaic Forest Management is back in business; more on the Mackenzie BC rally as Conifex is set to recommence operations; Ponderay Newsprint shuts down in NW Washington; Södra to increase pulp capacity in Sweden; Skeena Sawmills signs new labour agreement; and a coalition of groups lobbies Ottawa to leave log exports alone.

Finally, the world’s tallest ‘hybrid timber’ tower is coming to Sydney, Australia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Maine and North Carolina loggers and truckers seek federal relief package to help with COVID-19 impacts. In other Business news: Mackenzie BC mayor says people are nervous and mad; the future of Ontario’s Fort Frances paper mill may lie in cannabis; US tariff concerns increase as election nears; and a range of housing commentary by Madison’s, NAHB, CNBC and Business in Vancouver.

In other news: BC welcomes support for mass timber construction; NAWLA launches lumber industry careers campaign; injunctions thwart Australian loggers (again), and ENGOs urge end to UK biomass subsidies. 

Finally, move over Smokey, says a moose with no name.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US and Canadian housing markets are poised to rebound, although May’s numbers are still down. In other Business news: Mackenzie, BC rallies for the future of its mills; Ontario’s Fort Frances paper mill’s assets are up for auction; and Mosaic and Steelworkers reach several landmark agreements. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Mongabay ups the pressure on BC’s old growth forests; FAO’s building back better message seeks to offset risk of forest loss; tree planting programs in Chile and the US are said to reduce biodiversity, while restricting them in New Zealand is at odds with the country’s climate goals. Meanwhile: BC’s forest watchdog calls for protection of fish-bearing streams; and six Vancouver Island rivers undergo habitat restoration.

Finally, forest fires continue to rage through Quebec and Arizona.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Northern Pulp was granted creditor protection by the BC Supreme Court to ensure it can safely idle its Pictou County mill, three weeks after Nova Scotia offered to defer its loan payments. In Business/COVID news: Canadian forest industry overcomes operational challenges; BC extends electricity bill payment deferral; Montana timber industry braces for pandemic effects; and housing will outperform the US economy—so will forest products.

In other news: SFI and FSC recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day; and wildfire advancement and preparations in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Washington state. Meanwhile: Enviva acquires two pellet plants in Georgia; and mass timber the upshot of Sidewalk Labs’ canceled Toronto project.

Finally, June 22 is World (Tropical) Rainforest Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor