Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The BC Council of Forest Industries Conference kicked off amidst high anxiety over softwood lumber—despite the tone change from the US. Conference highlights include: Chief Terry Teegee set the conference tone; Kurt Niquidet provided an economic outlook; Russ Taylor led on global markets; and others opined on trade and innovation. In related tariff news: China retaliated with 34% tariffs on US imports, sending stock markets down and recession fears up; while US homebuilders celebrate lumber’s exemption (for now), as lumber prices still fell. 

In other news: BC announces new Forestry Support Bureau for jobs; Steelworkers to gather for their national policy conference; Mercer power’s Walmart’s new mass timber campus; lawmakers panned suggestion to kill Oklahoma’s Forestry Service; and timber organizations seek revamp of Northwest Forest Plan.

Finally, the Global Buyers Mission 2025 date is set; and sadly—BC coast logging legend Mark Ponting dies at 66.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

President Trump’s trade war goes global—blows up postwar order. In related news: Bloomberg says US emerges as the biggest loser; Politico says Trump’s math is crazy; Canada dodges bullet but will fight existing levies; New Zealand says timber exemption may be temporary; how tariffs will hit US construction; and what’s at stake for softwood lumber.

In other news: Teal Jones loses bid for damages over Haida Gwaii; Canfor Corporation and International Paper release their sustainability reports; Oklahoma’s governor looks to dissolve its forestry service; BC’s Ravi Parmar appoints Makenzie Leine as new Deputy Minister of Forests; and Louisiana Pacific updates its management team. Meanwhile: a new NAHB survey on who makes the decision on which products use; and caring for trees after the ice storm.

Finally, Don Wright says Canada should fight tariffs like Muhammad Ali, not Joe Frazier.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Uncertainty reigns as Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ on tariffs arrives this afternoon. In related coverage:

• Telegraph-Journal: New Brunswick considers reducing stumpage fees
• Financial Post: A reality check on Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ beefs
• USA Today: GOP to join Dems in opposing fentanyl-related tariffs on Canada
• Truck LoggerBC Magazine: Surviving Trump’s tariffs—it will be a long time before we have a new normal

In other Business news: COFI’s new study on BC’s forest sector competitiveness and sustainability; the TLA’s Bob Brash remains hopeful—hands the reigns off to new Executive Director Peter Lister; and the Canadian Wood Council’s latest Environmental Product Declarations.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Alberta ENGOs warns of logging impacts on caribou herds; Oregon NGOs celebrate old-growth logging victory; California wildfires threaten world’s oldest trees; a documentary on BC’s worst wildfire seasons; and Out on A Limb—a new series on First Nation-led innovation in forest management.

Finally, the BC Council of Forest Industries’ AGM starts tonight. Check here for daily updates.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trump has the world on edge as he mulls a 20% tariff approach without exemptions. In related tariff news: US lumber dealers appeal to Trump; the US Senate faces a vote; the US Chamber comments on the Section 232 investigation; and Michigan foresters says tariffs are a two-edged sword. In other Business news: Sumitomo Forestry acquires Teal Jone’s Louisiana sawmill; Metsä appoints a new CEO; and the strike at Finland’s UPM Plywood continues.

In other news: BC looks to new opportunities; as policy is blamed for the squeeze; and COFI focuses on the future of forestry. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia’s hemlocks are under threat; Oregon’s timber industry is on the rebound; Colorado rehabs its wildfire ravaged forests; New York sets an ambitious planting goal; and Missiola backs the acquisition of timberlands.  

Finally, stay alert as it’s April Fools’ Day! But where did it come from?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

An historic ice storm caused power outages and downed trees across Ontario, Quebec and the US Northeast. In Forestry news: Ontario bolsters staff ahead of 2025 wildfire season; fired Oklahoma Forestry Dept. head defends his work; Pennsylvania’s only national forest may see more logging; ENGO’s pan US plan to increase logging; conservation groups sue over North Carolina forest plan; and AI-powered drones track down forest fires in Germany.

In Business news: Trump’s trade war plans send world stock markets down; West Fraser is adapting to the uncertainty; Alberta’s Forest Minister plans a trade mission to Texas; OFIA’s Ian Dunn seeks collaboration with US homebuilders; and shuttered South Carolina paper mill looks to a future in biomass. Meanwhile: the BC Council of Forest Industries’ AGM kicks-off in Prince George this week—check here for daily updates!

Finally, meet the tree that likes being struck by lightning.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

North and South Carolina are battling wildfires, as South Korea cleans up, and Canada prepares for what’s coming. In related news: a new documentary on BC’s Wildfire Service; the premier of Alberta blames Park’s Canada for the Jasper fire; and Washington’s budget woes put fire preparations at risk. Meanwhile: Oklahoma firefighters react to forestry chief firing; Oregon’s wildfire-risk maps revisited; what Los Angeles can learn from the 2019 Paradise fire; and KB Homes unveils a fire-resilient neighbourhood.

In Business news: the Canfor/Teralta Prince George hydrogen project is paused; Maine-based TimberHP files for bankruptcy; and Netherland’s Vattenfall cancels its biomass plant plans. Meanwhile: ex-BC forest minister Mike de Jong is running as an independent; a podcast on the future of wood construction; and the Softwood Lumber Board expands its mass timber accelerator program. 

Finally, Part II on political risk in the Canadian Forest Sector – a good weekend read!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor 

Trump announced 25% tariff on cars, then threatened higher levies if Canadian and EU retaliations hurt the US economy. In related news: Unifor sees existential threat to forest workers; RBC says Canada can still grow its forest industry; tariffs revive painful memories of pandemic-era toilet paper shortages; US economic optimism falls; flatbed trucking costs rise; and Vermont and Idaho foresee layoffs. In other Business news: Doman temporarily curtails Arkansas planer mill; and a wood flooring importer is fined for evading US anti-dumping laws.

In Forestry/Climate news: a UN report raises forest diversity concerns; BC rushes to finish wildfire mitigation before summer; Colorado’s latest forest pest report; Oklahoma’s chief forester is out of a job; Maine’s climate-smart forestry is at risk; and the war takes it toll on Ukraine’s forests.

Finally, Venice’s upside-down forest keeps the 1604-year-old city afloat.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says tariffs are a wake-up call—and Canada needs a new forest strategy. In related news: Kap Paper’s CEO says Canada should develop its resources; US Building Material Dealers oppose tariffs; the Toronto Star is hearing whispers on Canada’s fate; and the Conversation gets philosophical about trade friendships. In Market news: US consumer confidence falls to new lows; bio-based materials are making progress; and UK pellet imports are on the rise.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Verra completes review of Mosaic’s BigCoast carbon initiative; the Associated Press says climate change is all about the water cycle; firing of US climate scientists has international implications; Canada’s zombie fires may be less destructive than predicted; California plans protect communities from wildfire; and South Korea’s deadly wildfire forces 27,000 to evacuate.

Finally, try living without Australian timber and paper – a new (candid) video.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Trump threatens “secondary tariffs” to add leverage on the trade war front. In related tariff news: Trump narrows his approach for now; no easy way for Canada to de-escalate; the US Softwood Coalition pans Canada’s feigned outrage; BC weighs changes to its emergency powers bill; and another furniture company is moving to the US. In other Business news: Domtar’s Gatineau mill conversion; Sappi’s Somerset mill upgrade; and CWC’s support for mass timber in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: California has a new wildfire hazard map; perspectives on the US administration’s goal to ramp up logging on federal lands; raising truck weight limits to support Arizona’s forest sector; and new research from Australia on firefighter’s fatigue and mental toll.

Finally, Robert McKellar on how Canada’s forest sector can anticipate and even adapt to Trump.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US tariffs on industrial sectors are now not expected April 2, but reciprocal levies on nations with trade imbalances are. In related news: Part II of a Tree Frog Special on Trump’s Re-emergence and Political Risk in the Canadian Forest Sector; Alberta council urges province to support its forest industry; and a US columnist says Canada stands accused of… subsiding Americans. Meanwhile: US remodelling soars but struggles to find labor; and Gene Wengert, the infamous Wood Doctor, has died at 82.

In Forestry/Wildfire News: Canada invests in wildfire training; whitebark pine restoration makes progress in BC and Alberta; ENGOs call for more conservation in BC; and US tree planting is cut due to DEI measures. Meanwhile: a new UK report on mass timber benefits; and Canfor partners in pursuit of formaldehyde-free wood adhesives.

Finally, Amazon faces a greenwashing lawsuit; while a Georgia jury fines Monsanto $2B.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s new Prime Minister is expected to call an election, as a trade war looms with the United States. In related tariff news: the US Hardwood Association opines on unfair trade practices; a study on BC communities most at risk; and fallout related to Canada’s lumber supply, basic necessities like toilet paper; home DIY projects, and small-town US newspapers. Meanwhile: existing US home sales rose; while The Conference Board economic index fell.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC Wildfire Service has record application numbers; York University will study wildfire mitigation planning needs; a Texas wildfire prompts evacuations; foresters see pros and con in Trump’s logging order; Montana and Virginia gear up to expand timber production; and a new report says EU’s biomass policy may accelerate deforestation.

Finally, International Day of Forests highlights link between forests and food security.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada is investing in 67 projects to boost the resilience of BC’s forest sector. In related news: NRCan’s funding recipients include several Cariboo businesses and the Fort Nelson First Nation; BC Forest Minister celebrates the opening of Gorman’s Canoe mill kiln; and a fire damages Hancock Lumber’s Casco mill. Meanwhile: the US Lumber Coalition takes aim at Canada and the NAHB; CNN says tariffs will increase US housing costs; Reuters opines on Canadian mill’s southward shift; the US Fed plans to stay in neutral; and US sawmill production lags capacity.

In other news: Canada pursues a new CSA standard for wood pellet heat; Amazon launches a carbon credit service; Trump wants to ramp up logging on national forests—but he’ll need the states’ help to make it happen; layoffs put Washington’s wildfire preparedness in question; and an investigation sheds light on Oregon’s deadly wildfires.

Finally, on International Day of Forests—the US Endowment’s Alicia Cramer asks if we missing the forests for the trees?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

BC’s Auditor General says the province’s forest carbon accounting isn’t consistent or transparent enough. In related news: a Montana study on the driving influences of forest carbon storage; Canada supports tree planting in Quebec; BC’s Forest Practices Board calls for protection of cultural sites;  and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society releases its report card on provincial conservation efforts.

In Business news: the United Steelworkers ratify a 4-year collective agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City; BC seeks to strengthen its forestry sector; Montana sees pros and cons with Trump’s orders; Canadian housing isn’t immune to trade war; US consumers fear tariff impacts; North Cowichan braces for forest sector fallout; and the European Commission reviews its retaliatory options.

Finally, US uncertainty positions Canada for more mass timber construction.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Canada and Europe will continue to play crucial role in meeting US wood demand—as Washington state wonders if boosting timber production can counter tariffs. In related news: tariff uncertainty keeps Canadian home buyers on the sidelines despite a rise in building construction; while US housing starts surged 11.2% last month and falling permits signal a slowdown; and here’s what building homes on federal land in the US would look like. Meanwhile, good news for India and New Zealand in timber and lumber trade; and a new global platform for recycled wood.

In Forestry/Climate news: almost half of landslides in southwestern BC have been linked to logging or wildfires as the forest fire season gets underway; Arkansas asks EU leaders to reconsider deforestation regulation; the Northwest Forest Plan revision aims to solve multiple issues; and the US Forest Service remains silent on firings. Meanwhile: dozens of wildfires burn across Missouri and Kansas; and Southwest Idaho targets high wildfire risk; and it’s time to guard against pine beetles.

Finally, an alternative to wood caskets comes from an invasive vine in Australia.

Suzi Hopkinson, Tree Frog News Editor

US  homebuilder confidence fell to a 7-month low on cost uncertainty and tariff threats. In related news: growth forecasts are slashed for Canada and Mexico; higher costs are expected for US homes; the US still needs Canadian lumber; and southern yellow pine is an imperfect substitute. Meanwhile, Canada’s new prime minister faces a trade war; a gobsmacked planet wonders what’s next; and an open letter to Donald Trump.

In Forestry/Climate news: Premier Eby plans to eliminate BC’s carbon tax; Nova Scotia requires N.S. Power to burn more wood for electricity; US senators introduce bill to conserve working forests; former EPA leaders sound alarm on Trump’s environmental rollbacks; and California wildfire victims look for non-combustable building materials. Meanwhile: Domtar celebrates land agreement; FPAC’s 2024 Annual Report; Woodlot BC’s Woodland Almanac; GreenFirst’s Q4 results; and Sherwood Lumber’s new president.

Finally, on St. Patrick’s Day, a story from Ontario on Irish migration and lumber merchants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US Commerce Department set an April 1 deadline for public comment on its lumber import review. In related news: BC proposes a new law to facilitate quick response to US tariffs; EU’s retaliation targets US wood products—while implicating European pulp & paper products; and New Hampshire hardwood producers want trade stability. 

In Wood Product news: Canada invests to advance BC’s wood construction technologies; and mass timber advancements courtesy of Boston, Vancouver, Ottawa, and the Czech Republic.

In Forestry/Climate news: The US Environmental Protection Agency’s deregulation plan is panned by ENGOs; Drax is accused of silencing one of its own; an Alberta-based firm is building the world’s first zero-carbon cement plant; and Ireland launches a new NeighbourWood forestry scheme.

Finally, this Canadian forest minister says our US relationship is changed forever.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

The US plans to revisit its climate change laws, and rollback some Environmental Protection Agency regulations. In related news: the US Supreme Court declines to hear red-state climate lawsuits; the US push for more logging is said to put climate at risk; and Sweden risks missing its carbon neutrality goals.

In US tariff news: the European Union responded ‘proportionately’ to Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum—Trump escalated with 200% on alcohol; Canadian officials are meeting with Commerce Secretary Lutnik today; and Vietnam wood exporters are tariff-wary. Meanwhile: US inflation eased in February; tariff uncertainty is slowing BC housing; and Conifex Timber reported a Q4, 2024 loss of $29.8 million. 

In Wildfire news: Musk’s layoffs are said to undermine wildfire protection; what old trees can teach us about modern wildfires; a New Yorker feature on the Felling of the US Forest Service; and South Carolina forestry chief says the state needs to up its prevention efforts.

Finally, Canada’s Forest Owners—good neighbours in bad times.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

Northern Pulp’s proposed pulp mill will require $2.5 billion in private-public funding. In other Business news: cooler heads prevail on US-Canada tariff escalation, but Trump’s steel levies beget countermeasures by Canada and Europe; Alberta’s forest industry seeks tariff support at home; and Drax is not in breach of its UK sustainability obligations. Meanwhile, lumber prices and lumber futures continue to oscillate and Canada cuts its interest rate to 2.75%.

In Forestry news: the USDA Forest Service hires back all 6,000 fired workers—as layoffs sparked wildfire preparation concerns; Louisiana Tech names Paul Jackson director of Ag Sciences and Forestry; the remains of California firefighter from 2020 El Dorado Fire are finally confirmed; and the latest news from FSC Canada.

Finally, and sadly, longtime forestry advocate and North Cowichan mayor Tom Walker died March 7.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

US builders and lumber dealers say tariff uncertainty brings back pandemic-era supply-chain shortages. In related tariff news: RONA pivots to Canadian-made goods; Canada’s NDP leader wants to build with wood; and Ontario and Quebec companies brace for impacts. In other Business news: Northern Pulp secures extension on Nova Scotia pulp mill study; and Stein Lumber acquires Teal Jones’ Salmon Arm plant.

In Forestry/Climate news: the EU Deforestation Regulation may boost low-deforestation countries; Canada and Quebec agree to conserve nature; the National Observer says Canada’s forests are a carbon source; the Tyee says killing wolves is no way to protect BC caribou; Washington lawmakers want to cancel the owl-killing plan; a new study says acoustic monitoring for birds is good for forestry; and prescribed burning does not make Australian forests more flammable.

Finally, does the US really need Canadian wood products supply? Apparently yes.

Kelly McCloskey, Editor, Tree Frog News

US Commerce Secretary Lutnick expects a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum on Wednesday, but lumber and dairy tariffs not until April 2nd. In related news: Canada’s next prime minister faces US trade war; Ottawa announces $6.5B aid for businesses effected; Canfor looks to diversify its markets; and Peter Harrell says the US trade action lacks legal foundation. Meanwhile: US lumber futures slide on tariff delay; and a made-in-USA futures rate is coming for Southern yellow pine.

In other Business news: Nova Scotia awaits feasibility study for new pulp mill; Williams Lake, BC power plant closure is averted; and the EU Commission investigates plywood imports from Brazil. In Forestry/Climate news: UBC Forestry to study cultural and prescribed burning; new research reveals how US forests have changed over time; and logging updates from Oregon; Arizona, Vermont; and South Dakota.

Finally, Bruce St. John opines on Canada Wood’s decades-long market diversification efforts.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor