Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Trump paused (for one month), his 25% tariff on products covered by the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, and while lumber is not part of the agreement, NAHB says lumber is included. In related headlines:

• BC Premier Eby: Announced new measures to defend BC
• Gorman’s Nick Arkle: Retaliatory tariffs risk provoking the proverbial bear
• ERA’s Kevin Mason says: Tariff uncertainty adds to risk of recession
• AFPA’s Jason Krips says: Act now to protect Alberta forestry industry from tariffs
• NAHB’s Buddy Hughes: Calls for negotiated end to tariffs on Canadian lumber

In other news: Canadians grapple with anxiety around Trump’s tariff chaos; Kruger-Kamloops ratifies pattern-setting labour agreement; Irving Paper says it doesn’t want a subsidy; and Canfor reports improved Q4,2024 results. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada and Manitoba collaborate to protect nature; sustainable aviation fuel struggles in BC; Trump’s logging order skirts the Endangered Species Act; and Bayer may halt US Roundup sales over legal risks.

Finally, how the tissue of lies behind the trade war could be wiped away with toilet paper.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Trudeau says talk with Trump was ‘colourful’  but trade war will last for foreseeable future. Related headlines include:

• Global News: New duties strain BC’s lumber industry
• CBC News: New Brunswick on edge as duties pile up
• Canadian Press: Kruger delays expansion decision, withholds guidance
• CBC News: Kap Paper pulp & paper business already in a difficult place
• Globe & Mail: Lumber prices hit two-year high as US investigates Canada
• Builder: US National Association of Homebuilders is hyper focused on tariffs
• Globe & Mail: Canadian insurance premiums put pressure on building costs

In related news: Canada requests World Trade Organization consultations; USMCA negotiators launch advocacy group for free trade; how Canada’s construction business can adapt to tariffs; and Canada’s counter tariffs come with procurement complications. 

In Forestry news: BC lumber producers still face fibre shortages; Steelworkers urge BC to increase fibre supply;  5,600 fired USDA employees to be rehired; what Trump’s push for more logging means for Oregon and Wyoming; William Nikolakis wins UBC Faculty of Forestry Outstanding Research Award; and Dakota College at Bottineau receives SFI Leadership in Education Award.

Finally, BC’s Evans Lake Forestry Education Society launches its online fundraising auction.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Trump doubles down on tariff benefits, as his Commerce Secretary Lutnick says a compromise is possible. Notable reactions include: 

• FPAC’s Derek Nighbor: US tariffs on Canadian exports breaks terms of USMCA
• NAHB’s Buddy Hughes: Warn of rising building costs as Trump’s tariffs take effect
• AF&PA’s Heidi Brock: Fears disruption of industry’s cross-border supply chains
• US Economist Paul Krugman: Trump tariffs are profoundly self-destructive

Meanwhile: BC forecasts tough times ahead, as industry fears economic fallout; tariffs could untangle Maine’s ties with Canada; US construction is bracing for a cost surge; Los Angeles’ rebuild will now cost more; and China moves to halt US log imports. 

In Forestry news: meet Tom Schultz—the new US Forest Service chief; Trump’s logging order is challenged by firings; investment uncertainty, and by timber supply; Washington State’s commissioner has a new forest plan; and climate change’s clearcutting problem.

Finally, this isn’t America’s first rodeo with a trade war. How’d it go in the past?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

US President Trump triggered a continental trade war with tariffs—as Canada, Mexico and China respond-in-kind. Not surprisingly, Trump’s announcement is leading to higher consumer prices, falling stock prices and higher lumber futures. In related news: the US also plans to triple anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber; BC Premier Eby says the double whammy will devastate forestry; the BC Lumber Trade Council calls the move unjustified; and the US Lumber Coalition says they can fill the lumber gap. 

In other news: Trump’s call for more logging gets Forest Resources Council support—despite claim that it is ‘legally murky‘; BC’s forest critic calls for a tax on US thermal coal; Amix Group buys Western’s Port Alberni sawmill; Stimson Lumber is planning a mill expansion; a sawdust explosion hits Mark Richey Woodworking; and Domtar’s Bill Edwards receives an Excellence in Leadership Award.

Finally, Canada’s pulp & paper sector is less exposed, but US investigation may target paper et al.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

President Trump ordered a new lumber investigation, claiming imports are a threat to US national security. In related news: Unifor says the security-threat claim is ‘ludicrous‘; BC Minister Parmar says the US order is ‘nothing but a distraction‘; and the US Lumber Coalition is thankful. Meanwhile: Canada-wide tariffs are still coming but it may not be 25%; New Brunswick minister wants to save JD Irving jobs; Tolko cuts back on its consultant workforce; International Paper names new leaders; and Doman reports Q4, 2024 earnings.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada-led UN biodiversity agreement secures international funding; Trump’s move to increase logging on National Forests is panned by ENGO groups; BC accelerates wood waste recovery to strengthen wildfire prevention; Alberta marks start of wildfire season, California proclaims state of emergency for wildfire prevention; and Georgia and North & South Carolina are already fighting fires.

Finally, the early bird discount ends today for the 2025 BC Council of Forest Industries Convention.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Trump plans to double China’s tariff rate, re-ups March 4 date for Canada and Mexico. In related news: Jack Mintz says the US also plans to challenge Canadian taxes; the US Lumber Coalition says the US supplies 95% of its lumber needs; ING’s Chief Economist says tariffs puts US construction at risk; and US Homebuilders say lumber prices are already rising. Meanwhile: Domtar announced the startup of its Nekoosa, Wisconsin mill; and more on JD Irving’s power rate woes.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Tom Schultz is the new Chief of the US Forest Service (some see roses while others see thorns); Oregon lawmakers want US Forest Service workers rehired; ENGO’s question BC Timber Sales review, wonder if BC’s ‘paradigm shift‘ is for real; Jason Fisher updates the BC Forest Enhancement Society’s latest projects; a wildfire documentary calls for industry support, while another is hitting the big screen; and a new study on prescribed burns and Tahoe’s old-growth forests.

Finally, new research uses natural tree sap to extend shelf life of fresh produce.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

US Forest Service chief Randy Moore announced his retirement with concern for fired employees. In related news: the firings decimate an already understaffed agency; Western states scramble to prepare for wildfire season; and the hiring-freeze endangers spotted owl protections. Meanwhile: Brussels confirms U-turn on EU green laws; columnist Terence Corcoran says shift is the new normal; and forestry CEO Ken Kalesnikoff says we’ve done a poor job of telling our story. 

In tariff news: the White House says tariffs are coming but there’s still room to negotiate; a Montana professor points to local downsides; and an Ontario logger says Canada is missing the point. Meanwhile: an Alberta appeal panel upholds West Fraser Mills safety action; and Stella-Jones reports positive Q4, 2024 earnings.

Finally, BC is Burning documentary looks at the devastation caused by wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

The European Union plans to keep its climate goals but loosen rules to bolster economic growth. In related news: Canada concedes middle ground is collapsing on climate action. In related news: BC defends shíshálh First Nation deal; Hamilton, Ontario is beset by the hemlock woolly adelgid; and forest fires drive up Ukraine war emissions.

In Business news: Irving Paper lay-offs stir pushback by community and union workers; Trump risks supply chain disruption with Chinese shipping levies; Doman’s Arkansas fire cost $2 million; and a fire ravages a Janesville, NY pallet plant. On the market front: Home Depot says high mortgage rates may be the new normal; lumber surges on tariff concerns; and which states are most at risk if Canada is targeted. 

Finally, confusion reigns over Trump’s tariff order; and what it could mean for Canadian forest products. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Irving Paper will close half its Saint John, New Brunswick operation due to ‘uncompetitive’ electricity rates. In other Business news: Trump says tariffs on Canada and Mexico ‘will go forward’; how the tariff threat is already driving up housing costs; and BC’s Legislature votes to condemn the tariff move. In related news: the US just launched its 7th review on lumber duties; while BC’s opposition leader says the province should fight back with counter measures. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada signs nature agreement with Northwest Territories; a BC ENGO calls for caribou habitat protection; US forestry firings wreak havoc in rural economies; will the Fix our Forests Act work; and this CEO says climate change is about economics not politics. In Wood Product news: innovations courtesy of Eco Guardian, Sterling Structural, and Cambium; and is it time to normalize mass timber construction?

Finally, a special feature on Trump’s re-emergence and political risk in Canadian forestry.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor expressed deep concern over the economic impact of US tariffs. In related news: Canada’s US allies push back, border talks seek to avoid tariffs, why tariffs will raise the cost of living without impacting trade balances; and US consumer sentiment declines; while housing starts are at risk. Meanwhile: California will require more fire resistant homes; and Drax touts partnership on sustainable aviation fuels.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada reduces its GHG ambitions; Oregon may change how it chooses its state forester; how biochar can help fight climate change; Canadian Liberal hopefuls defend alternatives to carbon pricing; Malaysia develops carbon credits for forestry; and Norway moves to zero-emission transportation vessels.

Finally, on the innovation front, bio-based hair conditioners and tree sap water-beverages.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Health Canada has been ordered to reassess the health risks of glyphosate amid evidence of evaluated risks. In related news: a New Brunswick professor says tree diversity is key; an Ohio professor links forest ecology to wildfires; Trump’s layoffs may raise the risk of wildfires; and Sweden looks to emission-free workplaces in forestry. Meanwhile: Trump’s cuts may impact building safety research; Vancouver opposes code change allowing single-staircase egress; and the latest news from FSC Canada.

In Business news: Canada’s business leaders want Ottawa to fight tariffs with tariffs; BC’s forest minister says US tariffs will be devastating; City of Hinton supports Alberta Forest Products Association’s advocacy plan; and Canadian and US builders brace for layoffs and tougher times. Meanwhile: Mercer and Boise Cascade report Q4, 2024 earnings.

Finally, can Canada challenge the tariffs, and how might the impacts vary by product and city?

Finally (again), a special thanks to everyone who complete our survey. And for those who haven’t – the deadline is today!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Trump adds lumber to his list of potential tariffs on Canada—coming in early April. In related news: BC vows to cut red tape for resource and energy projects; Canadian perceptions of the US are changing; and the US Dept of Commerce is set to announce new anti-dumping duty rates.  In other Business news: BC Forest Appeals Commission upholds Interfor logging fine; West Fraser UK mill fined for safety violations; Weyerhaeuser’s Columbia Falls MDF plant is rocked by fire; and Cascades and Goodfellow report Q4, 2024 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: Los Angeles wildfires are a funding warning for Canada; BC supports California despite cross-border uncertainty; all 6 spotted owls released in the Fraser Canyon have died; Washington state defends pause on logging old-growth; ENGOs file lawsuit to protect Montana elk habitat; and a handful of stories on the cuts to US Forest Service personnel.

Finally, Brian Luoma, Chair of the Softwood Lumber Board reflects on SLB’s impact.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

US builder confidence fell sharply in February over tariff and housing cost concerns. In related news: US housing starts dropped 9.8% in January; lumber futures are surging; and lumber prices are expected to continue to rise. In related news: US high-sticking on trade is nothing new; the US Lumber Coalition lobbies for more restrictions on Canada; BC’s Atlantic Power plant may not have to close; Kruger gets support from Corner Brook mayor; and Louisiana Pacific and Bluelinx report Q4, 2024 earnings.

In Forestry news: ENGOs pan private forest laws in BC; US effort to secure EU deforestation exemption continues; a US nature report may be published despite Trump’s order; Oregon’s governor wants to pause action on wildfire hazard map; and more fallout from the US Forest Service worker firings in North Carolina; Colorado, Montana and Idaho.

Finally, lessons learned from the California fires – who will bear the $250 billion burden.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

The US pulp and paper industry is seeking an exemption from EU deforestation rules. In related news: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs overturn decades of trade policy; US tariffs loom over Ontario’s election and BC’s legislature; and BC forest minister Ravi Parmar builds ties with California builders, says softwood duties could reach 55%. In other Business news: a Williams Lake biomass power plant is on verge of shutdown; BioNorth Energy gets support from Forest Enhancement Society of BC; and Newfoundland props up Corner Brook Pulp and Paper mill.

In Forestry news: thousands of US Forest Service layoffs hit US Parks and Forest Service workers hard; a new study says tree-ring data shows North American wildfire activity has declined; climate change is causing US West tree ranges to contract; Indiana’s Governor urges changes to Hoosier National Forests logging plan; and Texas awarded ~$1M to landowners for prescribed fires. 

Finally, it was the deadliest workplace in America. So why didn’t safety regulators shut it down?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Citing reduced packaging demand, International Paper announced it is closing four eastern US plants. In related news: Sylvamo upgrades two South Carolina paper mills; Kruger diversifies its Wayagamack, Quebec paper mill; San Group owners speak to their company’s downfall; and Interfor and Western Forest Products report Q4 losses. Meanwhile: Trump’s tariffs put upward pressure on lumber and housing prices; and HBS Dealer readers comment on whether the tariffs are needed.

In other news: Trump’s downsizing push reduces wildfire mitigation monies—eliminates 3,400 US Forest Service jobs; Canada and New Brunswick invest in wildfire equipment; Parks Canada ramps up plans for wildfire mitigation; Alabama bills would allow heavier truck traffic; and Boston University unveils design for new tall timber tower.

Finally, we’re gearing up to make improvements to the Tree Frog News. Last call to tell us what you think by completing our short survey!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

President Trump signalled the announcement of reciprocal tariffs, as fallout rises from Monday’s steel and aluminum tariffs. In related news: Canada’s forest industry fears it will be next; West Fraser says tariffs mean uncertainty; and US and Canadian homebuilders say their costs will rise. In other Business news: New Brunwsick timber firms win right to appeal major Aboriginal title case; Georgia Pacific invests in its South Carolina plywood mill; and West Fraser Timber and Smurfit Westrock report Q4, 2024 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada recommits to cut emissions under the Paris Agreement; SFI helps landowners with wildfire resilience; Domtar funds Indigenous-led conservation in Canada; progress is reported on First Nations reconciliation in Northern Ontario; and Vancouver faces another legal challenge over tree removal in Stanley Park.

Finally, a Valentine’s Day owl-fundraiser that uses rats named after old flames.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

RISI says lumber price volatility will increase in 2025 due to tightening conditions, duties and policy uncertainty. In related news: Do it Best CEO says tariff impact will be immediate; experts factcheck Trump on US lumber dependance; and tariffs are said to add to Canadian and US housing cost uncertainty. Meanwhile: Canada’s 13 premiers are in Washington DC to push back on tariffs; BC’s Eby says trade war has no winner; and BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick industry groups speak out. In other Business news: Spearhead Inc. wants to produce glulam in Nelson, BC; and BC-based Atli Resources appoints Johathan Lok as CEO.

In other news: BC Forest Practices Board says Interfor properly managed whitebark pine; a new study says Colorado forests are now a carbon source; and Oregon senators want firefighters to be exempt from the USDA hiring freeze. Meanwhile: US lawmakers introduce; the Forest Data Modernization Act, the Future Logging Careers Act, and a Wildfire Research Institute Act. 

Finally, February is Friends and Sponsors month at the Tree Frog News. We are delighted to welcome back our many supporters and at the same time invite others to help keep our service running and the subscriptions free and open . If you’d like to know more, please email sandy@treefrogcreative.ca for details. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Despite pushback from friends and foes, Trump reintroduces tariffs on steel and aluminum. In related tariff news: Trudeau says Canada will respond; safety experts worry about distractions; the Hardwood Lumber Association supports free trade; the US Lumber Coalition wants fewer imports; and US Homebuilders speak to the positive and negative effects. In other Business news: Acadian Timber acquires a Maine harvesting operation; and Western Forest Products announces completion of private land sale.

In Forestry news: CN and Tree Canada announce tree planting grants; Canada Forest Trust partners to plant trees; New York launches Tree Tracker for climate change; Alberta encourages more wildfire mitigation work; and Washington state kicks off wildfire prevention efforts. Meanwhile: Wadood Hamad is TAPPI’s 2025 Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award winner; Joel Hambright receives Texas A&M University Award; and FPAC opens applications for its Innovation in Forestry Awards program.

Finally, the Asian longhorned beetle has a new foe: Labrador retrievers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The UK renewed its support for Drax’s biomass power generation with lower subsidies and sustainability assurances. In other Business news: BC forest sector faces uncertainty as US tariffs loom; BC and Ontario First Nations add their voice to those expressing concern; and President Trump adds to trade uncertainty with new tariffs on steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, San Group creditor wants control of businesses connected to the company; and Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper names Bill MacPherson CEO.

In Forestry news: Canada invests to monitor active wildfires; BC invests in professional practice standards for wildfire prevention; the Doris Duke Foundation invests in SFI’s climate smart forestry practices; and a new study says North America forests still suffer from a fire deficit. 

Finally, Forest Professionals BC recognized four Distinguished Forest Professionals at its 77th conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor