Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

The housing sector will outperform the North American economy as it recovers from COVID-19, although employment will struggle as companies shed higher-income earners. In related news: engineered wood and mass timber are poised for strong growth; DIY keeps the renovation sector hopping; dealers are encouraged by the uptick in housing starts; add logs to the Canada-China trade problem; and Pinnacle completes its Williams Lake, BC upgrade.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC tree planting in the time of COVID; scientists say the US trillion trees plan is a risky climate strategy; a Russian theory claims forests make both rain and wind; and First Nations are a key part of Canada’s sustainable biomass strategy.

Finally, achievements in tall wood buildings are celebrated in a new book.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Alberta’s slow start to the wildfire season is linked to weather and COVID-19 restrictions; Oregon prepares with precautions, and Arizona deals with a spike in wildfires and virus cases.

In Business news: commentary on the North  American housing markets from the NAHB (permits soar), Forests2Market (industry performance tumbles) and Bloomberg columnist (housing is hot); as the Tree Frog News features three more keynote speakers at FEA’s (virtual) Softwood Lumber Conference. Today’s focus—North America’s log and lumber markets. 

In other news: a new study says Northern Pulp’s treatment facility ‘did its job’ at Boat Harbour, Nova Scotia; UBC and FPInnovations receive monies to develop a virtual reality planning tool; and a log scaling robot wins award in New Zealand.

Finally, self-powered ‘paper chips’ could help sound an early alarm for forest fires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US builder confidence surged in June as Canadians shed their pessimism about the economy, and lumber prices stabilized. But according to two FEA principals: the current recession will play out differently than 2008 as housing starts and lumber prices tick-up through 2021.

In other Business news: Canfor’s Swedish subsidiary acquires 3 sawmills; China claims pests found in logs imported from Canada; and BC appoints Ravi Kahlon to lead its mass timber expansion, as a Georgia bill seeks to expand its use. Meanwhile: Nova Scotia names board to oversee new forestry trust; and Western Forest Products defends limited pesticide use in Powell River region.

Finally, a Philadelphia study says increasing tree canopy can decrease human mortality!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The great softwood lumber consumption collapse of 2020 will mostly be regained in 2021, according to FEA’s Russ Taylor—lead-off presenter at FEA’s Global Softwood Lumber Conference—the virtual version. In related news: housing markets in Canada, California and China shrug off the COVID-19 effect. 

In other Business: the BC government takes heat over Mackenzie pulp mill closure; Resolute’s newsprint capacities are down 40%; and JD Irving to begin work its New Brunswick sawmill expansion. 

In other news: the Seattle Times picks up the BC old-growth story; the US administration is panned for its plan to open up national parks; and New Zealand’s MP’s move to prevent forestry price controls.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Newfoundland and Virginia governments launched programs to support their respective forest sectors amid COVID-19. Meanwhile, organizations releasing their economic policy proposal wish-lists include three Ontario building associations, and the US Hardwood Federation. In related news: a suite of economic indicators suggests US homebuilding will soon rebound, but supply will likely lag demand.

In other news: the US Agriculture Secretary unveiled a vision for more development in national forests; Ontario’s proposed species-at-risk extension gets pushback; deforestation in the Amazon continues to rise; and more fallout due to recent mill closure announcements in Mackenzie, BC and Duluth, Minnesota. 

Finally, eight updates to our Conference and Events page due to COVID-19.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence is idling its Mackenzie, BC pulp mill indefinitely due to lower demand and fibre shortages, while Verso Corporation idles its paper mills in Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids. Commenting on the Mackenzie closure are the Gov’t of BC, Unifor and the Mayor of Prince George.

In other Business news: dealers report uptick in wood product sales as building material prices in general rise; BC delays increase to log export restrictions to assist industry amid COVID-19 challenges; Canada joins US in investigating China’s dumping of hardwood plywood; and more company news from San Group, and Taiga Building Products.

Finally: a first of its kind mass timber warehouse in BC, and a carbon and soil professor wins the World Food Prize.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Federal Reserve projections of near-zero federal funds rate through 2022 supports the home building sector and reinforces its leadership role in the coming recovery. In other Business news: how the pandemic is changing US homebuilding practices; the US is investigating plywood imports from Vietnam; and a pending rail line closure will impact Interfor’s Grand Forks, BC mill.

In Forestry news: BC loggers plead for certainty on old growth transition; former board member says BC’s forestry watchdog needs to change; Oregon real estate trusts are panned for their impact on small timber communities; and Arkansas representative champions sustainable forest management. Meanwhile: a lignin-based resin that reduces plywood’s footprint and a review on Michael Green’s Tall Wood Buildings book.

Finally, the conservation officer who refused to kill two bear cubs is vindicated in court.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Civil unrest led to most North American buyers sitting on whatever inventory they had last week. In related news: high lumber prices are a sign that demand exists and; combined with lower sawlog costs is leading to improved profitability worldwide. In other Business news: work is underway to save C&C Wood Products; Clearwater Paper’s Lewiston plant upgrade fails to deliver savings; and Maine’s TREE Foundation has a new executive director.

In other news: Biomass generated electricity is expected to grow in the US; Go Lab—Maine’s new wood fibre insulation venture—is delayed another year; and the staggering value of forests—and how to save them.

Finally, a stone-carved arrowhead dating back 7000 years found near Williams Lake, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Northern Pulp is appealing the Nova Scotia gov’t order regarding its effluent treatment plant, claims it was “constructively evicted” from Boat Harbour. In other Business news: C&C Wood Products in Quesnel, BC files for bankruptcy; New Brunswick Premier defends environmental oversight appointment; US court says EPA must set new limits for pulp mill air pollutants; and it’s official – we’re in a recession.

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia species at-risk order could impact other Atlantic provinces; rare Oregon salamander found not to be impacted by logging; experts say fire management key to conserving California’s dry forests; and more on BC’s big and small old-growth trees.

Finally, BC Wood goes virtual and 6 new environmental product declarations by the Canadian and American Wood Councils.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

COVID-19 is eroding budgets, raising concerns as the wildfire season approaches. Here are some of the headlines:

• Smoke, forest fires continue in Northwestern Ontario
• Fire suppression measures can increase risks in northern Canada
• California was set to spend big to prevent wildfires, then came COVID-19
• Oregon officials predict severe and complex wildfire season amid COVID-19
• Nevada prepares for bad fire season amidst coronavirus concern
• Logging and severe fire both make Australian forests more flammable

In other news: Mosaic Forest Management says it can’t restart operations without log export relief; BC wood product exports fell 20.5% in Q1 2020, although value-added exports were up 7.1%; New Brunswick’s environment oversight appointment called a conflict of interest; Canada’s housing starts trend down in May; and US wood pellet exports fell 11% in April. 

Finally, we’re relieved that our friend and fellow RPF Stan Coleman escaped serious injury after a logging road accident.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

On World Environment Day Trudeau emphasized the import of conservation, while Trump sought to ease environmental reviews on projects in light of Covid-19. In related news: Canada’s forests have turned into carbon emitters; report claims only 1% of BC’s old growth reserves are “coniferous giants”; Southern Oregon forests face repeated droughts; and Ontario’s tree planting deemed a success, despite Covid-19.

In Wood Product news: BC Wood goes all-in with virtual wood promotion; Michael Green on timber’s role in the future of buildings; and the second annual report on the state of mass timber in North America. Meanwhile: Canfor set to re-open its Houston sawmill; and US loggers request $2.5 billion in Covid-19 related aid.

Finally, a bear takes a nap in an eagle tree. What could go wrong with that!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

ProBuilder Magazine’s annual Housing Giants list shows that consolidation remains key to company growth. In related news: US mortgage applications decline; US rail volume declines are slowing; and home buying activity is proving resilient. In Company news: Taiga Building Products appoints Co-CEO; Universal Forest Products Georgia plant catches fire; and the future of Quesnel’s C&C Wood Products is in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ hands.

In other news: Canadian innovators rise to the COVID-challenge; New Zealand Forest Owners push back on gov’t bill for more in-country processing; family forests can help the US combat climate change; Australia debates the risk of logging fire-damaged forests; and Brazil leads the globe on forest loss.

Finally, these Canadian species are found nowhere else on earth!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian gov’t declined Mosaic/Steelworkers request for temporary relief on federal log export policy. In related news: BC sawlog prices fell to two-year low in Q4 2019; lumber prices keep rising, home building shifts to lower density markets; and what might the forest products sector look like in 6-months. Meanwhile: Canadian Pacific completes eastern railway expansion; and a look back as Resolute Forest Products marks 200 years.

In Wood Product news: a BC Wood feature video on how the Hazelton Recreation Centre helped rebuild a community; Vancouver’s 9-storey hybrid proposal for Indigenous housing; Toronto’s net-zero Centennial College plan; and France’s proposed mass timber-embracing law. Pushing back on wood are the Portland Cement Association and the Australian Greens. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia is buying up forest land—to assist owners struggling with the Northern Pulp closure, while taking action on (and considering an appeal of) a court order to better protect at-risk species. In related news: BC approves logging in spotted owl habitat; North Carolina State looks to breed a better forest; and the climate resilience of tropical forests depends on keeping forests intact.

In Business news: due to falling demand, Sappi (Westbrook and Summset, Maine) joins Blandin paper mill (Grand Rapids, Minnisota) in temporarily laying off employees; US residential construction falls in April; COVID-19 boosts the DIY and handyman segments of US economy; and an update on China’s wood, construction and real estate industries.

Finally, the GHG solution to concrete and steel wind towers—wooden wind turbines.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Compared to other commodities, global trade in forest products remained fairly strong, despite COVID-19; as lumber prices and lumber futures keep moving up. In other Business news: San Group’s new Port Alberni sawmill starts to roll; Canfor completes Elliott Sawmilling purchase; and Mercer to curtail its Celgar mill for 30-days.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario may extend its endangered species act exemption for forestry; a Nova Scotia judge says the province has failed its species at risk obligations; a new study says BC logging continues on caribou habitat; Alberta scientists identify refuge areas in boreal forests; the Pacific Northwest’s fire season is shaping up to be onerous; and FSC Canada celebrates 1st B-day of its National Standard.

Finally, the concrete industry takes exception as wood high rises gain support in BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

C&C Wood Products (Quesnel, BC) is closing—putting 150 out of work; and Conifex extends its Mackenzie, BC sawmill curtailment. In other Business news: a fire broke out at Griffin Lumber (Georgia); Canada’s proposed sick-pay program is unaffordable—should sunset post-COVID; Huawei court decision to hurt China-Canada trade; and US mortgage rates hit 50-year low.

In other news: Canada’s parks reopen to day-use; Vancouver approves 12-storey mass timber buildings; Katerra CLT factory receives chain-of-custody forest certifications; a new study says tree mortality is increasing due to climate change; International Softwood Conference goes digital; and more on UBC’s biodegradable N95 prototype masks.

Finally, its the last day to check out who you know at the #TreeFrogICU. Happy weekend!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s housing market could take years to recover, says the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation. In related news: Alberta’s drop could be as big as 90%; while Realtors call CMHC’s price forecast ‘panic-inducing‘. Meanwhile: the free-fall in US consumer confidence stopped in May, despite April-starts plunge of 30%. 

In other news: the Softwood Lumber Board exceeds its target for generating lumber demand; Danzer reports lower hardwood sales; Pinnacle Pellet gets some kudos; a new lumber e-commerce platform goes live; 9-storey mass timber apartment to be US’s largest; North America’s first Passive House commercial building comes to Victoria, BC; and lots of questions for huge US and British tree planting schemes.

Finally; a new frog in our pond—Lisa Perrault joins the Tree Frog editorial team!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian lumber stocks have produced spectacular returns since March. In related news: suppliers look to end of summer as lumber prices continue to rise; West Fraser substantially resumed production in May; Canfor assessing customer demand; fire destroys WF Tompkins sawmill in New Brunswick; US hardwood producers hit with one-two punch; and NAWLA launches campaign to showcase industry careers.

In other news: NRCan releases State of Canada’s Forests Report; the Douglas fir bark beetle is on the move in BC; prescribed burns introduce atmospheric toxins; the rare but deadly complications of tick bites and Lyme disease in Western Canada; and Australian bushfire smoke hospitalized thousands with deaths linked to smoke.

Finally, Canada’s top pick for a national lichen is the star-tipped reindeer.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Vancouver is poised to accept mass timber up to 12-storeys for residential and commercial buildings, citing carbon, cost and COVID-recovery benefits. In related news: the UK concrete industry resists more consultations as Grenfell fire fears reduces allowable wood-framed use in England; New Zealand’s wood-first policy is panned; CLT is celebrated in schools; and Wood WORKS! BC launches a new workshop series.

In Finance and Economic news: Canada’s lumber production fell 15% in January; but Seeking Alpha says there are signs of hope in the housing market; the WSJ says lumber futures are rebounding; and Forests2Market says the paper products industry expanded. Meanwhile: EACOM’s Kevin Edgson on attracting younger workers into forestry; and FSC’s draft standard for Canada’s small-holders and community forests.

Finally, the latest on forestry sector conferences. What’s on and What not!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A NAFTA panel has upheld the US International Trade Commission’s injury decision regarding softwood lumber imports from Canada. In response, the US Lumber Coalition is pleased, the BC government is disappointed, and the BC Lumber Trade Council hopes to prevail via other challenges. In other Business news: COFI’s Susan Yurkovich and Forest Minister Doug Donaldson speak out on BC’s sawmill closures; and Mercer’s David Gandossi seeks stumpage relief for the pulp sector.

Meanwhile: the World Economic Forum says COVID-19 is putting forests at risk; scientists identify a tipping point for tropical forests; New Zealand forest owners bristle at bill to subsidize domestic industry; BC backtracks on promise to deter slash burning; and Vancouver’s top planner wants to allow 12-storey mass-timber buildings.

Finally, it’s the final week for the #TreeFrogICU and thanks to those who stopped by to wish Dr. John Worrall a happy 82nd.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor is curtailing indefinitely its Gilchrist, Oregon sawmill—laying off 130. In other Business news: more on Canfor’s recent curtailments; Kenora’s sawmill bankruptcy is extended (again); BC Wood postpones the Global Buyers Mission; and US Customs says Chinese plywood was illegally shipped through Vietnam. Meanwhile: the brutal decline in US and Canadian housing starts; dealers report slow but steady sales; and multi-family builder confidence weakened significantly.

On World Biodiversity Day, the UN’s State of the World’s Forests reports on forest loss; a US Science Assoc. says tropical forests are resilient to warming climate; Stand.Earth says we’re clearcutting our carbon pools; and Southern forests are a resource worth protecting. Elsewhere, the BC Wildfire Service puts a stop to prescribed burning, implements measures to battle COVID-increased wildfire risk.

Finally, how many of our 7 new entrants to the #Tree FrogICU do you know?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor to permanently close its Isle Pierre sawmill and curtail both of its Prince George pulp mills for four weeks. In other Company news: a diverse group of BC firms oppose the Mosaic/Steelworkers log export proposal; Western Forest Products is fined for a 2015 accident; Pinnacle Pellet takes heat from a Smithers ENGO; Katerra names Paal Kibsgaard as CEO; and Harold Maxwell of Temple-Inland fame passed away unexpectedly last Sunday. 

In other news: due to COVID-19, the Southern Forest Products Association and APA – the Engineeered Wood Association go virtual with their safety and health award winners. Meanwhile: FPAC lobbies for smart regulation in stimulus spending; this year’s forest fire season (worldwide) could be deadly; Canada urged to scale up nature-based climate solutions; and US family forests offer innovative carbon solutions.

Finally, more new faces in the #TreeFrogICU and don’t forget your B-day wishes for Dr. John Worrall.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Plastics Industry takes exception to the move to paper cups—says cups still require a polyethylene liner or an oil-based wax lining. In related news: the pandemic puts plastic bag bans on hold; the true cost of Ikea’s fast furniture; and Clemson University embraces mass timber with Southern yellow pine.

In Business news: Northern BC’s timber review called politics, plain and simple; more on San Group opposition to the Mosaic/Steelworker agreement; the future of post-Brexit paper recycling; lumber prices continue to improve; and the NAHB reports that Q1 townhouse construction was flat but custom home building increased. Meanwhile: socially distant first aid; Oregon State U’s forensics lab fights timber crime; and a special B-day party for Dr. John Worrall.

Finally, the #TreeFrogICU will be closing end of next week. Get your #WFH pics in fast!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US housing market experienced a record slump in April with residential starts down 30% from March; and Canadian sales and new listings fell by more than half. On a more positive note: the latest Random Lengths framing index is up 6.3%; while US builder confidence and US home ownership rates posted solid gains. 

In other Business news: Mosaic, Steelworkers position on log exports is opposed by San Group; the Carrier Group’s lumber mills will restart on a limited basis; and some softwood lumber tariff commentary.

In Forestry news: the FAO 2020 report shows the rate of world deforestation is falling; the European forest industry seeks inclusion in EU’s recovery plan; and a California push in support of biomass energy. 

Finally, it’s Mount St. Helen’s B-day and who will have the most faces in the #TreeFrogICU?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s Endangered Species Day—in recognition of efforts to protect threatened species and their habitats worldwide. In related news: the US denies full protection for the Pacific Fisher; and the Northern Spotted Owl breeding program in BC is hatching chicks.

In Finance & Economic news: an Arkansas professor says the post-COVID timber recovery will be slow; Forest2Markets says US South stumpage is suppressed; FEA reports weaker lumber and panel sales in May; and Moody’s says the housing slowdown can’t be thwarted by lower interest rates. In other Business news: Northern Pulp must develop a decommissioning plan for its effluent pipeline; Freeman Lumber is no longer shutting down; and Western Red Cedar Lumber closes the “lead to sales” gap. 

Finally, a unique #TreeFrogICU addition, interviews with Matt Hill (One Tree Planted) and Jason Krips, (AFPA), and it’s Queen Victoria’s B-day on Monday (for those north of the 49th. See you Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

COVID casualties in today’s news include employees at Georgia Pacific’s containerboard and Bright Wood’s component plants in Oregon; as well as the timing of SFI’s annual conference in Vancouver. In related news: the latest from AF&PA’s mill capacity report; Forbes prediction of a W-shaped housing recovery; and the risk of an outbreak at US Forest Service wildfire camps.

Other companies in the news include: Conifex (improved Q1 results); Corner Brook Pulp & Paper (new shipping partnership); and Mosaic Forest Management (call for change to raw log export policy). In Wood Product news: AWC’s distance learning for fire inspectors; a new book on mass timber and fire safety; and Michael Green on revolutionizing the construction industry. 

Finally, new entrants into the #TreeFrogICU and its been 40 years since the Mount St. Helen eruption!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor