Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Challenges related to COVID-19 are spurring innovation in forestry, forest product research and forest product distribution—despite what one writer calls the end of our innocence. In Forestry/Climate news: 83% of BC wildfires are human caused; ENGO court case on EU wood biomass is dismissed; and 180 habitat conservation projects are announced for BC; while ENGOs say 80% of Canada’s safe havens lack protection.

Companies in the news include: Mosaic Forest Management (agreement with Steelworkers); Northern Pulp (gov’t assistance for cleanup) Resolute (200 year anniversary); Klausner Lumber One (bankruptcy); Louisville Slugger (reopening); and Smartlam (CLT partnership).

Finally, most home buyers want a home office and the #TreeFrogICU wants to see you in yours!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Greenpeace and FPAC disagree on findings that wood pellets from old-growth forests may not be carbon neutral. In related news: a study on the way boreal forests regulate water loss in a warming climate; Oregon Senator Wyden introduces bill to fund wildfire protection; and Australia funds post-fire wildlife recovery, while racing to salvage burnt timber before it becomes unusable.

In other news: an explosion and fire at Pinnacle’s Okanagan pellet plant on the same day the company reports that Q1 earnings are down. Meanwhile, on the COVID-19 front: BC Hydro shuts down some operations as power demand plummets; and a made in Canada solution to produce medical supplies and restore forest health. 

Finally, two new smiling faces on the #TreeFrogICU and another forest sector conference cancellation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The pandemic could be an opportunity for BC forestry (says Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson) but only if fibre costs are reduced (says COFI’s Susan Yurkovich). In other BC news: dormant Port Alice pulp mill declares bankruptcy. In Wood Product news: a post-Sidewalks Lab push for wood towers; New Zealand’s new wood procurement policy; and some environmental questions for the new icon of mass panic—the toilet roll. 

In Forestry/Climate news: SFI seeks comment on revised forestry standards; Wildfire season challenges in Oregon and California; a new study says temperate/dry forests are as diverse as rainforests; the the role of biomass for achieving the Netherlands’ climate goals.

Finally, how to find a mate without getting eaten—the tree frog version!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Google affiliate Sidewalk Labs’ ambitious vision for tall timber structures on Toronto’s waterfront is no longer—due to the pandemic. In other COVID news: Ontario invests to keep tree planters safe; dealers report steady lumber sales; US housing affordability falls; and prospects dim for forest industry stocks. Meanwhile, decent Q1, 2020 reports from Interfor, Domtar, Taiga, and Boise Cascade.

In other news: wood fibre costs challenge Canada’s pellet sector; BC based Errington Cedar mill fires up again; more on the so-called murder hornets; and Florida and Mississippi wildfire updates. Also: the Wood Products Council adds two new Board members; and U of Tennessee forester David Mercker is Forest Landowners Association 2020 Forester of the Year.

Finally, its the weekend. Time to take your WFH office pic for the #TreeFrog ICU.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As governments across Canada and the US reopen their economies, questions are being asked. The headlines include:

• Restarting when the ones earning the least face the highest risk
• Emergency response must include reform, says United Steelworkers
• British Columbia unveils four phases of plan to reopen province
• What kind of recovery economy Is BC planning to build

In other Business news: homebuyer demand rises as states reopen; lumber prices back to month-ago levels; San Group overcomes local skeptic; positive Q1 results from Stella Jones (treated wood); and Cascades (tissue); but negative Q1 results from Western Forest (strike and Covid); and Acadian Timber (currency).

In other news: hundreds evacuated due to Florida wildfire; Oregon wildfire camps need to change amid pandemic; BC hopeful COVID restrictions will mean fewer fires; UN says deforestation progress is good but slow; and invasive-species experts are preparing for the arrival of murder hornets.

Finally, FPInnovations breaks the mold and ‘dressing up & down’ in the #TreeFrogICU.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The road to recovery for the resource sector is more about markets and balance sheets. Here are the headlines:

• COVID-19 has led to nearly two-dozen mill curtailments in BC
• BC’s resource sector reboot is more about markets
• China rebounds but predictions muted due to fears of second wave
• Canada looks for access inroads in China’s reopening
• An international view of COVID’s impact on the timber industry
• Norbord, Weyerhaeuser, Rayonier and LP report Q1 earnings

In other news: Alberta increases fibre access to save jobs; BC’s First Nation bans planting on its lands; BC stumpage deferral falls short for First Nations; and Williams Lake flood linked to wildfire and deforestation.

Finally, a new date for the mass timber conference and newbies in the #TreeFrogICU.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s 2020 wildfire season is expected to be ‘well above average‘, particularly in the West. In related news: earliest start in decades for Oregon’s wildfire season; and California prepares for fires as bad as any in the past five years. Meanwhile: wood energy comes to small town BC; the case for burning wood or not-burning wood as a climate change solution; and Oregon ENGO’s seek protection of the Humboldt martin.

In Business news: Georgia Pacific to idle Louisiana lumber mill; San Group mill fire a welding mishap; US lumber companies speak out against BC stumpage deferral; South Carolina forestry takes COVID-19 hit; and the Ontario Woodlot Association has a new Executive Director.

Finally, 6 more friendlies in the #TreeFrogICU and if you’re looking for our table of forest sector events impacted by COVID-19, we’ve moved it here!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s stumpage deferral announcement is appreciated by the BC forest industry, draws concern from the  US Lumber Coalition. In other COVID-19 news: BC home sales are forecast to fall 30%; a second punch for struggling BC resource regions; and according to forestry professor Rajat Panwar – it’s time to rethink our global supply chains. Meanwhile, Jim Snetsinger succeeds Wayne Clogg as Forest Enhancement Society of BC Chair; and updates on Canfor’s operations and the San Group fire.

In other news: an ICU made of wood blocks laminated with metal; champions and skeptics of cross laminated timber; a wood waste breakthrough in BC; wood energy investments in Maine; and a carbon calculator to measure emission reductions. 

Finally, a well known addition to the #TreeFrogICU. Say hi to Dr. John Worrall.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government is deferring stumpage fees for 3 months to aid industry during the pandemic. In related company news:

• Conifex extends Mackenzie BC sawmill curtailment to June 1
• Canfor to reopen Vanderhoof & Chetwynd, BC operations May 11
• Resolute to layoff more than 1000, mainly in Quebec
• Mixed Q1 results at Weyerhaeuser, Mercer and Enviva

In other news: Canada’s Governor General Medals in Architecture feature wood; US Forest Service awards Wood Innovation Grants in Mississippi; BC’s forest watchdog says backroad bridges being built better; FortisBC invests in renewable wood waste energy; Redwoods play a significant role in California’s climate fight, and BC Wilderness Committee calls for more old-growth protection.

Finally, 8 new additions to the #TreeFrogICU. Click here for the full screen view!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The annual FEA-Canada Billion Board Foot Club list reports no new members and a net decline in lumber output. In other Business news: the US postpones softwood lumber duty reviews; lumber prices recover from pervious weeks; and the US GDP declines for the first time since 2014.

Meanwhile: a fire at San Group’s new Port Alberni mill will delay its startup by only a month; Resolute reports a small Q1 loss; EACOM donates more masks to health-care groups; and among the many COVID-19 cancelled forestry events, the wood flooring industry kicks-off the first virtual conference/expo.

In Forestry/Climate news: SFI announces 10 community grants; Minnesota looks to plant the forests of the future; the outlook for West Coast grizzlies; BC takes heat for its pellet policies; and the virus could make Canada’s bad wildfire season worse.

Finally, 3 more home offices in the #TreeFrogICU. What are you waiting for!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The ‘Nobel” of forest research—the Marcus Wallenberg Prize—goes to UBC’s Nicholas Coops, Oregon State’s Richard Waring and Australia’s Joseph Landsberg for research on how forests respond to climate change. In related news: UBC forestry prof on BC’s flooding post-fires; and a McGill researcher on tracking fires in real time. 

In other news: the Softwood Lumber Board reports 1.4 bbf of incremental lumber demand; UK industry commissions tests to support CLT; minimal savings found in Alberta’s rappel program cuts; and gypsy moth spraying commences in Surrey, BC and western Wisconsin.

Companies in the news include: West Fraser (production outlook withdrawn and Q1 earning gains); Resolute (COVID-19 approach); Weyerhaeuser (positive COVID test in Plymouth, NC); Northern Pulp (terms of reference to reopen Nova Scotia mill); and Domtar (Appvion paper business purchase).

Finally, lots of new faces (and home offices) in the #Tree FrogICU. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Recognized in more than 100 countries, Justin Trudeau, the BC Forest Safety Council, and the Canadian Labour Congress honour those lost or injured in the workforce—today, the National Day of Mourning. 

In Business news: the San Group expands again with its purchase of a specialty mill in Port Alberni, BC; Domtar idles Kentucky and downsizes Wisconsin paper mills; and PotlatchDeltic reports Q1 loss of $17 million. In Forestry/Climate news: fire-ravaged soils beget floods in BC; British wildfires are getting more frequent; Chernobyl forest fire poses no health risk from radiation; and new carbon accounting protocols purport to fully account for forest carbon.

Finally, the Tree Frogs editors have shown up in the Tree Frog ICU. Have you?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Social distancing whilst logging, burning and planting dominate today’s news. Here are some of the headlines:

• BC tree planting season ramping up with COVID-19 measures
• BC health officer guidelines for silviculture operators, employees
• Social distancing at a logging camp—an Alaska operator wants more
• Cancelling Arizona’s controlled burns comes with a price tag
• Montana’s wildfire prevention efforts will happen, pandemic or not

In other news: Canada-US border deal has links to NAFTA; straw insulation makes headway in California; UK Architects oppose CLT ban; Arbor Day used to leverage US Trillion Trees initiative; and a thumbs up and down for Michael Moore’s new documentary on renewables. Meanwhile, companies in the news include: Canfor (Vavenby closure); Resolute (paper mill production and Greenpeace dispute); Taan Forest (fuel spill); and the Androscoggin Mill (explosion update).

Finally, feeling isolated? We’ve got an ICU where you’re sure to feel better. Have a look!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The pandemic is weighing heavily on the forest sector—per the early Q1 reports—but it’s not all doom and gloom. Here are some of the headlines:

• Canfor warns pandemic will ‘weigh heavily’ on results 
• Arauco to permanently close South Carolina MDF plant
• China trade the lifeblood of New Zealand’s economy
• Stora Enso’s sales decreased by 16.2%, Södra is down 12%

In related news: new health rules for forestry are coming to BC; and the Dubai Woodshow and US Private Forest Landowners join our long list of cancelled or rescheduled forestry events. Meanwhile: Madison’s and Forest2Market on falling lumber prices; FEA on continued dealer-order strength and NAHB on declining housing starts.

In other news: the US Forest Service links biomass with forest restoration; Stand.earth takes issue with BC’s wood pellet industry; and Indonesia forest fires add toxic haze to COVID-19 respiratory woes.

Finally, is isolation getting you down? Maybe you need the Tree Frog ICU. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

First out of the gate with Q1 financials, Canfor reported a loss of $89 million on reduced lumber earnings and improved pulp and paper results. In other business news: Maine’s Jay mill restarts two paper machines with competitor pulp; and Cascades receives an Earth Day award. Elsewhere, Madison’s on lumber prices, the Motley Fool on housing starts; and Forest2Market on COVID-19’s impact on the forest supply chain.

In COVID-19 related Forestry and Climate news: health hurdles for BC’s tree-planting season; Newfoundland bans fires until September 30; a lack of field enforcement results in more Amazon deforestation; and the expected drop in greenhouse gases is only short-term good news for the planet. Meanwhile: the record wolf kill in Alaska spurs call for federal protection.

Finally, Arbor Day Foundation announces five 2020 award winners.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Dept of Commerce’s decision to drop Canadian cedar shakes and shingles from lumber duties is affirmed in court. In other Business news: home remodelling and repair forecasts are revised downward; BC’s tree planting season is delayed to May; West Fraser donates more healthcare supplies; Duncan Davies joins Pinnacle Renewable Energy Board; and Jason Krips is the AFPA’s new CEO.

In other news: the 50th anniversary of Earth Day is celebrated with a focus on kids and education. Here are the headlines:

• COFI’s forest education program goes viral
• Canadian Women in Timber – forest awareness through education
• SFI’s guide to curriculum for teaching about climate change
• BC Woodlot Association encourages kids to create

Finally, Australia’s wildfire CO2 is estimated while access to the burnt timber is encouraged.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fannie Mae—a US national mortgage association—predicts a short but excruciating economic downturn: minus 25 per cent in Q2 and a 3.1 per cent contraction over the full year. In related news: Canada’s forest industry braces for a brutal 2020; Vaagen Fibre in Midway, BC re-opens after 9-weeks; why the construction industry is essential to toilet paper stocks; and Washington state is facing pressure to allow homebuilding. 

In other news: Amazon.com Inc. makes a large contribution to sustainable forestry practices; fresh growth may offset climate hit from Australian fires; US Woodworks promotes CLT—the new darling of biophilic design movement; and Minnesota and Wisconsin wildfire crews ready as Alberta hires more.

Finally, congratulations to DLA Piper on their five year anniversary merger. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s forest sector seeks support to weather the COVID-19 storm, inability to access wage subsidy program a source of frustration. In related news: Skeena Sawmills in Terrace, BC seeks funding to survive pandemic; toilet paper demand rises 241 per cent; recovered paper prices spike in April, and builders do what they can to keep new home sales moving.

In other news: Oregon senators announce grants for wood innovation; UK considers further restrictions on combustible materials; can the Trillion Trees Act help with climate change; ENGO’s urge a pull back from biomass energy; and Maryland’s longleaf pines are moving north—with some help.

Finally, the 6th in a series on the 40th B-day of the eruption of Mount St Helens.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two BC paper mills (Powell River and Crofton) are forced to extend their shutdowns until mid-summer due to COVID-19 and fibre shortages. In related news: Conifex extends Mackenzie curtailment; Domtar extends Dryden mill maintenance; and PotlatchDeltic joins Boise, LP & Weyerhaeuser on the curtailment front. Meanwhile: Maine investigators seek the cause of the Jay mill explosion, while raw video—with raw trucker audio!—describes the event live.

In other news: the Squamish, BC wildfire spares Evans Lake Forest Education camp; US West mega-drought is deemed the worst in modern age; a California study on innovative wood products’ carbon benefits; and Jim Bowyer (Dovetail) on the policy dilemma of low-impact of single-use plastic bags.

Finally, FPAC’s Derek Nighbor to speak to gov’t on COVID-19’s impact later today.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts plunged 22 per cent in March, as builder confidence experienced its largest drop in the history of its measurement (35 years). In other COVID-19 related news: two Ontario sawmills are poised to restart as lumber prices steady; Nova Scotia’s forest producers are pushed to the brink; forest conservation can help forestall pandemics; and more on the potential cancellation of BC’s planting season.

In other unhappy news: an out-of-control fire prompts evacuations in BC’s Squamish valley; a New Brunswick sawmill is destroyed by fire; and a Maine paper mill digester explodes. Meanwhile, forest cover can benefit from wood biomass use; and woody biomass jobs are up in the US.

Finally, the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference and RISI join our (long) list of forestry events impacted by COVID-19. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Governments across North America are imposing fire bans to reduce the risk of wildfires. Here are some of the headlines:

• Provinces impose fire bans to reduce risk of wildfires
• British Columbia extends COVID-19 fire ban until June 15
• Alberta wildfires & COVID-19 set to peak at the same time
• Alberta issues fire ban for almost 60 per cent of province
• US halts wildfire prevention tool in California over coronavirus

In other news: BC delays biggest tree plant ever; Sonoco closes Ontario paper mill— shifts investment focus to South Carolina; PotlatchDeltic curtails plywood production in St. Maries, Idaho; the US extends logging contracts due to overriding public interest; and the US will reevaluate Spotted Owl habitat after Supreme Court ruling.

Finally, Icelanders hug trees in place of people to cope with social isolation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor majority owner Jim Pattison’s move to up his stake in West Fraser, stirs speculation of mergers and poison pills. In other Company news: Canfor announces new capacity reductions in BC; two employees test positive at West Fraser’s Mapleville, Alabama mill; Swanson Group shutters its Glendale plywood plant; Granville lumber closes after 70 years in Ohio; and another Nova Scotia sawmill closes as Northern Pulp takes heat in advance of government announcement on next steps for effluent facility.

In other news: BC’s tree-planting season may be chopped; Coastal GasLink’s wolf-kill funding questioned by ENGOs; Canada reports COVID-19 job losses; US residential construction prices decline; and the US Forest Service maps wildfire risk nationwide.

Finally, apparently Tolkien was right about giant trees in Lord of the Rings!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Pulp friction – getting to the bottom of the toilet paper shortage: border-jams delay supply of toilet paper’s only ingredient; getting to the bottom of the toilet paper shortage; and wiped out of toilet paper—here’s why? In related COVID-19 news:

• Canada’s natural resources getting us through the crisis
• Irving production resumes after COVID-19 shutdown
• Mask and gown makers turn to Maine & New Brunswick pulp co.
• Columbia shuts down due to lack of vendor support for straw pulp
• Virus impact on prospective home buyer traffic ubiquitous, building supplies OK
• US housing supply hit, lumber and the housing market face a rough ride ahead

Meanwhile: BC closes all of its parks; FEA goes virtual; Wyoming launches mule deer study; SFI & Georgia University study impact of forest certification; New Zealand limits log exports; and a new study says old forests are limited in their ability to absorb carbon.

Finally, on what is sure to feel like the longest Easter weekend ever, test out your Wood Facts IQ (by Sandy McKellar).

The Frogs are off until Tuesday next week, barring any breaking news. Happy Hopping! (from afar).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In an unprecedented time of global uncertainty, North America’s forests and forest products remain open for business. Here are the headlines:

• Ontario Forest Industry pleased with essential designation
• Oregon forests remain open for logging and timber sales 
• Washington, Oregon and California timber sales continue to support jobs
• Logging continues in Australian state forest as protesters stuck at home
• Lumber futures rally as producers adjust output to meet demand
• Babine Forest Products holding the line despite COVID-19

Meanwhile, forest organizations stay relevant by going virtual. Today’s examples:

• BC Forest Safety Council and WorkSafe BC COVID-19 field resources
• Oregon State University offers lecture series through College of Forestry
• National Wood Flooring Association announces Virtual Expo
• California Forest Service prepares for the 2020 fire season

Finally, some irony in World Health Day and how weevil poop enriches forest soil.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forestry sector a tale of two industries—pulp mills are running full out while sawmills take a few weeks off. In related news:

• 15%-20% of Downie Timber’s workforce impacted by COVID-19
• Cariboo pulp mill downtime due to reduced fibre from sawmills
• Nordic sawmills cut production in response to UK demand
• Prefab builder Katerra cuts 3% of its global workforce

In other news: Ontario moves to shut down construction industry; Washington state encouraged to restart residential construction first; and the dangers of looking at the environmental upside of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Demo International, the Fibreboard industry, and the Quebec Forest Industry Council are the latest to postpone or cancel their events.

Finally, coffee grounds and root vegetables show promise as plastic substitutes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Reduced demand for forest products and governmental restrictions on travel, work, and trade result in more productions curtailments. Here are the headlines:

• More downtime, production cuts for West Fraser operations
• Sinclar Group shuts three BC sawmills for three weeks
• Domtar idles paper capacity in Arkansas and Tennessee
• Boise to reduce plywood & EWP production by about one-third
• North American woodworking sector hit hard by virus
• Alberta’s timber dues deferred for up to six months
• Oregon industry and government budget undercut by COVID-19

In other news: Nanaimo’s Harmac pulp mill boosts medical pulp production; a new sawmill opens in Jefferson, North Carolina a year after fire; Timberland Forest Products in Missouri announces layoffs; New Zealand considers log export ban to support local manufacturers; and Ukraine firefighters battle forest fires near Chernobly disaster area.

Finally, a few more conference updates and thanks for your patience while we continue to sort our server challenges.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FPInnovations, Forest Economic Advisors and BC Wildfire Service innovate to keep forest training and education efforts going. In other COVID-19 news:

• West Fraser in Williams Lake donates N-95 masks
• Conifex to curtail Mackenzie mill operations
• Tolko production continues at all its plants
• Weyerhaeuser closing Evergreen plant for a week
• Irving Truro mill closes temporarily as 2 more virus cases confirmed
• Waste Management encourages recycling to support manufacturers
• Chinese wood traders to resume operations within a month

In other news: San Group goes against the grain on Vancouver Island; Wildfires could exacerbate respiratory health effects of COVID-19; host country Britain postpones UN Climate Summit; and the NRDC on Ontario’s own Donald Trump.

Finally, beavers hired for Ducks Unlimited task force.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

North American lumber supply is inconsistent as demand wavers and consumer confidence plunges (in Canada and the US). In related COVID-19 news: EACOM’s Timmins mill is hiring; the pallet industry sees light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel; BC Forest Safety Council and Western Forestry Contractors’ on safe work practices; and Forest Resources Association and FSC amongst many are modifying their scheduled events.

In other news: BC doctor says wildfire smoke will increase COVID-19 mortality; a new study tackles the effect of climate change on Canada’s forests; Suzuki says forest destruction is partly responsible for emerging diseases; Oregon secures more air tankers for coming wildfire season; and the world’s first all-timber football stadium wins UK approval.

Finally, 8 silly April Fool’s Day jokes for home-bound pranksters.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Plummeting lumber futures and production curtailments signal a housing slowdown, despite builders’ push to keep building. Here are the COVID-19 headlines:

• Weyerhaeuser to curtail production, reduce capital expenditures
• LP to reduce production in April and optimize working capital
• Kruger Specialty Papers curtails its Brompton, Quebec mill
• Lumber markets hint at housing slowdow (Wall Street Journal)
• Home sales had been healthy before the virus outbreak (NAHB)
• Tampa Bay Times reduces print editions, furloughs 50 employees
• Important forest products will continue to roll out of Idaho
• Interior design lessons from virus’s viability on materials 
• Five more forestry events announce plans for the future

In other news: HDR selected to design Kelowna’s first 12-storey mass timber tower; new research on how forests are coping with climate change (in the short term); and a raging forest fire in China has claimed 19 lives.

Finally, how are you managing to keep working? Our readers want to know.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest companies are mostly operating albeit at reduced levels. Here are the headlines:

• BC’s industry still producing but production falls
• Canfor joins other majors in slashing production
• Carrier Lumber announces temporary shutdown
• EACOM continues to operate as normally as possible
• Irving’s Nova Scotia mill operating despite COVID-19 case
• Scherer Bros. Lumber looks to 2007 recession for guidance on crisis
• Nova Scotia’s perfect storm post Northern Pulp

In other news: shuttered Fort Nelson Tackama Mill goes up in smoke; ENGOs on Canada’s climate crisis in managed forests; an Oregon forester on how forestry is misrepresented; and woody biomass’s carbon contribution for the global forest ecosystem. 

Finally; a few forestry event updates and an Easter Island Moai in BC?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest industry leaders are taking action to protect their employees and the sustainability of their businesses. Here are today’s headlines:

• Canfor Pulp’s COVID-19 action protects its people and business
• Canfor reduces lumber production by 40% over three weeks
• West Fraser Timber is scaling back production
• Ontario and Quebec forest industries essential, but still slowing down
• Saskatchewan mills facing potential work shortage during COVID-19
• Domtar, Norbord and Stella-Jones impacted by the pandemic

On the question of who’s essential: FPAC urges Canada to recognize forestry as essential; Australia struggles with the same question; and BC includes the forest sector. Meanwhile: BC’s Chief Forester defers start of Interior planting program; US jobless claims soar; and no US Forest Service firefighters have confirmed cases of COVID 19.

Finally, more news here as aways, including the latest on forest sector events.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Government directives and market forces are driving forest industry announcements on COVID-19. Here are the headlines:

• FPAC calls emergency aid package a critical first step
• West Fraser announces additional COVID-19 production adjustments
• Harmac mill works to fill pulp orders for medical masks and gowns
• Kruger says business as usual at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper
• Norbord announces reduced operating schedules and capital expenditures
• NRCan Scientists lend equipment to Quebec hospitals to test for COVID-19
• COVID-19 impacts Northwest Ontario forest industry
• Pellet Fuels Institute urges states to exempt pellet plant from shutdowns
• Anthony Lumber keeps running despite hoax report of virus
• Coronavirus is crippling California’s efforts to prevent catastrophic wildfires

In other news: Washington state approves forestry carbon bill; Life-cycle analysis demonstrates CLT’s credentials; and a new study on the role woody bioenergy plays in climate mitigation (lots!). Meanwhile, some forest industry groups are starting to reschedule their cancelled events.

Finally, Suzuki on how trees practice their own version of ‘social distancing‘.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

“Is the US in a recession? Technically no. In reality, HELL YES!”, says FEA’s Brendan Lowney re: COVID-19’s impact on the forest products sector. In related news: Ontario’s sawmills and forestry operations are declared essential, as are logging and milling in many states. Other headlines include: 

• Resolute to adjust capacity in wood product and paper segments
• NorSask slashes workforce by half due to COVID-19 uncertainty
• Harmac Pacific working full out to make cedar pulp for medical masks
• UK urges public not to visit the nation’s woods and forests
• COVID-19 poses lethal threat to chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans

In other news: the US votes to impose duties on Chinese cabinets; a new book tackles timber cruising; Kalesnikoff staffs up for CLT; and mass timber plans are unveiled in Los Angeles and the Philippines. 

Finally, don’t forget to help us help your colleagues stay informed. Pay it forward here.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Ontario deems the continuity of supply of forest products an essential service. In related news: COFI applauds the government of BC for action in support of workers and businesses; FPAC calls on federal government to declare the forest sector as ‘essential’; Cascades to maintain operations in Canada and the US; and is there a point to looking at the latest housing starts data (yes and no).

Other COVID-19 actions include:

• Softwood Lumber Board suspends Think Wood Mobile Tour, WoodWorks events
• The US National Park Service closes many national and state parks
• Congress considers US Forest Service funding to protect wildfire personnel
• Pinnacle Renewable Energy reschedules its AGM

Finally, a timely (and reassuring) long-view by Steve Zika, Hampton Lumber CEO. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Given these difficult times—taking care of your health is critical, as is staying informed on COVID-19’s effect on forest sector events and the industry we all rely on. In related news: Western Forest Products curtails production; US homebuilders are still working but slowdown looms; US wood product producers and lumberyards are declared essential services; US wood pellet exports continue uninterrupted; and California firefighters struggle to prepare for the fire season. 

In other news: Bob Brash, RPF is the Truck Loggers Association new Executive Director; an ENGO perspective on International Day of Forests; and forest sector promise for First Nations in Manitoba.

Finally, it wasn’t easy being a real-life beachcomber in BC. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest companies are taking steps to protect their employees, respond to changing market conditions. Here are the headlines:

• West Fraser to temporarily curtail production, defer capital expenditures
• Tolko doesn’t foresee closures, layoffs based on the current situation
• Interfor cuts production and staff at Grand Forks, Castlegar mills
• Pinnacle makes plans in case supply of sawmill residual fibre is reduced
• Port Hawkesbury Paper wood delivery curtailments add to Nova Scotia’s woes
• Georgia Pacific increases toilet paper shipments by 20%
• Oregon pulp and paper industry seeks “essential business designation” to stay open
• US Building Supplier Dealers seek “essential service” classification to stay open
• Sun Paper officially terminates Arkansas paper mill project
• New Zealand offers relief package for forest workers hurt by COVID-19

In other news: Ontario and Oregon shutter their parks; Project Learning Tree works online and four more forest industry conferences are put on hold.

Finally, US toilet paper caper is a reminder of Johnny Carson’s Fake News faux-pas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In response to COVID-19, Interfor will temporarily curtail production by 60% in BC, the Pacific Northwest and the US South. In related news: trade in cargo will continue under US/Canada border closing; Longview WA paper mills to continue operating; Resolute and Georgia Pacific are working overtime on toilet paper production; US and Canadian housing markets start to tilt—provide benchmark for the coming storm; and two more forest industry conferences are put on hold.

In other news: BC’s business community creates COVID-19 Cabinet; epidemiologists use forest fire analogy to describe how the coronavirus will spread; and Alberta’s wildfire season is underway.

Finally, Johnny Carson demonstrates (in absentia) how misinformation can lead to toilet paper hoarding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada and the United States announce a deal to partially close the border, allowing trade and commerce to continue. In related news: Boston orders a stop to all construction projects; US builder confidence declines somewhat but trend is expected to worsen; and six more forest industry conferences are put on hold.

In other news: US wildfire agencies, Nova Scotia gear up for the return of wildfire season; Ontario’s bear hunt is coming back while the province seeks input on its invasive species policy. Meanwhile, despite an abundance of toilet paper, stocking empty shelves is proving difficult. Be thankful we no long use corn cobs and rope ends.

Finally, as COVID-19 compels more working from home, the Tree Frog News is committed to keeping you abreast of its impact on our sector. Please share this link with your co-workers or encourage them to subscribe.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A team of Australian researchers may have found a cure for coronavirus with drugs already registered and available. Meanwhile, Wall Street wobbles after yesterday’s crash; an update on cancelled forestry and wood product events; why Americans are hoarding toilet paper; predictions of US housing market woes; and lumber dealers grapple with the fallout. In related news: Minister Donaldson says BC lumber exports are hampered at port of Prince Rupert, and Hampton Lumber closes its Tillamook mill for a day after employee falls ill.

In other News: the Huu-ay-aht First Nation takes majority ownership of Western Forest Product’s TFL 44; a new study on climate change’s impact on boreal plants; and hands-off forestry offers no protection for American forests.

Finally, Happy St. Patrick’s Day – a welcome distraction from the day’s news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Federal Reserve took emergency steps to help the economy withstand the coronavirus, and most forestry and wood product events are cancelled or postponed. In other Business news: Canada gives royal assent to new NAFTA trade deal; US forest industry revenues forecast to rise through 2024; Canada’s pulp market may be in for another hit; is now the time to bet on timber stocks; and the run on TP pushes IP’s stock up.

In other news: three three First Nation chiefs on the import of biomass to Northern Ontario; doubt replacing hope for proposed pellet plant in Newfoundland; BC adds funds to wildfire prevention in the north; and Australia’s fire-ravaged forests are recovering.

Finally, a full-throated take care from the Tree Frog News team.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor