Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

The coronavirus is the great awakening that the world has changed and like the pandemic itself, the sense of urgency and alarm is contagious. Amongst many, the New York Times is tracking the outbreak. In related news: the virus and US anti-dumping duties on China have increased Vietnam’s 2020 wood exports; and Canada’s biggest producer says there is plenty of toilet paper to go around.

In other news: Vancouver’s construction costs skyrocket; New Brunswick adopts code to allow six-storey wood-framed buildings; Nova Scotia’s forestry future includes working forests; and an Alaska judge stalls logging in the Tongass.

Finally, are you superstitious – it’s Friday the 13th.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Coronavirus hits tipping point on conferences, public gatherings and travel restrictions. Here are the headlines:

• The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada
• COFI cancels 2020 Convention amid COVID-19 concerns
• ForesTechX BC conference postponed to Sept or Oct
• Trump restricts travel from most of Europe by foreigners
• Oregon Governor to issue sweeping ban on gatherings over 250 people
• World Bio Markets 2020 rescheduled for November
• Coronavirus conference gets canceled because of coronavirus
• BC Forest Safety Council: how to protect yourself, co-workers, friends & family

In other news: NAFTA ratification heads into final round; Wet’suwet’en title issue doesn’t fix pipeline problem may create uncertainty for forestry; Northern Pulp shutdown could affect Nova Scotia’s high-production forestry plans; Stella-Jones stays profitable; and EACOM’s Kevin Edgson appointed chair of FPAC.

Finally, the Architect’s Newspaper highlights six innovative timber projects.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Uncertainty persists as US housing is hit by two opposing forces—low rates and virus-fuelled economic turmoil. Here’s the latest from CNBC, Bloomberg and the WSJ. In other Business news: the WTO cancels all meetings due to coronavirus case; the Bank of England considers a ‘brown penalizing factor‘ for climate risky investments; Western US sawmill production is down in January; and the San Group’s new reman plant takes shape in Port Alberni, BC.

In other news: Washington state recognizes timber industry as carbon-negative; FPAC supports efforts to address Canada’s truck driver shortage; UBC Faculty of Forestry’s unique Professional Master’s programs; the best and worst of one tree planters life; and stone frame and CLT floors team up in this conceptional 30-storey alternative to concrete and steel.

Finally, Scottish loggers find a long-lost WWII bunker; aka Churchill’s secret army.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

No one really knows how the coronavirus will impact the US real estate market, but that doesn’t stop the Motley Fool from trying. Meanwhile: the NAHB reports that US housing fundamentals remain positive, with residential employment jobs up, but remodelling growth down. In other Business news: six First Nations are suing New Brunswick to access timber; and Oregon’s historic forestry agreement may be in jeopardy.

In other news: BC provides more grants to reduce wildfire risks; the UN/Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Tree Cities of the World; tropical deforestation is linked to malaria transmission; and the UK is fighting climate change by planting one Tiny Forest at a time.

Finally, a theif steals a truck full of West Fraser Mills lumber. Seriously!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study says tropical forests are more able to withstand climate change than previously thought. In related news: Diane Francis says Canada should get carbon credit for its forest absorption; ENGOs call for more old-growth protection near Cathedral Grove; and selling Western Red Cedar as a climate-change mitigator.

In Business news: Canadians say blockade of rail lines not acceptable; First Nations speak out on Canfor/Interfor tenure transfer; Oregon loses appeal of timber harvest lawsuit; Seattle is under siege from the coronavirus; and New Zealand loggers are reaching breaking point.

Finally, despite stock market plunge, Aussie wood chips keep toilet paper rolling.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries says logging was the most dangerous profession in 2018. In other news: the CP Rail blockade south of Montreal is dismantled; 2×4 housing gains traction in Japan; prefabrication was key to China’s rapid hospital build; and the Dubai WoodShow is postponed due to the coronavirus. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s Forest Practices Board says TimberWest responded well to Great Bear Rainforest concerns; ENGOs want more of Cathedral Grove’s old-growth protected; Sweden pushes back on ENGO forestry critics; the Paris Agreement has Russia looking to its forest; and warming temperatures threaten growth of New Brunswick’s balsam firs.

Finally, one newspaper’s tongue-in-cheek take on Australia’s toilet paper tizzy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Action to mitigate climate change by governments (Canada/NWT, USA) and universities (Arizona Univ., Simon Fraser Univ.) increasingly means planting more trees, incentivizing biomass energy. In related news: Canada’s permafrost is thawing—causing forest habitat shifts; and Canada’s largest conference on the bio-economy in coming to Prince George, BC.

In Business news: reputation concerns linger after CN Rail blockades; Alberta’s forest exports shrunk in 2019; and Lowe’s sells Ace Canada but not its wholesale lumber distribution. Meanwhile; Weyerhaeuser closed its Seattle headquarters over coronavirus concerns, as conferences world-wide are cancelled in virus-hit countries.

Finally, oakmoss, freckle pelt or horsehair—vote for Canada’s national lichen.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With coronavirus dominating the news: Zacks, Housing Wire and the NAHB speculate on its potential to shake the thriving US housing sector; while Canfor cites the virus in its decision to continue with its reduced schedule in Vanderhoof, BC. Meanwhile, 84 Lumber’s President receives Women of Influence award.

In other news: FPInnovations on the impact of climate change on Canada’s forest operations; a Narwhal exposé on BC’s Coastal Gaslink project; a Counter Punch commentary on Oregon’s need for taller trees, not taller wood buildings; and Forests Ontario’s planting effort and search for landowners with space for trees. 

Finally, and thankfully, the suspicious-package scare at Gorman Bros. was a false alarm!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hope that the Wet’suwet’en deal would end the pipeline dispute (and rail blockades), may be premature, given the chiefs’ refusal to engage on the gas line issue, gov’t reluctance to comment on the agreement, and continued protester actions. In other Business news: BC’s Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry on the Canfor/Interfor tenure transfer; Montana reports a shift in forest employment, on the eve of RY Timber’s mill closure; and Freddie Mac says the US housing market is undersupplied and getting worse.

In other news: forestry training programs are coming to Prince George, BC; Mexico’s cloud forests are in need of protection; and Indonesia is on edge as their fire season is set to start.

Finally, kudos to Ontario’s wood design award winners; and two California achievement winners (in forestry and transportation).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A ‘milestone‘ deal between governments, Wet’suwet’en chiefs offers potential resolution of pipeline dispute, rail blockades. In other Business news: Canfor, Interfor and Clearwater’s Mayor welcome BC decision to approve tenure transfer; two Western Forest Products mills are still idle; and the coronavirus is causing forest product trade uncertainty in New Zealand and Vietnam. 

In Forestry news: BC forest enhancement projects help fight climate change; rising soil temperatures reduces Oregon tree growth; Washington’s marbled murrelet policy reduces timber harvests; and thinning forests improve fire safety in California. Meanwhile, research that could make lumber fungal-resistant and impervious to water.

Finally, seeing faces in trees—a form of pareidolia—could be a signal of creativity.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US stock market fell again in early trading today, bringing the seven-consecutive-day coronavirus-fuelled-drop to minus-15 percent. In other Business news: trade troubles mean large declines in Vancouver’s port trade; and the Softwood Lumber Board reports hundreds of building projects were converted to wood in 2019. 

Companies making news include: Woodco’s growth in Barriere BC; Canoe Forest Products securing a tax break from the Salmon Arm City Council; some Kenora Forest Products’ bankruptcy optimism; Domtar/EACOM’s Espanola rail line update; Maibec acquires LP’s East River, Nova Scotia siding plant; and Boise Cascade’s Q4 and 2019 results. Meanwhile: opposition Liberals pan BC’s budget and its caribou action plan; while California braces for an intense wildfire season after an abnormally dry winter.

Finally, it’s a Leap Year! Ladies, have you made you proposal plans?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US lawmakers acknowledge there’s climate value in the Trillion Trees Act but critics say it could encourage logging under the guise of forest management. In related news: The US forest chief says budget constraints means tough choices for wildfire prevention; the UK is encouraged to plant non-native conifers to fight climate change; and Chernobyl’s radioactive forest is timber smuggling country.

In other news: the coronavirus is causing furniture fair postponements in affected markets; some forest sector positives and negatives in BC’s budget; final words from Mike Rosen—retiring Tree Canada President; and 5 (more) reasons to design with timber from a structural designer.

Finally, wood pulp fabrics you can compost after you’re finished with them.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Continued uncertainty related to the coronavirus, the absence of a post-Brexit trade deal and ongoing rail blockades in Canada, are taking a toll on global supply chains, log exports and the stock market. In other Business news: US housing starts are forecast to rise in 2020; Northern Pulp’s mill closure hits Nova Scotia revenues; Boise Cascade to close its I-joist mill in Roxboro, North Carolina; and Rayonier Advanced Materials reports Q4 and 2019 losses.

In Forestry news: BC First Nations in Chilliwack area recognized for protecting spotted owls; FPInnovations’ sustainable revolution; Oregon’s Dep’t of Forestry responsible for their lack of firefighting monies; and ENGO’s question Sweden’s reputation as a world leader in sustainable forestry.

Finally, Ontario’s residential builders say province’s codes a drag on tall wood innovation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor