Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Teck Resources withdrew its Alberta oilsands application, citing evidence of unresolved, deep-lying tensions in Canada. In related news: FPAC’s Joel Neuheimer on CN Rail layoffs; Ontario moves in on Belleville area rail blockade; and Alberta cuts deal with two First Nations in anticipation of oilsand-project approval. In other Business news: the US International Trade Council says US millwork industry is harmed by imports from China and Brazil

In Forestry news: BC announces Peace Region caribou protection deal, but loss of  additional working forest is deeply disappointing to industry. Meanwhile, a new study says global warming will reduce natural regeneration in the Maritimes.

Finally, relive the ABCFP conference in pictures and through the Minister’s keynote address.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Judson Beaumont 1960-2020

Stalled exports due to rail blockades create a growing backlog of ships in BC’s ports, as federal MPs gear up to debate the crisis. In Company news: Canfor Corp’s and Canfor Pulp’s 2019 and Q4 results; Domtar Kamloops’ fibre challenge; Catalyst Paper’s malware hiccup; and Western Forest Products is back to work Monday. Meanwhile: good news on the US housing front. 

In other news: a BC Mayor calls for resolution of the Canfor/Interfor timber sale; BC First Nations’ get good audit results; ENGO’s file lawsuit over Ontario’s Temagami forest plan; and mass timber makes headway in fire-fearing Chicago, but faces setbacks in post-Grenfell-fire London. 

Finally, the tributes roll in for Judson Beaumont, who changed the way we think about wood and furniture.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With calls for for protection of the ‘working forest‘ a convoy of logging trucks descended on the BC Legislature as the BC gov’t delivered its 2020 budget. In related commentary: Minister Donaldson on industry’s petition; Tom Fletcher on the budget’s assistance; Vaughn Palmer on the budget surplus; and Susan Yurkovich on the sector’s future.

In other Business news: FPAC joins the call for federal action to end rail blockades; US housing starts fall but permits rise; and BC’s top employers for 2020 [with a link to forestry]. Meanwhile: the ups and downs of wood construction; the shift to wood energy; Toronto’s Sidewalk Labs moves forward; and Forests Ontario’s award winners.

Finally, we are deeply saddened to share the passing of Judson Beaumont, an artist and wood champion—his memory will live on through his many creative installations in airports, hospitals and homes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

No end yet to railway blockades across Canada as industry warns of empty shelves and forestry layoffs. In BC: the 8-month forestry strike is over as the agreement details emerge, and the long road to recovery starts. Meanwhile, a 5000 strong forestry rally will accompany budget day at the BC legislature, and higher utilization standards means increased costs for Interior operations.

Company updates include: Interfor (CFO change); West Fraser (pension plans); Paper Excellence (Crofton and Northern Pulp woes); and Kenora Forest Products (bankruptcy extension). And south of the 49th: how the big Oregon timber deal came together and Tom Martin on leveraging bipartisan support for trees and forests.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Railway blockades impacting Canadian forest products shipments, attract industry, federal gov’t and RCMP commentary. In other Business news: Vancouver Island workers vote on strike-ending deal; and Nova Scotia is urged to stick with the forest industry as Northern Pulp concerns continue to be aired.

In other news: the Yukon and Nova Scotia biomass initiatives attract climate warnings; torrential rain helps contain Australian wildfires; Colorado bounces back from beetles; and New Zealand loggers recover from coronavirus scare.

Finally, Happy Valentine’s day — notwithstanding its dark and mysterious origins.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US lawmakers’ tree planting legislation—as a carbon fixing/storage solution for climate change—faces opposition from conservative groups. In related news: the UK leads fight against illegal logging and deforestation; and climate warming disrupts tree masting, the process by which trees vary the amount of seeds they produce.

In other news: FPAC voices concern as Wet’suwet’en protests block railways; WFP workers  may be back on the job next week; and Northern Pulp has plans to reopen its mill, as Nova Scotia adds to its forestry transition fund. Elsewhere, congrats to Fritz Mason (Timber Processing Person of the Year) and Cheryl Power (ABCFP Distinguished Professional Forester).

Finally, Chatelaine Magazine on the greenest way to wipe your butt! 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian sawmill utilization recovers from brutal lows, while West Fraser, Western Forest Products and Domtar report lower earnings. In other Business news: US housing buoyed by the longest job boom ever; and Canadian rail blockades threaten forest product supply lines. Meanwhile: BC’s Throne Speech bleak on forestry; and New Zealand helps log exporters affected by delays in China.

In Forestry/Climate news: lawsuits mount against Ontario’s forestry plan; Oregon’s forestry compromise demoralizing to Senate GOP leader; and the USDA Chief Forester on Trump’s proposed budget cuts for R&D. 

Finally, a California lumber company is the first to stock hempwood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Cautious optimism follows the tentative labour deal on Vancouver Island, as local mayor says fence-mending and diversification is required, and others caution against moving away from the resource industries. Cautious optimism also follows Oregon Governor Brown’s historic forestry pact, which seeks changes to forestry practices without policy-setting-by-ballot measures.

In other news: Ecojustice is suing Ontario over Temagami’s old-growth; BC may overhaul its reforestation program in wake of the federal gov’t’s tree planting commitment; and France doubles down on timber for the 2024 Paris Olympics, while the UK building code changes are a setback for CLT.

Finally, did you know that today is the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FINALLY! — Western Forest Products and the United Steelworkers have agreed to the terms of a tentative collective agreement. In other Business news: trade disruption from the coronavirus could hit Canada’s forest product exporters hard; Nova Scotia’s forestry future still uncertain, as former Premier resigns as chair of Northern Pulp; Domtar lobbies Ontario for more fibre; and Canadian housing starts are unchanged in January.

In Forestry/Climate news: ENGOs say logging in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest  lacking oversight; fears and fear mongering on Ontario’s forestry expansion plan; opposition to Oregon’s proposed action on wildfire prevention; and a small town boy becomes ‘model researcher’ at the Pacific Forestry Centre. 

Finally, a Pokemon-style forestry app and the Blarney Stone’s winning Witch’s Yew.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

To the relief of logging contractors and community leaders, BC appoints special mediators—with additional powers—to help end the eight-month forestry strike. In other Business news: WTO sides against US on Canadian paper tariffs; US/Canada politicians celebrate NAFTA’s renewal; optimism on the pending reduction in softwood lumber tariffs; and more on Nova Scotia’s forestry transition and Northern Pulp loans.

In Forestry/Climate news: Oregon’s wildfire action faces opposition; New York air pollution traced back to BC’s 2018 wildfire crisis, Trump’s trillion-tree planting scheme and a new way to profit with Alaska’s old-growth forests.

Finally, a slideshow of forestry enthusiasts at the ABCFP annual meeting.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Association of BC Forest Professionals kicked-off its AGM with panels on old-growth management, herbicide use and the role of community leaders in the future of forest management.

In other Business news: the US duty decision is cold comfort for Canada’s lumber producers, who press-on for free trade; the BC government is poised to intervene in the eight-month long forestry strike, after the mediator’s bolt and the opposition Liberals opine; the Nova Scotia government is still reeling from its Northern Pulp decision; and Canada’s forest sector embraces nature-based solutions to fight climate change.

Finally, the oldest wooden structure ever discovered—a 7,000 year-old well. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A preliminary ruling by the US Commerce Dept significantly lowers Canadian softwood lumber duties. Responses include: Canadian stocks rise (CIBC); not a magic bullet (COFI); and evidence of enforcing trade laws (US Lumber Coalition). In other Business news: mediators walk away from Western/Steelworker’s strike; and the Trans Mountain court decision adds clarity to First Nations consultation rights.  

In other news: ENGOs are critical of Ontario’s plan to double the cut; Quebec says it plans to get serious about the environment; Oregon looks to invest big on wildfire reduction and recovery; and five truths to using US forests to tackle climate change.

Finally, PaperWeek Canada kicks off in Montreal and BC’s professional foresters gather in Nanaimo.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New Zealand faces a perfect storm of market and safety forces as forestry down-tools and contractors close operations due to the coronavirus (last week, Canfor banned staff travel to China).

In other news: the Wall Street Journal has a feature on the hottest home construction boom since 2006; Sidewalk Labs reveals its digital timber tower; and stories on the green benefits of biophilic design and offsight construction. Meanwhile: Canada and US collaborate on how to reduce fire risk with forest management; Women in Wood celebrate five years; and the US Endowment welcomes Pete Madden as President.

Finally, the Association  of BC Forest Professionals annual conference starts tomorrow in Nanaimo and the Frogs will be reporting live from the convention floor. Check here for daily updates and say hi if you see us!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC and Nova Scotia announced details of their respective loan programs for forestry contractors. In related news: perspectives on the BC crisis from Premier Horgan, industry spokesperson Susan Yukovich, Liberal MLA Doug Clovechok, and the BC Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, as Northern Pulp is put into hibernation, local First Nations, and impacted logging and forestry workers hope for a better the future.

In other news: Alberta firefighters raise concern about tall wood; as another BC community seeks early adoption of the practice. Meanwhile, carbon credits from BC’s Great Bear Rainforest sit idle; Oregon legislators face opposition on cap-and-trade; and a Republican bill will commit the US to planting billions of trees.

Finally, a tree planting alarm clock that plants real trees.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products and the Steelworkers union are returning to the bargaining table, but as BC’s forest sector struggles, a new export tax adds to their woes. In related news: BC’s shifting natural resource economy; FPAC’s call for passage of the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement; and Nova Scotia’s reasoned approach to Northern Pulp shutdown. Meanwhile, Weyerhaeuser and Stora Enso report Q4 losses and Canada’s new home construction trends up.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Australia declares a state of emergency as winds and temperatures soar; Canadian and US scientists seek ways to reduce wildfire emissions; an NRCan researcher is a ‘fungi’ at heart; BC funds projects for wood waste recovery; and a US study focuses solving the biomass bottleneck through wood chip sales.

Finally, revelations in tree-planter camps, as contractors forecast a banner year. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US President Trump signed the new North American trade pact into law, leaving Canada to consider the new NAFTA deal. In related news: US and Canadian coverage on what’s in the agreement; including a Mississippi / wood pellet perspective.

In other news: the BC Natural Resources Forum hears from BC’s premier, the opposition Liberals, the Carrier Sekani First Nations; the Business Council of BC and local forestry advocates. Elsewhere: a chronological history of Northern Pulp in Nova Scotia; Resolute’s Q4 results and two US perspectives on managed versus natural forest management and climate change.

Finally, thanks to those who responded to yesterday’s reminder that we exist solely because of the generosity of our sponsors (learn more here) and our frog-friendly readers. Your contributions are key and greatly appreciated!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s 17th annual Natural Resources Forum kicked off yesterday with optimism, concerns and record attendance. In other Business news: Vaughn Palmer on BC’s underwhelming cabinet shuffle; Madison’s on the slight rise in lumber prices; and the expectation of stable log prices in the US Northwest. Meanwhile, Lowe’s Canada and the Alaska Forest Association have new leaders.

In other news: Popular Mechanics says the future of construction is mass timber, not steel; Sidewalks Labs’ proof of concept on timber buildings; and how the Edgewater apartment fire impacted wood construction in New Jersey.

Finally, the Tree Frog News supporter roll-over date is February 1, 2o20. As our longtime readers know, we exist solely because of the generosity of our sponsors and our “frog-friends”. Learn more about how to become a sponsor here. Bottom line, if you like the service—you can ensure we continue!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Building with wood can help save the planet according to a study in Nature Sustainability, and there is enough wood resources available to sustainably supply 90% of future buildings. In related news: how wood supports the EU’s new Green Deal; FPInnovations on wood’s health benefits, and a Canadian Architect Award of Merit for a mass timber project in Calgary.

In other news: although US new home sales dropped three months in a row, Forbes is bullish on construction in 2020; India’s dumping probe adds to Canadian newsprint woes; BC’s forestry contractors are caught in the middle of the strike; and the climate-consensus on the import of increasing the fire resilience of forests.

Finally, Al Gorley and Garry Merkel on the surprising consensus on old-growth logging in BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing affordable housing and support for the forest industry, Alberta one-ups BC by allowing 12-storey wood buildings province-wide. In other news: BC’s forestry strike heads into its seventh month; Nova Scotia offers loans to contractors impacted by the closure of Northern Pulp; and notwithstanding the rise in US housing starts—the home ownership rate has tumbled.

In Wildfire news: the Coulson family heads to Australia to investigate its air tanker crash, as the three American firefighters who died are identified. In related news: the Australian forest industry seeks access to burnt timber in parks; NRCan’s Werner Kurz calls the wildfires a climate warning; and the US Forest Service is building a new air tanker base in Colorado Springs.

Finally, good news on the tree planting; tree measurement and tree survival front.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sad news from Australia as a Canadian-owned water bomber crashes killing all three of its US crew. In related news: an Ontario firefighter speaks to his Australia experience; and the insurance industry rethinks the risks of wildfire losses.

In other Business news: Paper Excellence seeks a judicial review of Nova Scotia’s decision forcing its mill to close, as layoff notices are handed out (and the Premier rejects calls for an all-party review). Elsewhere: China joins EU/Canada effort to shore up WTO’s dispute scheme; and a new survey sheds light on the public’s view of BC’s forest crisis. 

Finally: wood design awards; mass timber’s expanding presence, wood rooftops on concrete buildings; the struggle to save old-growth in BC; the banner year for wood pellets; and the confusing world of forest certification.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tensions cool over the still-flowing Boat Harbour effluent, while workers brace for life after Northern Pulp, and changes to Nova Scotia’s forestry practices loom. In other Business news: BC’s cabinet shuffle cools election expectations; Pinnacle christen’s the New Pinnacle transport ship; and a fire at Allegheny Wood Products’ Marble, Pennsylvania plant adds to the company’s layoffs.

In other news: perspectives on the future of BC forestry by Otto Schulte and Herb Hammond; UK architects see timber as the new concrete; New Zealand’s wood-procurement policy gets political; a US study says climate change puts fungal diversity at risk; and the California tech industry has been slow to help predict weather-related disasters.

Finally, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ cardboard beds will be reused as paper products.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With its hallmark tradeshow midstream, the NAHB opines on 2020’s upward trajectory re: housing starts, remodelling activity and green building; while Madison’s does the same on lumber prices. In forest crisis news: the BC Premier meets with northern mayors; David Elstone speaks to the risk to coastal contractors; and Nova Scotia’s ongoing challenges with the closure of its Northern Pulp mill.

In Wood Product news: more wood high-rises are planned for Kelowna; mass timber has an eye on Milwaukee; and more details on the UK combustibles ban. Meanwhile: a study on the barriers to prescribed burning, the climate potential of tree planting makes news in Davos; and an activist group that secretly plants trees at night.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Low US housing inventory combined with 13-year high December housing starts, has homebuilder stocks on the rise. Meanwhile, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland: calls for collective action on saving forests contrast with signals that climate issues are not even ranked in the top ten threats to business growth by CEOs. 

In other news: Alberta’s cold snap was good news in the fight against mountain pine beetles; and Premier Horgan talks forestry with Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson on his way to the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George.

Finally, on a personal note, I was saddened to learn of the passing of ABCFP Distinguished Forester Trevor Jeanes RPF in September. Held in great esteem by his many peers, he was an influential mentor to me in the day, and many other young foresters. Condolences to his family and friends.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Postmedia’s Rob Shaw says the NDP’s goal with Western Forest Products is less about resolving the strike and more about breaking the company’s hold on Crown tenures. In related news: industry grasps for hope amid 7-month strike; closed mills begets higher lumber prices; and BC’s bridge loan to forestry contractors has some critics. Elsewhere: UNIFOR wants to be on Nova Scotia’s Pictou County transition team, as a neighbouring community offers advice from their paper mill closure.

In other news: David Suzuki says more conservation is needed to fight climate change; a new study says Northern Ontario forests are becoming less resilient to fire; the US Forest Service celebrates high timber sales in 2019; and the North American Wholesale Lumber Association’s 2020 Mulrooney Award goes to… Jim Robbins Sr. of Robbins Lumber in Maine.

Finally, what’s next after tall wood—a fungus megastructure?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts surged to a 13-year high in December, as residential construction costs slowed, but permits [signalling future growth] fell. In other Business news: the BC Premier’s contractors-at-risk fund is welcomed by the Truck Loggers Association, but strike and mill-closure inaction riles Mayor Wickstrom and MLA Barnett. Meanwhile: more on the closures of Northern Pulp and Townsend RY and Louisiana Pacific’s North Carolina job cuts.

In Wood Product news: the New York Times and New York City on mass timber trends; CWC’s design awards; and APA’s new construction guide. Elsewhere: the BC Forest Practices Board celebrates 25 years; SFI engages Dovetail to update its standards; and applications are open for BC’s Student Ranger Program.

Finally, Microsoft, Forests Ontario and Frogs make climate change news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Globe and Mail gives pause to Canadians on UNDRIP, as protests over resource development could become the norm. In other Business news: US homebuilder confidence remains strong; the US/China trade deal includes relief for hardwood lumber; Maine paper mill’s unexpected savior is China; Resolute, FPInnovations and NRCan celebrate cellulose filament commercialization; Boise Cascade has a new CEO; and Rayonier buys Pope Resources.

In other news: the American Institute of Architects on zero-net-carbon structural materials; more Canadian firefighters head down-under; and the pros and cons of Thunderstorms on Australia’s bushfire-ravaged east coast.

Finally, laid-off BC and Nova Scotia workers get some job-search help.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Madison’s Lumber Reporter says sawmill closures and US demand for housing are keeping softwood prices firm during this normally slow time of year. Forest-based communities making news include: Kamloops lowering Domtar’s tax rate; Campbell River calling for action on BC’s forestry strike; and Cumberland County and local sawmiller speaking out on Nova Scotia’s forestry crisis.

In Forest-tech news: NRCan’s remote sensing supersite; how LiDAR and Digital Twinning bring forest inventories to life; and an International LiDAR mapping forum. Meanwhile: France’s top architects say Notre-Dame’s roof should be rebuilt in wood; climate change’s impact on nature; North America’s vanishing birds; and a threatened bear den in BC’s Slocan Valley.

Finally, the always successful and newsworthy Truck Loggers Association convention—Vision 2020—kicks off today. Stay tuned for updates. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Steelworkers and Western Forest Products remain at loggerheads as Premier Horgan and local residents express displeasure about the lack of progress on BC’s forestry strike. Companies in the news include: RY Timber closing its Townsend, Montana mill; fire hits Collins’ mill in Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Nova Scotia’s Port Hawkesbury Paper power rate hearings are set to begin.

In other news: National Geographic has a feature on the future of tall-wood; NRCan on how much biomass can be safely removed from forests; Australia warns of toxic smoke despite cooler weather; and Bloomberg expects the housing upswing to cushion the US economy.

Finally, the secret of 1000-year-old ginkgo trees revealed.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Northern Pulp begins to wind down as Paper Excellence blames unrealistic timeline and undefined process for its closure. In related news: a Councillor pans Resolute’s behaviour on Fort Frances mill closure; buyers interest exists for Kenora’s bankrupt sawmill; and Steelworkers and Port McNeill mayor exchange barbs on BC’s forestry strike; while the value-added sector grows despite the dwindling fibre supply. 

In other news: NRCan study says wildfires are changing the boreal forest; the El Niño-La Niña effect may beget quieter fire seasons; and changes to the US Environmental Policy Act are said to bolster the timber industry. Meanwhile, in Australia wildfire news: a fourth veteran firefighter dies; the Prime Minister launches an inquiry, firefighters go on the offence, and designers call for more fire-resilient homes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia’s transition team meets and announces support for forestry workers, as Northern Pulp signals it wants to continue operating in the province. In related news: Ontario pledges money to study Fort Frances mill redevelopment; and BC supports Quesnel after Tolko mill closure.  

In Wildfire news: NRCan scientists say frequency of boreal wildfires could lead to big changes in the landscape; water runoff is still impacted 40 years after a Washington state fire; health risks from California smoke need urgent study; and topics associated with Australia’s wildfire crisis now include active forest management and animal rescue teams. 

Finally, it’s cold in Saskatchewan but not cold enough to deter the pine beetles.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Tree Frog Editors are sporting big happy smiles today as we announce that our site transition to a bigger server has finally been completed. An increasing number of readers and a massive archive of forest stories needed a bigger home. Next up – we plan to reconfigure our site to better serve YOU! Stay tuned for updates and an opportunity to share your suggestions for our future. 

Nova Scotia loggers say the province had no post-decision plan on Northern Pulp, and contractors need transition support. In related news: no new talks in BC’s forestry strike; Tolko’s Kelowna mill’s last day; and MP McLeod calls on feds to support forestry workers. Meanwhile, on the US/China trade war front: US wood moulding and millworkers initiate trade action; while US furniture makers look to Cambodia as Vietnam’s wages rise.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada offers more aid for Australia, as firefighters look to reduce fire risk with controlled burns; BC moves to hire laid-off Alberta firefighters; and researchers say a tipping point is reached once 50% of the land is deforested.

Finally, Stucturlam lauds building code changes and Canadian Pacific donates to Jim Prentice Wildlife Corridor.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Nova Scotia fires “transition team member” focused on the future of Northern Pulp, offers ‘emotional support’ for mill workers as forest harvesters try to remain optimistic. In other Business news: innovation is not optional for Atlantic Canada’s forest future; a freight train carrying wood pellets derails in BC; and Enviva’s CEO and a wood energy spokesman push back on a North Carolina’s wood-pellet exposé. 

In other news: a Globe and Mail feature on BC’s old-growth explorers; climate change is increasing the risk of Canadian wildfires; and US researchers assess the pros-and-cons of increased CO2 on trees. Meanwhile, Oregon ENGOs get another chance to stop owl killings; and more on Australia’s slow motion economic wildfire disaster.

Finally, Toyota’s zero-emission city building plan will feature carbon neutral wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC forestry’s 2019 annus horribilis, per FEA Canada’s Russ Taylor, was due in part to changing worldwide sawmill competitiveness, but rising lumber prices may forestall mill closures in 2020. In other Business news: the US South is expected to dominate the US housing market; BC Liberals call for minister Donaldson’s removal; and meetings set for Northern Pulp’s soon-to-be unemployed workers.

In mass timber news: the Softwood Lumber Board reports staggering growth;  Denver adopts the new tall timber building code; and Toronto’s Sidewalk wood-towers face code challenges. Meanwhile: JetBlue looks to biomass to reduce CO2 emissions; and Australia’s bushfire crisis may be replicated in New Zealand. 

Finally, if you experience delays, your patience is appreciated. Our rebuild is still in process.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite a challenging 2019, FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says the future is bright for Canada’s forest product industry. So too say ERA’s Kevin Mason; CNBC’s Diana Olick; Furture Markets’ Willam Strausss and the Motley Fool. Meanwhile: Nova Scotia names transition team on fallout of its Northern Pulp decision, while the company considers keeping the plant in hot idle.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: spring flooding in BC may be worsened due to logging; Washington state is being sued by ENGOs and others over plans to sell timber; agriculture contemplates life without glyphosate; and Canada and the US send more specialists to help Australia as the gov’t calls up 3000 reservists, and says it will pay “whatever it takes“.

Finally, we’re still working out the bugs with our bigger and better server. Your patience is appreciated (as is your feedback along the way).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Tree Frog News is still “under construction”. We hope to have the regular story format back in place by next week. For now, here are your forestry news headlines:

Business and Politics

• Trump’s trade wars hit BC’s struggling forest industry (BC Local)
• US hardwood sector hammered by China trade war in 2019 (Pallet Enterprise)
• Year in review: sawmill closures hurt BC communities (Business in Vancouver)
• BC to ‘embed’ Asia trade offices in Canadian embassies (BC Local)
• BC provides support for interior mill workers, families (HR Reporter)

Finance & Economics

• Zack’s industry ranking gloomy for wood’s near-term prospects. (Nasdaq)
• Profits declined faster for sawmills in Finland than Sweden (Wood Resources Int.)
• Lumber Going into 2020 (Seeking Alpha)

Wood, Paper and Green Building

• A look back at 2019. The most popular stories of the year (Woodworking Network)

Forestry

• New Brunswick private woodlot owners want proof their market share will rise (CBC)
• BC West Boundary Community Forest buys Wilgress land for education (BC Local)
• Cumberland BC looks to managing forest’s future health (BC Local)
• California eases way for land clearing to prevent wildfires (Assoc. Press)
• What’s the future of Washington state’s forests? Seabird caught in fight (Seattle Times)
• Progress on hardwood forests facing heavy deer browsing in Michigan (The Sault News)
• Swedish style: commercial thinning troubled forests (Rocky Mountain Goat)
• Conservancy raises money needed to save Mossy Point old-growth forest (Buffalo News)
• US Forest Service rushes to come up with spotted owl plan (White Mountain Indep.)

Forest Fires

• Australia Fire Updates: Bracing for an Even Worse Weekend (The New York Times)

Have a great weekend. 

~Brought to you by Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

Over the holidays, the Tree Frog News moved to a bigger server to support our growing readership. However, due to some unforeseen challenges, we do not have all of our functionalities up and running yet. As such, we are pleased to provide you with this brief summary of the top news hits from the last week, and will update the more detailed news as soon as our site is fully functional. 

Business and Politics

• ‘No clear answers‘: PC leader calls for details on Northern Pulp transition team (CBC)
• Northern Pulp fallout continues (Chronicle Herald)
• Northern Pulp decision fells PEI forest industry, says harvester (Journal Pioneer)
• BC mill bucks trend with expansion amid downturn in forest industry (CBC)
• Gorman Bros. deflects forestry downturn (Kelowna Daily Courier)
• ‘Doom and gloom’ for sidelined Mackenzie forestry workers despite aid (CBC)
• MLA Doug Donaldson reflects on 2019 forestry curtailments (My Bulkley Lakes Now)
• Asa Johal, from poor immigrant to BC independent lumber baron (Vancouver Sun)
• Kenora Forest Products up for sale: parent company in bankruptcy proceedings (CBC)
• Prendiville Industries bankruptcy includes sawmill (Kenora Online)

Finance & Economics

• Global trade in softwood lumber slowed in late 2019 but on pace to be higher than 2018 (Wood Resources International)

Wood, Paper and Green Building

• Forest Innovation Investment India embarks on second phase of growth (The Hindu)

Forestry

• Scotland marks 100 years of public forestry (BBC News)
• Indonesia’s top court bars plantation activity in protected forests (Reuters)

Carbon, Climate and Bioenergy

• Canada’s forestry sector transitions to meet climate demands (iPolitics)

Health & Safety

• Australia fires: New South Wales declares week-long emergency (BBC News)

We thank you for your patience as we finalize the changes to our database and programming. 

~Brought to you by Sandy, Kelly and Heidi

Conifex Timber has entered into an agreement with Resolute Forest Products for the sale of its three US sawmills (located in Florida and Arkansas). Meanwhile, Northern Pulp’s closure has sawmills in Nova Scotia seeking new chip markets; BC takes a more active role on WFP strike; announces a log export fee reduction and support for Interior communities.

In other news: Oregon to appeal landmark timber revenue case; Structurlam takes its expertise stateside; the world’s first timber football stadium is coming to the Cotswolds; and how to give your Christmas Tree a second life.

Finally – a very merry Christmas greeting to you—our valued reader. Unless something big breaks, we’ll see you next year. January 2nd, 2020 to be precise.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

Nova Scotia’s decision generates despair and elation given Northern Pulp’s coming closure. In related news: Tom Fletcher sits down with Premier Horgan as the BC forest and labour ministers opine on the forestry strike; and Thunder Bay’s hardships are called the canary in the coal mine for the rest of Canada.

On a more positive note: Derek Nighbor on the climate change power of Canada’s forests; Canada’s GHG projections show progress is being made; and the path to sustainable construction with mass timber. Meanwhile: the search for the non-festive mistletoe; and 69 Canadians spend the holidays with their Australian (firefighter) brethren.

Finally, after tomorrow, the frogs will be off until January 2nd. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

As Northern Pulp prepares to shut down, Nova Scotia’s Premier has rejected the company’s plea for an extension, despite rallies for and agin. Meanwhile: BC makes changes to ease the forestry crisis but is not prepared to legislate to end the strike—to the dismay of local mayors and the opposition liberals. Elsewhere: JD Irving reacts to New Brunswick decision to give private woodlots a larger share of the market.

In other news: after impeachment, the US House passes NAFTA 2.0; Pinnacle to build a new pellet plant in Alabama; BC updates its building code to allow tall wood buildings; and more to ease the stress of BC’s economic downturn from the BC Forest Safety Council. 

Finally, an early Christmas greeting to all our readers and please note—Tuesday’s News is the last of 2019, barring any breaking news over the holiday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor