Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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