Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Nova Scotia’s request for more info on Northern Pulp’s pipeline plan puts future of Pictou mill in jeopardy—CEO Brian Baarda. In related news: NAFTA-2 will close the WTO dispute-settlement loophole used by the US; BC’s working forests aren’t working for BC; and Fortress Global secures court protection to keep operating.

Meanwhile: the WFP/Steelworker negotiations break down (again); the BC Forest Safety Council on coping with the stress of BC’s forestry downturn; and stock market fallout after Jim Pattison abandons Canfor offer.

Finally, a 17-storey wood tower, 7 benefits of using timber and 7 shopping days to Christmas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor and Great Pacific terminate their agreement as Jim Pattison fails in his bid to take Canfor private. Other companies in the news include: EACOM’s pension agreement; Weyerhaeuser’s timberland sale; and New-Indy’s product-change. In preparation for Nova Scotia’s decision on Northern Pulp‘s effluent plant, the fed’s forgo the need for an environmental assessment. Meanwhile, good news on the US housing front as starts and prices rise. 

In other news: post-COP25, the EU plans to re-assess the carbon neutrality designation of biomass energy; not all Alberta pines are created equal when it comes to the beetle; and FPInnovations agrees to share research with Sweden on harvesting automation.

Finally, looking for an inexpensive Christmas gift? How about a free subscription to the Tree Frog News for your friends, family (and colleagues).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s ongoing forestry strike has got to end, says BC premier Horgan. In related news: loonies for loggers; contractor rally scepticism; and the Green’s perspective. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia awaits pulp mill decision; ENGO’s pan Ontario’s toxic wastewater regulations; Oregon counties feel vindicated by lawsuit; and New Brunswick premier heads to Ottawa to talk softwood lumber.

In the debate over forestry’s role in climate change: how wood buildings can help; clearcutting is part of the problem; burning wood isn’t the solution; and planting trees is the way forward for Scotland. Meanwhile, grizzly bears are on the move as Canada’s northernmost communities warm.

Finally, BC’s new UNDRIP Act raises more questions than answers.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The European Union moves to reclaim trade authority after US cripples WTO’s dispute settlement process. In other Business news: the Toronto Star says NAFTA-2 is better but still a bad deal; Fortress pulp mill to close near Ottawa; Nova Scotia’s new forestry regulations won’t be public until the New Year—while its decision on Northern Pulp could put taxpayers on the hook for damages. 

On the BC front, after Wednesday’s forestry worker rally—Minister Donaldson says we’re listening, while Premier Horgan says help is on its way. Meanwhile: WFP strike discussions are postponed to next week, and an op-ed by the BC Forest Safety Council’s Rob Moonen on how the principles for preventing injuries can help during these difficult times.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Laid-off forest workers gathered at the BC legislature seeking provincial relief, while local MP seeks emergency debate by federal parliament. In other Business news: Fort Frances holds faint hope for use of old Resolute mill, Canfor corrects misleading info on proposed privatization vote; Cascades adds to its interest in Greenpac; Oregon is relieved over NAFTA 2 deal; and Hampton’s CEO Steve Zika calls lawsuit verdict a reality check for Oregonians.

In other news: Quebec is criticized for caribou/wolf kill plan; the Urban Land Institute, MIT researchers tout wood’s CO2 benefits over steel and cement; a 12-storey wood tower is coming to Kelowna; and Dr. Daniel Unger (Austin State U) receives coveted SAF forestry education award.

Finally, new hope for California’s endangered yellow-legged frog.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With less than a week to Canfor’s privatization vote, investors balk and analysts debate. Meanwhile: Western Forest Products and its striking workers head back to the table—but why the delay; NAFTA 2 is done—here are the changes and the US Homebuilder’s response. Companies in the news include: Fortress Paper’s cash crunch; Northern Pulp’s ‘nuanced’ effluent impact; Structurlam’s Walmart connection; and Christmas curtailments at Canoe Forest Products and Corner Brook Pulp & Paper.

In other news: Quebec repurposes some Caribou protection lands; Ontario’s forest strategy supports wood construction; a new report on BC’s 2012 sawmill explosions; and UNDRIP’s First Nations energy opportunity.

Finally, how the 2008 financial crises is pushing up the cost of a Christmas tree.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Structurlam Mass Timber Corp. will build its first US plant in Conway, Arkansas—and Walmart’s new headquarters will be the first customer. In labour news: Western Forest Products CEO asks Premier Horgan to intervene, as retired MLA/labour rep. pans  WFP’s negotiating approach; EACOM ratifies six-year agreement in Timmins; and a worker is injured at Resolute’s Thunder Bay sawmill.

On the executive front: David Elstone resigns from the Truck Loggers Association; Mike Birkeland will lead Minnisota’s forest industry; Oregon State University names Tom Deluca as dean for the College of Forestry; and the Canadian Institute of Forestry appoints Mark Pearson as executive director.

Finally, a St. Francis Xavier ecologist myth busts Northern Pulp effluent pollution.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In a split decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Weyerhaeuser and Resolute must pay for Grassy Narrows mill-site maintenance. In other Business news: Russia surpasses Canada in softwood lumber exports; BC’s forestry crisis a huge risk to NDP; Ontario’s forest strategy means more logging; Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is closing for two weeks; and letters for and agin Northern Pulp’s future.

In Forestry/Climate news: Harmac Pacific accesses BC’s clean energy fund; Quebec’s Premier heads to Hollywood to talk carbon trading; the potential of biomass is overlooked in the UK; saving the Tongass from renewed logging; and Brazil says it can’t stop deforestation without the help of rich countries.

Finally, Kelowna’s wood-frame high-rise; and tackling climate change one building at a time.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Wildlands League report on Canadian logging focuses on 30 year old practices, exaggerates the impacts, says FPAC’s Derek Nighbor. In related news: Tolko defends plan to log in community watershed; Oregon adopts plan for marbled murrelet; Spain launches app to fight illegal wood trade; the NY Times on Amazon deforestation; and Oregon State Univ. on forest fragmentation in the tropics.

In Business news: Conifex concludes sale with Hampton Lumber; Domtar shifts pension liabilities; the Canadian Supreme Court set to rule on Grassy Narrows site; FPInnovations applauds Ontario on its forestry strategy; and a pending strike in Finland could close half the country’s sawmills.

Finally, a Forbes writer endorses CLT, fears the buzzsaw of building overregulation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A video of BC Cabinet Minister meeting with frustrated forestry workers goes viral, as WFP strike continues to take its toll. In related news: Aspen Planers restarts second shift; Congress introduces law to fight trade cheating; and US kitchen cabinet industry trends and statistics.

In Forestry news: BC bans border logging after urging by Seattle mayor; Ontario makes forestry open for business; and Tolko’s plans may threaten Lake Country drinking water. On the Bioenergy front: the latest biomass fuel developments; Alberta’s bioeconomy opportunity; US and EU ENGO’s protest burning wood; and TED conference to focus on power and the build environment.

Finally, Canadian Tire promotes fake trees, and all roads lead to Rome—thanks to the Roman timber trade with Gaul.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Ontario government released its long awaited draft strategy on the future of the forest sector. In other Business news: softwood lumber prices stabilize; Japan housing starts fall; WTO’s dispute body is coming to an abrupt halt; and logging contractors and local businesses feel the pinch as WFP strike drags on.

With COP25 underway in Spain—stories on greener ways to heat your home, liquid fuels from forest residues; and under-reported deforestation from Canadian logging roads. Elsewhere: should humans intervene to save the spotted owl; Europe’s bark beetle explosion; and BC assists Australian fire fighters.

Finally, holiday gift advice from bird-friendly coffee to forest-saving chocolate.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US commercial real estate giant JLL says tenant interest in “sustainable, wellness-oriented office space” is driving demand for mass timber, and Canada is leading the charge. In other Business news: BC forest crisis top economic story of 2019; North Island MLA meets with struggling contractors; Enviva secures approval for Alabama pellet plant; and Miller Western has a new CEO.

In Forestry/Climate news: no breakthrough expected on carbon pricing at COP25; high-res mapping to help monitor tropical forest carbon; bark thickness linked to tree death in Amazon wildfires; and Tree Canada says get real—when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree. 

Finally, WorkSafeBC may lose its oversight role on the laying of criminal charges.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As BC politicians argue in the legislature, workers and their families face an uncertain future. In related news: the Interior logging truck rally fails to gain ground; and BC’s pine beetle kill comes home to roost.

In other Business news: Ontario forestry research and innovation funding; Northern Pulp decision has Nova Scotia’s credibility on the line; West Fraser’s a top 100 employer; Aaron Frost earns most valuable (BC Forest Safety Council) player award; and Pete Fournier is chair of the Wood Manufacturing Council.

In Forestry/Climate news: the EU is encouraged to practice proforestation; logging and waste in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest; the cost of wood pellets in North Carolina; and protecting the endangered white bark pine in Golden BC.

Finally, get your trees early, there’s a Christmas tree shortage.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Scientists debate the carbon potential of planting trees in Science Magazine (wonkish but interesting). In related news: Ikea invests to become climate positive; and cue the loggers—Arizona has too many trees.

Re: BC’s forest crisis: Minister Donaldson says aid is on the way; a ministerial aid calls the rural dividend program a slush fund; Western Forest Products clears the air on efforts to end the strike; and calls for federal action by the TLA and an MLA. In Wood Product news: BC’s building code change will increase wood use; and the rise of mid-rise wood construction in the US.

Finally, the LA Times says stop building homes in high fire-risk areas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Happy US Thanksgiving!

Port McNeill’s Mayor begs WFP and the Steelworkers to get back to the table for the communities’ sake. In related news: Kelowna MP Dan Albas calls for federal leadership; and Port Hardy Save On Foods adds striking loggers to their list of Christmas charities. 

In other news: a new study says caribou habitat restoration may be ineffective; changes to Canada’s building code to help an ailing forest industry; a truly amazing wood structure in Norway; and researchers look into touch-sensitive wood in car dashboards. Lot’s more news here of course but first—Happy Thanksgiving to our US readers and a safe Black Friday to all!

With respect to the latter—although Black Friday was coined in the 1960s to describe traffic jams in Philadelphia the day has a more fateful connotation in Australia. This due to their Black Friday fires in 1939, where on January 13th [a Friday no less], a total of 69 sawmills were burned and 71 lives lost.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Although the negative impacts will linger, encouraging news on CN Rail’s work stoppage; US GDP, new home sales and softwood lumber prices. In other Business news: Western Canadian Timber Products lays off 50; communities grapple with lack of progress on Western Forest Products’ strike; idled Canfor workers are now eligible for assistance; and Northern Pulp’s effluent report is panned for lack of details.

In other news: a BC Supreme Court judge rejects ENGO petition against BC Timber Sales; Oregon’s recent forestry court ruling could devastate the state’s budget; and how the US-China trade war works against sustainable forest management.

Finally, wind turbine towers built with timber rather than steel.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor adds Christmas closure to BC curtailments, removing 58 million board feet of production. In related news: BC’s laid-off workers still waiting for bridge-funding: Domtar (Kamloops) forced to look elsewhere for fibre supply; the CN Rail strike threatens pulp mills; and more on Tolko’s Soda Creek mill. Meanwhile: the US affirms its duty determination on Chinese hardwood plywood; and key takeaways from the EU’s International Softwood Conference.

In Forestry news: a cancelled Sierra Club event becomes a pro-forestry rally in Campbell River; opposing herbicide spaying can be dangerous for your career in New Brunswick; the Australian logging ban may endanger some old growth forests; and Brazil’s deepening forest malaise.

Finally, wood fibres, electrodes and wearable electronics – oh my!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko Industries is moving to a 3 day work week at its Soda Creek mill, with woodland and head office layoffs likely to follow. Meanwhile, Mosaic is shutting down its coastal logging operations ahead of the usual winter shutdown—impacting 2000 workers; and COFI renews the call for a “working forest” to revitalize the sector. In other Business news: Repap backs away from purchasing Resolute’s old Fort Francis, Ontario mill; and a former cabinet minister on Northern Pulp’s sweetheart loan. 

In Forestry/Climate news: logging to proceed on BC’s Sunshine Coast (the Narwal); the link between herbicides and forest fires (CBC News); and Florida’s iconic palms come up short when it comes to carbon sequestration.

Finally, the UK wood awards and a computer-driver wooden nail gun.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Building code changes support tall wood structures, 6-storey wood-frame as a means to ease BC’s rental housing shortfall. In related news: mass timber is trending in San Francisco; Scandinavian Airlines switches to fibre-based packaging; and New Zealand’s Zero Carbon Act is worrisome to the steel industry.

In other news: Australia bushfire smoke reaches record levels; BC and Alberta researchers on the health impacts of fighting forest fires; and a CBC video story on the link between herbicides and forest fires. Meanwhile; more on the CN Rail strike, and Tolko mill closure.

Finally, outdoor wood furniture with solar panels to recharge your laptop.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A jury has ruled that Oregon failed to maximize timber harvests on state forests, depriving rural counties of millions in past and future revenue. In other Business news: Lowe’s is closing 35 Canadian stores; and the lack of trucking alternatives will exacerbate the CN Rail strike. Companies in the news include: the Northern Pulp dilemma; Western’s strike impact; and Canfor’s privatization vote.

In Forestry news: the McGill Review says BC’s forestry slump is bad for the environment; the Suzuki foundation’s interactive map shows industry impact on caribou habitat; illegal logging threatens Melbourne’s drinking water; and Australian timber workers aren’t ready to stop logging native forests.

Finally, UK wood awards top prize goes to house made with cork bricks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The CN Rail strike elicits calls for federal intervention due to concerns it is a trade roadblock that will exacerbate the forest sector downturn. In related (BC forestry strike) news: Western Forest Products’ disappointment, an MP’s call to return to bargaining; and Port Alberni’s support for affected workers. Meanwhile: Canada will announce new federal ministers for environment and forestry; Alberta to reduce forestry red tape; and Nova Scotia’s decision on Northern Pulp is coming soon.

In Wood Product news: the New York Times featured stories on the benefits of mass timber, and the architectural use of the scent of trees. Elsewhere, wood use is celebrated in New Hampshire (office buildings); BC (pools and ice arenas); and Australia (a Passive House-certified school).

Finally, stunning hardwood floors from long-lost Ottawa River logs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts rebound despite a slight drop in homebuilder confidence, pointing to housing market strength. In other headlines: the Steelworkers Union rejected Western Forest Products’ offer and their request for binding arbitration. Meanwhile: a Marshall Plan to rescue the BC Interior; Canfor shareholders to vote on going private; and Irving Tissue invests in Georgia, big time.

In other news: Mosaic employs cameras to deter backcountry vandals; opposition rises to US Roadless Rule changes; and Scientist uncover resistance genes for the deadly ash tree disease.

Finally, Sierra Pacific’s Red Emmerson; Vancouver Sun’s Gordon Hoekstra and BC conservation officer Blake Parker are recognized for their good works.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lower freight volumes in BC’s forest sector result in job cuts at CN Rail. In related news: a Quebec hardwood flooring company lays off 165; the US-China trade war’s impact on Kentucky hardwood producers; Roseburg adds to its layoff total in Oregon; and BC’s market-diversification trade mission to China and Japan is a wrap.

In Forest History news: looking back at an 1800s New Brunswick lumberjack; and the generosity of messers McMillan, Bloedel and VanDusen as the Bloedel Conservatory turns 50. Meanwhile, stories on: the last American caribou; BC’s old growth review; Oregon’s wildfire reduction investments; Montana’s grizzly recovery plans; and California’s new carbon offset standard for the tropics.

Finally, tree farmer (and Rolling Stone) Chuck Leavell is awarded Superhero for the Earth.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko will be shutting down operations across BC for two weeks over the holiday season, adding to the BC Interior’s economic woes. In related news: BC’s Liberal leader says the NDP has no plan to help the forest sector; coastal mayors beg parties to resolve BC forestry strike; poor newsprint markets have Resolute closing its Augusta Georgia plant; and Conifex reports Q3 improvement despite losses.

In other news: BC seeks public input on old growth forest management; UN seeks to streamline science on boreal forests; and large scale automated forest tree breeding comes to Sweden. Meanwhile, mass timber makes news in Ontario; Quebec; Mississippi; and with Freddie Mac economists.

Finally, the world’s first floating timber tower is unveiled in–you guessed it—Amsterdam.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Court of International Trade says the Dept. of Commerce must rethink its conclusion on Canadian cedar shakes and shingles, says determination must consider previous rulings. In related news: BC’s Asia mission seeks market diversification while steering clear of diplomatic concerns. Meanwhile: what’s up with Tolko’s laid-off Kelowna workers; Sappi’s pulp business hurt by US-China war; and JD Irving opens tissue plant in Macon, Georgia.

In other news: BC seeks to increase the use of wood slash; an Ontario firm chips trees for green energy; a Quesnel First Nation secures more woodland tenure; a biomass alternative to plastic receives US funding; and researchers say bamboo’s elegant structure offers energy and fire-safe benefits.

Finally, what’s the impact of the Alaska Roadless Rule proposal on logging, not much both sides say. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Like oil and gas in Alberta, forestry is experiencing an intense bust cycle that is quietly killing small town BC, says the Financial Post’s Gabriel Friedman. In related news: BC’s latest trade mission to Asia; and logging convoy leaders target every affected BC community. Elsewhere: the US puts WTO dispute settlement system in peril; New Zealand is happy with China trade deal; and US hardwood producers keep pleading for relief.

In Forestry/Climate news: the choice before us by a climate crisis realist; Oregon puts a high price on fighting future wildfires; the uncertain future of Michigan’s wood-fired power plants; the negative impact of wildfires on Arizona’s streams; and a rare deer-like forest species is photographed for the first time in Vietnam.

Finally, a Tree Frog congrats to AF&PA’s sustainability award winners.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After nearly 90 years, Tolko’s Kelowna mill is closing forever, local MLA blames NDP government. In related news: why isn’t the province doing more to help the forest sector; BC looks to expand markets to Asia; and Western Forest Products and Steelworkers resume mediation. Meanwhile: both US and China wood furniture exporters see double-digit drop; and Canadian women break the forest products glass ceiling.

In other news: a Vimy Ridge oak tree honours Canadian soldiers; Oregon among the world’s fastest tree growers; Alaska’s fight to save the Tongass; California’s use of AI to fight wildfires; and Australia declares wildfire emergency while their countrymen opine on the native forestry debate.

Finally, an insightful guest column on the import of being wary of the linguistic sleight of hand.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As commodity lumber producers struggle, the value-added sector serving mass timber construction is surging. In related news: a tutorial on how to build taller with wood; wood’s contribution to the bottom line; and the upside of waste wood. 

In other news: BC moves forward with leaders’ table on caribou recovery; Nova Scotia’s bat population is slowly recovering; and the US is proposing endangered species protection for the Pacific Fisher. On the human Safety front, the BC Wildfire Service is studying firefighter’s health; while a US report says wildfire smoke is worse than controlled burns.

Finally, this Monday, Canadians and Americans pay homage to the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to keep us safe, while thanking our aging and remaining veterans. One way to do this is by revisiting the role of the Canadian Forestry Corps in WW1.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

ENGOs praise Victoria’s (the southeastern state of Australia) decision to end old-growth logging in native forests, as workers and the federal government express dismay. In other Forestry news: BC employs thinning and logging to reduce fire risk; and Alberta launches its caribou task force, ends firefighter rappelling program. 

In Business news: Kelowna’s Tolko mill will remain closed for the foreseeable future; striking forestry workers rally in Nanaimo; and Q3 results are reported by Western Forest Products, Stella-Jones and Boise Cascade. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s forest fire numbers are the lowest in 80 years; and Kalesnikoff’s CLT plant is a step closer to completion.

Finally, photos and highlights from BC’s 2019 Wood Solutions Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Business in Vancouver’s Nelson Bennett revisits the history and image problem of forest carbon offsets and why some experts say they’re worse than nothing. In other news: BC’s mill layoffs are not being replicated in Ontario; Canfor’s mill closure results in a logging asset sale; IKEA reports strong sales growth in Canada; and the China-NZ trade agreement is lauded by NZ timber exporters.

In Wood Product news: Canadian’s are willing to pay for sustainable packaging; Domtar adds manmade fibres to its paper mix; an Oregon paper mill creates paper from straw; KFC tests bamboo packaging for its poutine; and a Dutch timber design seeks to demonstrate the concrete of the future.

Finally, Heavens to Betsy — the environmental toll of cremating the dead.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study says human-made net carbon emissions from deforestation are about a fifth of what was previously estimated. In related news: ENGO’s pan BC’s ‘log and talk‘ consultations;  Alberta appoints caribou task force members; a Tongass alternative—shift to second growth logging; Northern Wisconsin secures clean SFI/FSC audits; and the UK plans to tackle climate change by planting trees.

In other news: a new wood-based cellulose can capture hormones from wastewater; California lifts wildfire evacuations; Ontario reports lower 2019 forest fire losses; Canada’s lumber production is up slightly; Rayonier announces Q3 losses; and Sappi concludes purchase of Quebec’s Mantane pulp mill.

Finally, the Frogs are on location at CWC’s Wood Solutions Conference in Vancouver today. Hope to see you there!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

California’s governor hits back at Trump over wildfire criticism, saying, “You don’t believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation.” In related news: commentary on the wildfire similarities in Arizona; and the fate of America’s Amazon apropos the Alaska roadless rule.

In Business news: Steelworkers reject Western Forest Products’ call for binding arbitration; BC Minister Donaldson says Liberal’s stumpage proposal would backfire; and retirement monies available for laid-off BC mill workers. Meanwhile, down-under in New Zealand: wood exporters get preferential access to Chinese markets;  foreigners are buying up NZ forestry land and a farm-to-forestry conversion ban makes no sense to forest owners.

Finally, there’s never been a better time to get into tree planting.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wolf kill, not backcountry bans, saving caribou, writes Tom Fletcher… a relief to many BC communities. In other Forestry news: Alberta’s pine beetle battle gets more bucks; BC ups TFL 61’s allowable cut, Oregon cuts deal to protect fishers; California’s new wildfire normal; and Tobi Lutke and Elon Musk make ‘tree planting for the climate’ news.

In Business news: Western Forest Products calls for binding arbitration, as BC Truck Loggers call for an end to the strike. Meanwhile: Simpcw First Nation urges BC to come to the table with Bill 22; Acadian Timber and Mercer announce Q3 results; and Resolute’s stock falls to a new low. 

Finally, is nothing sacred. NHL goalies switch to composite sticks.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Resolute, Norbord and Enviva Partners reported third quarter results yesterday and as expected, earnings were down or non-existent. In other Business news: the Conifex-Hampton deal is okayed; Resolute extends Ignace, Ontario mill shutdown; and it will take more than lower mortgage rates to lift the US housing market.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC adds teeth to its Climate Change Accountability Act; Sudbury’s acid-damaged lakes are recovering well; and a new study says GHG emissions caused by damage to tropical forests are underestimated by a factor of six. Meanwhile: high winds are fueling wildfires in Oregon and California; but in an era of megafires is Canada learning from the US experience.

Finally, Fort St. John’s 8-meter-high lumberjack is felled by flames.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires batter California and although scary, the images are look-worthy. In related news: what it’s like to live in a high risk fire zone; the US Forest Service has fire-suppression money left over; and BC looks at how firefighting affects the health of fire crews.

In Business/Finance news: although consumers continue to spend, the US GDP fell to 1.9% and the Fed is expected to cut interest rates. Meanwhile: Canfor’s privatization move faces some opposition; Resolute expands its liquidity; Roseburg opens an LVL plant in South Carolina; and panel prices soared last week while lumber rose slightly.

Finally, two rare white moose; an Arctic stump, and a wood showcase for the Tokyo Olympics.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor has entered into an agreement with Jim Pattison’s Great Pacific Capital Corp. to take the company private; as BC approves its first Bill 22 case, allowing Conifex to transfer its forest tenure to Hampton Lumber. In other Business news: Potlatch reports Q3 profits; mislabeling of wood products in the US is alarmingly common; and modified wood products put pressure on treated lumber.

In other news: the US Forest Service says the new Tongass rule doesn’t mean more logging; an Alberta field trial converts forest residues into natural gas; spark detection systems help with combustible dust, and California wildfires have echoes of 2017. 

Finally, the wood company and the weed company have settled their dispute.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forestry crisis is showing up in worsening trade figures, as logging shifts to the US Southeast and lumber prices rise. In related news: Mackenzie, BC is hanging by a thread; BC log home builders’ fibre challenge; and strikers and families speak out on impact of Western Forest Products’ labour dispute. Elsewhere: time is running out to find a buyer for Ontario’s Fort Frances mill; and the US-China trade war is bad news for Pennsylvania’s hardwood industry.

In Forestry/Climate news: Jim Pattison’s pragmatic view on climate change; the US pellet industry touts wood energy; and a Stanford researcher casts doubt on the viability of carbon capture. Meanwhile: California declares statewide wildfire emergency; Alberta’s wildfires consume the second most amount of land in history; and Inca trees offer hope to Brazil’s devastated forests.

Finally, have you ever thought of being a poop fairy?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s reconciliation legislation aims to create economic certainty while respecting Indigenous rights, but it sounds like a resource veto to some. In other Business news: diversification has helped Vancouver Island, but the forest crisis is downgrading growth; and the Truck Loggers express fears as Western Forest Products’ strike nears four-month mark. Meanwhile: US new-home sales fall and the home-improvement boom is forecast to fizzle.

In other news: Vancouver is pushing for zero emissions buildings; Canada needs provincial support on endangered-species; plans announced to update the SFI standard; who regulates Oregon’s logging industry?; and California wildfires worsen, residents fleeing.

Finally, International Bat Week ends October 31st (Halloween)… a coincidence?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Canfor’s Q3 losses rise on weaker lumber markets—especially in BC— and due to lower pulp and paper earnings. In related news: Premier Horgan wants Western Forest Product’s labour dispute resolved soon, while Vancouver Island logging contractors fear for their future. Meanwhile: BC’s first 12-storey wood building breaks ground in Langford; climate change bodes well for Ontario’s mass timber future; and embodied energy experts say “wood is good, steel and concrete are bad.”

In Forestry/Climate news: Canadian scientists complete the family tree for the tree of life; BC appoints feedback-panel on old-growth protection; Alaska Tribes opine on the Tongass question; logging gets a new lease on life in Arizona; and the White House sides with the EPA on the future of biofuels.

Finally, a fast-moving wildfire prompts evacuations in California wine country.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

President Trump proclaimed this week as National Forest Products Week… and yesterday as Timber Innovation Day—to recognize and highlight new and innovative uses for wood. In related news: green advocates emphasize embodied carbon, such as this example of mass timber in the Toronto Conservation Authority’s new home.

In Business news: softwood lumber prices moderate down, while the US housing continues to prop-up the US economy. Meanwhile, CN Rail cuts its profit forecast; Georgia Pacific idles two South Carolina mills; and the BC gov’t’s Interior Renewal feedback process ends, as worker transition monies are set to flow, and log home builders celebrate good news for a change.

Finally, the Arctic tundra is becoming a source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor