Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Yesterday, the Tree Frog Forestry News team was in Vancouver to meet with forest sector exhibitors at the Union of BC Municipalities convention trade show. But, we weren’t the only ones heading to the Vancouver Convention Centre—within an hour of our arrival, more than 200 logging trucks converged on the downtown core.

Kelly and I were two of hundreds of people who flocked to the foot of Burrard Street to catch a glimpse of the convoy. Surrounded by a waving and cheering crowd, where voices competed with a symphony of truck horns, I couldn’t help but be emotionally moved by the experience. I was in the concrete jungle of Vancouver and all around me, people were eagerly showing their support for these rural contractors and their plight.

After reporting stories of the growing controversy for weeks, to see first hand the passion that drove these truckers from BC’s interior was powerful and impressive. You can see from the headlines in today’s news that the convoy was greeted with cheers and support through every town along their route. It’s easy sometimes to loose sight of the human factor in this world of digital news—yesterday was a bittersweet reminder that behind every story are real people. We were proud to stand in support of this important sector. 

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Starting in Prince George this morning, a logging truck convoy will descend on Vancouver to protest forestry job losses. In related news: BC’s aid package has mayors, forest contractors and the Liberal opposition crying foul (to the Steelworkers’ dismay) given the associated loss of other rural funding. Meanwhile in the US: hardwood producers struggle with Trump’s trade war; log prices are up in the Northeast; and the latest on mortgage and lumber price trends.

In other news: Alberta researchers say leave more deadwood in the forest; the Pew foundation pans California’s forest plans; Oregon celebrates mild wildfire season; Brazil strikes defiant note on Amazon forest; climate activists rally for old-growth protection; and Tom Fletcher bemoans the fact-free climate crusade.

Finally, 13 BC early adopter communities to permit 12-storey mass timber buildings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The UN’s embrace of forest products sparked debate at Climate Week in New York. In related news: UN plans vast urban forests to improve air quality; carbon removal needed to fight climate pollution; and a blood-red haze engulfs Indonesia.

In Business news: BC’s worker-support funding called sneaky, robbing Peter to pay Paul.  As jobs evaporate and more worries arise in BC communities, including Terrace, Merritt, Quesnel, a 200 logging truck protest is planned for Vancouver and COFI answers questions on its 60-point plan. Other topics making headlines include: trends in global trade of forest products; an industry wetland partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada; SFI’s Green Ride for Jobs; and the plight of BC’s iconic Mountain Caribou.

Finally; Dovetail’s latest LCA assessment on home cladding products a win for wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

National Forest Week is celebrated in Canada this week; while Climate Week NYC is raising climate awareness south of the 49th. Related stories include: Climate and the boreal (Canada); new solutions via biomass utilization, (BC and US South); 800 years of tree ring evidence (UK); time to substitute wood for concrete (Australia); and paying to avoid GHG emissions (Norway).

In other news: US housing data roars back, as BC starts drop; tall wood is endorsed by Seattle; the Sierra Club on BC old-growth; and who should be in charge of US forests. Companies making headlines include: Hammond Cedar (meet the people and retraining funds); Kruger (diversity award), EACOM (college partnership); and Katerra (CLT plant opening).

Finally, this week is also the UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) conference in Vancouver. Sandy and I are attending, so hope to see you there!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US is refusing to nominate replacement panelists, effectively disabling the WTO’s dispute settlement system, putting paper and softwood reviews on hold. In related news: the softwood dispute is blamed for Kenora, Ontario’s mill closure, and COFI outlines policy choices to renew BC’s forest sector—60 in all. Meanwhile, a former BC mayor suggests gov’t inaction on spruce beetles is deliberate (and caribou recovery related).

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia to consider forest carbon offsets; BC seeks more energy efficient construction; a Sierra Club call to action; Amazon guardians stalk illegal loggers; Malaysia’s forests are more sustainably managed that you thought; and past warnings and gov’t action on BC logging road with fatal bus crash. 

Finally, entrepreneur John Brink supports the future of BC’s forest sector with college donation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko announces curtailments at its Soda Creek and Armstrong lumber mills in BC, moves to four-day work week. In related news: Liberals and NDP play the blame game over BC’s forestry crisis; workers wait for details on gov’t funding support; and Hampton secures Burns Lake Council support for timber licence purchase. Meanwhile, US hardwood producers seek gov’t subsidies to offset impact of US/China trade war. 

In other news: the US interest rate cut impacts US and Canadian economy; BC caribou protection areas are big enough (Minister Donaldson) or not so much (ENGO Wildsight); and mass timber continues its assent in Ontario, and Texas; while Australia tests bamboo as a timber-alternative.

Finally, Arrr… shiver me timbers— it’s talk like a pirate day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government unveiled an aid package for workers affected by mill closures—with support from industry and the unions; questions from the opposition and workers; and critiques from prominent columnists. In related news: BC politicians are urged to set aide their differences; and the BC coast labour talks break down.

Meanwhile: US housing starts surge; mortgage demand jumps; and lumber prices recover slightly. And in other news: set-backs for Northern Pulp and Fort Frances mill rescue-aspirations; Delta Air Lines looks to forest debris; Ontario urged to review mid-rise wood structures; and FPAC launches Forestry for the Future campaign.

Finally; Ken Follett—of Pillars of the Earth fame—on the burning of Notre-Dame.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Council of Forest Industries released its plan for a strong, competitive future, as the gov’t prepares assistance for laid-off workers. In related news: BC’s stumpage system blamed for crisis; and Ontario’s Kenora sawmill curtailed indefinitely. Meanwhile: Chinese lumber imports are up; New Zealand log exports are down, the US economy faces headwinds; Canadian forestry stocks are up; and wood pallets are at risk in a post-Brexit world. 

In Wood Product news: Perkins+Will use mass timber to create a new office paradigm; while researchers seek product advancements via spider silk, microfluidics and the self-shaping tendency of wood.

Finally, for some green activists, trees are the new black. Coal black.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forestry crisis dominates today’s news. Here are some of the headlines:

• Mill workers, forest industry call for policy change (COFI’s Susan Yurkovich)
• Factors behind Tolko closing should have been caught (MLA Thomson)
• Big changes needed for industry to survive (UBC Prof Gary Bull)
• We are in a major crisis (TLA’s David Elstone)
• Fewer trees, higher costs (Ken Peacock, Business Council of BC)
• Maximizing value rather than just volume (Forest Minister Doug Donaldson)

In other Business news: Western Forest Products/Steelworker talks break off; Canfor seeks workshare support; Kenora Forest Products takes downtime; Weyerhaeuser sells timberlands; and Northern Pulp reaches out as Lahey report implications laid-bare. Meanwhile, opinions on: the wolf cull in caribou recovery areas, old-growth sustainability in BC; and aerial herbicides in Maine.

Finally, condolences today to the family and friends of  Wayne Brandt—the face of Minnesota’s forest industry, and the University of Victoria bus crash victims.

Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

After a six-week curtailment, Tolko is closing its Kelowna lumber mill indefinitely due to market conditions, affecting 127 jobs. In related news: Teal Jones’ logging closure has its mill employees nervous; the value-added wood industry is BC’s fastest growing forestry business; and wood prices follow the futures market (which for now is good news).

Companies in the news include: GP and Irving (new investments), Northern Pulp Mill (CBC documentary); Mosaic (seed orchard celebration); and Stella-Jones (new CEO). Elsewhere: perspectives on the Spotted Owl’s impact; carbon neutral logging; and the loss of tropical rainforests.

Finally, it’s the first Friday the 13th in 13 years to coincide with a Full Moon. Scary!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

This week in Whistler BC, 800 buyers, sellers and specifiers of value-added wood products gathered for the Global Buyers Mission, and on day-one, WoodTALKS focused on the benefits of wood and mass timber. Meanwhile, the Hoo-Hoo International kicked off their 127th annual convention.

In today’s Canadian headlines:

• Teal-Jones halts logging, deepening crisis in strike-hit forestry sector
• BC Mayors wants a seat at table in talks between province and First Nations
• Fort Frances moves to seize paper mill equipment for unpaid taxes
• Logging not a factor causing water boil advisories in Peachland, BC
• Extreme Weather May Be Shaping Canadians’ Views on Climate Crisis

And in the USA:

• Washington wildfire season less intense, lands chief says
• US megafires not increasing: large, high-severity fires are natural

Finally, for more highlights of BC Wood’s GBM from Whistler, follow @TreeFrogNews on Twitter.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Teal Jones Group is halting all BC coastal logging affecting 300 contractors and—when they run out of logs—500 people employed at company mills. In related news: BC dials back its forecasts as the forestry slump reduces revenues; and property sales plunge in hard-hit communities. Elsewhere: lumber prices remain flat; Canadian housing starts are up; and US mortgage applications rise.

In other headlines:

• CSA publishes first Canadian guide for wood chip fuel
• Forest fires in 2017 released staggering amount of GHGs
• Connecting the dots between the climate and biodiversity crises

Finally, for highlights of BC Wood’s GBM from Whistler, follow @TreeFrogNews on Twitter.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s boreal forests are producing more carbon than they capture during bad forest-fire years. In related news: California’s slow wildfire season could change this week; wildfire’s silver lining is improved snowpack; New Zealand’s unpopular super-tree; and Iran’s unknown deforestation disaster.

In Business news: BC municipalities are upset over gov’t’s closed-door dealings on caribou; Hampton’s CEO speaks to skepticism re: Fort St. James mill rebuild; USW/Western to meet on potential mediation; and EACOM celebrates 70 years in Nairn Centre, Ontario. Meanwhile: stories on Alberta’s pine beetles; Ontario’s forestry training; and tenure reform via BC’s woodlot program.

Finally, the Frogs will be reporting live from Whistler this week—from the Global Buyers Mission and the Hoo Hoo International convention. So check here for updates and say hi if you see us!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite NAFTA’s favourable ruling on Canadian lumber—requiring the US to rethink its injury assessment on softwood imports—this is just the first step in a long process. In related news: Trump’s trade war with China has reduced US hardwood exports to China and stalled Alaskan timber sales with Chinese companies.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada and BC agree to coordinate their environmental impact assessments; how the Amazon fires have changed over time; Canada’s boreal may be the Amazon eco-warriors’ next target; and the UK’s plan for climate change involves planting and managing trees.

Finally, don’t miss out on early bird savings for the SFI’s 2019  annual conference. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian gov’t and softwood lumber industry are applauding a partial victory as a NAFTA panel says the US injury determination is flawed. No response from the US Coalition yet but Western Red Cedar producers are disappointment they’re still lumped in with structural lumber. 

In other Business news: Western Forest Products and USW begin mediation; Canfor extends its Taylor pulp mill curtailment; BC’s Forest Critic points to solutions; and more on Interfor’s Hammond Mill closure. Elsewhere, Lahaie Lumber expands in Ontario, JD Irving opposes new tax on machinery; and Domtar/Seaspan are panned for past inaction on pollution.

Finally, the Canadian cement industry is none-too-pleased with the Ontario carpenters’ endorsement of mass timber.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor announced that it is permanently closing its Hammond Cedar mill in Maple Ridge, BC—a facility that dates back to 1908. In related news: despite Canfor’s recent BC curtailments, local businesses remain optimistic; while some Mackenzie residents wonder if they’re not the new ‘species at risk‘. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Ottawa is ready to act on caribou conservation if BC can’t; deer browsing is not stopping the densification of Eastern US forests; BC helicopters to fight Amazon fires; and a new wildfire takes hold in Yellowstone National Park.

Finally, mass timber continues to make headlines in Ontario and Oregon.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Longtime forestry journalist Gordon Hamilton on his search for solutions to BC’s forestry crisis. In related news: the Vancouver Sun’s Derrek Penner on BC’s forest pests; BC parliamentary secretary Ravi Kahlon visits hard-hit Clearwater; and Jim Hilton’s view on Interior forest tenure reform.

In other news: the NY Times on Trump’s move to open up the Tongass to logging;  Nova Scotia’s view is unchanged on Northern Pulp pipeline; New Brunswick logging threatens wilderness tourism; heroic intervention to save BC’s Cowichan River; and BC Timber Sales the target of ENGO outrage.

Finally, as the Amazon Burns, Canada’s Boreal faces similar threats.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Kelowna, BC is first to approve 12-storey wood construction, touts safety and flexibility benefits. In related news: Ontario’s first CLT plant opens in December; and mass timber makes headlines in Victoria, Ottawa and Portland, Oregon.

In wildfire news: despite the lack of headlines, Canada’s 2019 wildfire season is called ‘average‘; 60 per cent of BC fires were human-caused and two models of US wildfire prevention are compared. Elsewhere: ENGOs and wildlife advocates express concern over Amazon deforestation; CPAWs calls for more biodiversity protection; and five countries pledge new monies for Green Climate Fund.

Finally, companies in the news include: Norbord (100 Mile House closure); Western Forest Products (benefits dispute); Tolko (Aboriginal award); and Weyerhaeuser (Columbia plant fire).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite fears of an economic slowdown, Freddie Mac forecasts improving US housing markets in the fall, while improved weather results in lower fibre costs for most North American pulpmills. Meanwhile; lessons learned from mill closures in Mackenzie and Prince George BC; Canfor and Norbord take more downtime while Weyerhaeuser bucks the trend; and Northern Ontario seeks to diversify its manufacturing.

In Forestry/Climate news: Brazil defends its record on Amazon wildfires as experts says it’s reached a ‘tipping point‘, and the ‘worst is still to come‘. Elsewhere: National Geographic on Amazon logging; and David Suzuki on the shortfalls of captive breeding programs.

Finally, per the Atlantic, the Amazon is important but it’s not the Earth’s lungs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Brazil’s President took umbrage over offers of help with Amazon wildfires:

• Bolsonaro wants apology before taking Amazon funds from G7
• Brazil, Bolivia assessing needs after Canada offers $15M aid
• Sending water bombers won’t solve Amazon rainforest fires
• Canada pushing for Amazon protections in free-trade talks with Brazil
• While all eyes are on Brazil, Bolivia battles its own vast Amazon fires

In other news: Canfor announces more curtailments in BC, while discussions on the province’s mill-closure crisis takes place in Mackenzie, Valemount and Fort St. James. Meanwhile: USW ups rhetoric targeting Western Forest Products (who pays for interim benefits); Unifor does the same with Resolute (who holds the wood rights); and Trump pushes to reverse the roadless rule in Alaska. 

Finally, does BC need more Woodlot Licences? 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Headlining the forest fire news, the Amazon continues to burn and G7 leaders have offered significant financial assistance but Brazil’s president rejected their offer. However, an atmospheric scientist says Amazon fires won’t deplete the planet’s oxygen, points to oceans as the lungs of the earth. Will these fires change how regulators view the business of carbon offsets?

Closer to home, Arizona sees “Chip and Ship” as a way to protect from forest fires and Oregon learns to live with fire to improve forest health. 

Interfor CEO Duncan Davies says these are challenging times, and if it were up to him, he’d work forever.  

Finally, how did you celebrate National Toilet Paper Day? NRDC asks you to ‘wipe-right’!

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor’s long-time CEO Duncan Davies is stepping down at end of 2019 and Ian Fillinger will assume his role. In other Business news:  FPAC’s Derek Nighbor elected to international post; workers rally after mill closures in Mackenzie, BC, Unifor urges Ontario to restart Fort Frances mill; and BC’s Downie Timber is weathering the storm.

In Wildfire news: Brazil’s president responds to G7 pressure, orders military to fight forest fires. In related news: what’s actually happening in Brazil; a record number of wildfires in the Amazon; 51 homes lost—no silver lining in Alaskan fires; and Oregon’s cap-and-trade won’t address wildfires.

Finally, ENGO’s need to listen to their fiercest critics; FSC should lift its ban on GM trees and Canada leads the world in forest certification.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Unfortunately our server went down minutes before we were to post the news with our summary blurb. Rather than delay the news further, we’re sending it without the blurb. Sorry for the inconvenience. At least it’s a light news day.

Hope you have a nice weekend.

Kelly

Hotter, larger fires in Canada’s north means the boreal forest is at its carbon tipping point. In related news: US insurers and utilities pay the price for costlier wildfires; and day becomes night due to Amazon smoke. Elsewhere: a new study says lodgepole pine sends out SOS when beetles attack; and ENGO’s sue Trump over his Endangered Species Act rollback.

In Business news: no end in sight for Western Forest Products strike, as dispute arises over who pays for interim benefits. Meanwhile: Mountain Equipment Co-op’s flagship Vancouver store is a showcase for engineered wood, and mass timber grants are awarded to seven US colleges.

Finally, a chainsaw juggler seeks world record, and poo-clues for moose fare.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber sales remain flat despite steady improvement in the US housing market. In related US news: custom home construction trends lower; commercial and multifamily starts vary by city, and previously owned homes sales reach a five-month high. 

In other Business news: Home Depot and Lowe’s buoyed despite low lumber prices; Fort Frances lobbies for Resolute’s wood supply; Fort St. James, BC extends financial crisis; and resilience key to surviving BC’s forest sector downturn.

In Forestry news: Canada’s newest national park; BC’s mule dear winter range enhancement; Oregon’s conifer drought damage; California’s slow start to the wildfire season; and record wildfires in the Amazon.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

The Gov’t of Canada kicked off its national Nature Legacy initiative with investments in 49 new conservation projects, as well as investments in UBC’s biomass energy capacity. In related news: BC foresters are fighting fire with fire to protect woodlands from climate change; Alaska’s wildfire season is extended due to hot weather; and Spain’s Canary islands are burning out of control.

In Business news: tariffs and falling markets impact BC’s Downie Timber, Home Depot, and a broad range of hardwood lumber and cabinet producers. Meanwhile, the battle over Nova Scotia’s Northern Pulp mill hits the big screen in a new documentary.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts dropped for the third straight month in July notwithstanding good builder confidence. In related news: BC seeks federal support for workers impacted by sector downturn; Tolko’s last shift in Quesnel, BC; Arkansas to assist Conifex’s former employees; and New Brunswick truckers could shut down if Northern Pulp closes.

Elsewhere: columnist Tom Fletcher gives Minister Donaldson the benefit of his doubt; there’s new hope for Port Alberni BC, and access to wood rights are still on the table despite Resolute’s restrictive sale of Fort Francis mill. 

In Forestry news: updates on the spruce budworm in Newfoundland; Elk migration in Montana; and the pine beetle in Alberta. Finally, how to save the boreal caribou; BC’s giant trees; and America’s National Forests. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko announced more downtime at three BC mills effecting 700 employees, while Conifex closes its Arkansas mill, laying off 92. In related news: BC lumber exports to the US plunge; BC’s minister asks for federal help; and Mackenzie BC workers rally against curtailments. 

Meanwhile; the Town of Fort Frances wants Resolute’s harvesting licence revoked due to a non-compete clause on the sale of its Fort Frances mill, but MPP says the decision was Resolute’s to make. Other companies in the news include Northern Pulp’s potential extension, and Pinnacle’s energy plant expansion.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta ups effort on caribou protection plans; New Brunswick’s clearcuts an eyesore and a teaching moment; Ontario researchers seek to make trees more resilient to climate change; and forest fires are getting too hot for fire-adapted animals.

Finally, thanks for your patience while the Frogs recharged their batteries.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Just a reminder – the Frogs are taking a few days off this week and will return on Friday with a full compliment of news. Below on Monday’s headlines.

Canfor Corporation issued a cautionary note after BC billionaire Jim Pattison made a cash offer—approaching double the current stock price—to take the company private. In other Business news: Skeena Sawmills struggles as BC increases log exports; Clearwater’s mayor speaks out on Vavenby mill closure; BC’s new Forest Secretary to visit hard-it mill towns; Kalesnikoff Lumber weathering the storm better than some; and Vaughn Palmer is accused of milking the caribou mountain theme. 

In other news: the Longhorn beetle is squashed Alberta; the Spotted Owl population declines in Oregon; and elk avoid cougars and hunters in Montana.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Smoke from BC’s unprecedented 2017 wildfire season is helping US scientists model the impact of nuclear war. In related news: soil moisture has resulted in fewer California wildfires; and more on yesterday’s UN report and the role of tree planting and wood use in helping fight climate change. 

In Business news: Nova Scotia’s premier isn’t budging on Northern Pulp despite jobs plea; John Brink on BC’s forest crisis; US mortgage rates fall while lumber rallies on interest rate cut; and Q2 results for Interfor, Louisiana Pacific and Cascades. Elsewhere: letters to various BC editors by Susan Yurkovich, Andrew Mitchell, Jim Lamberton and Brenda Gouglas.

Finally, BC industry warns of skills shortage while eastern-based EACOM recruits in the West.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Bioenergy with carbon capture can help fight climate change but may threaten food crops: UN report. In related news: Cory Brooker’s climate change bill points to a massive reforestation effort; Michael Moore’s new documentary says alternative energy is not all its cracked up to be; and cap-and-trade is alive and well in Virginia. 

In Business/Finance news: closing Northern Pulp’s paper mill would cost Nova Scotia thousands of jobs; BC forms team to study mill closures, while delays in tenure transfer decision creates uncertainty. It’s a train wreck in slow motion, says Neil Godbout. Meanwhile: Conifex extends Mackenzie curtailment, and BC’s lumber production is down three-times the North American average.

Finally, when industry and endangered species clash, guess who wins?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Amid the volatile backdrop of trade wars, the US housing market is an unlikely stabilizing force; while the housing rebound in Canada is driving up consumer confidence. In other Business news: more US duties on Chinese cabinets, and more voices on BC’s forestry crisis from Prince George; Terrace, Ashcroft, and the Peace River region.

Companies in the news include: Western Forest Products, Pinnacle, Fortress and Stella-Jones. Meanwhile, forest fires pick up in Ontario and BC while Russian officials say the Siberian wildfires were started on purpose by illegal loggers.

Finally, green living and the wood boom in Ontario’s condo construction.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s caribou rescue plan may need rescuing from NDP’s intransigence (says columnist Vaughn Palmer), while Blair Lekstrom’s ‘lets all hold hands and dance‘ plan is called too simplistic by others. In Wood Product news: praise for Toronto’s Sidewalk Labs; Natural Resources Canada invests in wood innovation; the benefits of embodied carbon; and filtering salt from seawater with… a slice of wood.

In Health & Safety news: a Quebec firefighter dies fighting wildfire; a French waterbomber pilot succumbs in plane crash; dust is blamed for an Oregon sawmill fire; evacuation alerts in the BC Okanagan; and Russia’s battle with Siberian wildfires.

Companies in the news include: Canfor (curtailments at Vavenby and Houston); Roseburg (layoffs), Powell River Paper (curtailment), Domtar (fire), Port Hawkesbury (subsidy), and Boise Cascade (Q2 earnings).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US construction spending posted its biggest drop in seven months, as Trump announced more tariffs on Chinese imports and the Commerce Dept. upped its wood flooring antidumping rates. Meanwhile—on the BC front: job fairs in Fort St. James and the Peace Valley; employee relocation efforts at Chasm; voices of concern in Vernon, Kelowna, and Clearwater; and a 21-mayor call for federal action.  Elsewhere, Q2 earnings are down at Western and Mercer. 

In other news: mass timber highlights the benefits of wood; an unlikely partnership in Nelson BC; public consultation in Cowichan BC; a bipartisan wildfire bill for the US; and Russia and Indonesia respond to their massive wildfires.

Finally, the Frogs are off on Monday as it’s a Civic holiday for most of Canada. Back Tuesday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Sinclair Group is curtailing lumber operations for two-weeks at three BC sawmills. In related news: the BC Liberals and NDP blame each other for inaction while foresters say it’s time to redefine our priorities. Meanwhile; the ‘hot edict’ against Western Forest Products is upheld; disappointing Q2 results from Domtar, Resolute, Norbord and PotlatchDeltic, and Rayonier sells its Matane, Quebec pulp mill to Sappi. 

In other news: Trump offers Putin help as Russian forests burn out of control; California governor defends wildfire efforts; unhealthy smoke is expected in Oregon; and California adopts a new wildfire smoke rule.

Finally, the Smokey Mountains resist change as the Amazon reaches tipping point.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tolko announced six weeks of downtime at its Kelowna BC mill, while the communities of Mackenzie, Houston, Clinton and Kelowna grapple with the fallout of mill closures. In related news: BC MLA Rustad calls for the replacement of Forest Minister Donaldson. 

In Forestry/Climate news: ENGOs criticize Trump’s choice to head public lands, thinning advocates pan Arizona’s biomass decision; researchers say longleaf pines depend on fire, but a warming climate means less Douglas-fir planting; and Norwegian researchers say climate change killed 200 reindeer. 

In wildfire news: Montana and Oregon fires cause smoke warnings and evacuations; dry lightning is causing havoc in Nova Scotia; and BC is rehabilitating its Cariboo forests and protecting its Okanagan watersheds.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Scientists say the number of Arctic wildfires and related emissions are much higher in 2019. In related news: Alberta wildfires have burned more land this year than the past four decades; US issues massive RPF to clear out Arizona’s forests; and quantifying the cooling power of trees in urban areas.

In other news: Keith Baldrey says inaction by the BC Liberals helped create BC’s crisis; the United Way and District of Clearwater ask for more help for impacted communities; and more on Canfor’s Q2 results. Meanwhile, Resolute got relief on its Fort Frances mill grant; and Weyerhaeuser and Mosaic to allow public access on their private lands.

Finally, males who compete for their mates are more likely to survive habitat loss.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Brazil’s Bolsonaro promised economic growth over forest protection. Seven months into his term, multiple critics say it’s already happening. In related news: Canada’s forgotten rainforest (Narwhal); charred forests not growing back in the Pacific Northwest (CBC); time to redefine our forest priorities (Assoc. of BC Forest Professionals); urban trees promote mental heath (Phys.org) and cloning redwoods to combat climate change (NBC).

In other news: Canfor extends its Taylor pulp mill curtailment; BC Premier Horgan appoints new parliamentary secretary for forestry; the Softwood Lumber Board has a new leader for Think Wood; and SFI opens its 2019 conservation grants program.

Finally, memorable plywood applications and why you should buy slow furniture.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

This time last year BC had lost four times as much forest to fire but in 2018 it didn’t pick up until the end of July. In other Forestry/Climate news, despite alarmist content, a BC climate risk report flies under the radar; Peachland’s mayor asks for a pause on watershed logging; Oregon State University admits mistake in cutting 420 year old D-fir; and SFI’s Cathy Abusow gets Michigan forestry award.

In Business news: three companies vie for Ontario’s Fort Francis mill site; Maine’s Old Town pulp mill is set to reopen; Weyerhaeuser, Canfor Corp and Canfor Pulp report Q2 earnings; and US mortgage rates hover near three-year lows.

Finally, US wood forensic capacity is found wanting for assessing retail forest products fraud.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Forest Products’ Ladysmith sawmill will be temporarily curtailed due to a lack of logs, as the parties speak to who’s responsible for the employee benefit premiums. In other Business news: US new home sales rise; woody biomass consumption trends are down; global sawlog prices fall; and financial updates for Canfor and Universal Forest Products. 

In Wood Product news: Canada invests to grow wood markets; turning chopsticks into engineered wood in BC; wood buildings help fight climate change in the UK; inside the fight to rebuild Notre Dame; and recyclable houses from Portuguese cork.

Finally, Europe’s forests are reported to be booming; in need of protection; and prone to wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor