Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

West Fraser Timber shares are expected to fare well, despite reporting $45M Q3 loss on lower lumber production. In other Business news: the Steelworkers say Western Forest Products is refusing to budge; a Longlac Ontario mill is running out of wood; Norbord curtails OSB production at Cordele, Georgia; and an update on the EU’s softwood challenges.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s search and destroy approach to pine beetles; California’s forest thinning effort in Lake Tahoe; Oregon’s wildfire cash flow challenge; Indonesia’s 2019 wildfires losses; and an Arizona study says high precipitation years won’t save trees from climate change.

Finally, UK scientists develop an artificial leaf inspired by photosynthesis.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Don’t Frog-et to vote! 

It’s Election Day in Canada as one BC logger struggles to vote due to the forestry downturn.

In Forestry/Climate news: support for laid-off BC forestry workers is now available; Nova Scotia established a committee to advise on forest management; Sweden’s climate phenom was in Fort McMurray, Alberta; the pros and cons of a modest change to Alaska’s roadless rule; and Oregon struggles to find common ground with forestry revenue sharing and the Endangered Species Act.

Finally, the driver of this car survived his crash with a loaded logging truck!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC applauds Pinnacle’s pellet deal with Japan for its value-added and clean energy aspects, while others wonder if there’s enough wood waste to go around given sawmill closures. In other Business news: builders remain upbeat despite drop in US housing starts; Western Forest Products and the USW are back in mediation; and Weyerhaeuser’s ex-finance manager is charged with theft. 

In Wood Product news: prefabricated wood-frame construction boosts mid-rise affordability in BC, the US Congress and EU eye wood buildings as a carbon sink; and watchmaker Swatch’s Swiss headquarters is a head-turner. Meanwhile: critics speak out on BC’s wolf kill; Trump’s plan to log the Tongass; and Indonesia’s palm forest recovery program; and scientists point to downside of tree planting as a solution to climate change.

Finally, microscopic mites as a biological weapon against the bark beetle.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US home construction data for September suggests the US housing market is firming amid low mortgage rates and steady demand. In related news: 93% of new homes built in 2018 were wood framed; and the potential US-China trade deal may be too late for hardwood producers. Meanwhile, Hazelton BC wants more information on the Gitxsan pellet plant proposal; and Smartlam reverses direction on CLT plans for Maine.

In Forestry news: BC calls for caribou habitat restoration projects; Montreal battles the emerald ash borer; BC’s approach to the spruce beetle panned; California’s blackouts called outrageous; Oregon’s forestry petition rejections puzzle; and critics speak in favour of Alaska’s roadless rule, as the USDA seeks comment on the propose changes.

Finally, trees that survived California drought may help with climate resilience.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In the first seven months of 2019, softwood lumber production was stable in the US but down 10% in Canada (19% in BC). In related news: lumber prices lost ground last week, US building material costs were down in September, and Trump/China deal doesn’t do much for US hardwood producers.

In other Business news: Tolko’s Kelowna mill workers still in limbo; Structurlam a bright spot for BC forestry jobs; Vancouver Island forestry strike not as crippling as it used to be, EACOM makes railway contingency plans in Ontario, and Port Hawkesbury paper gets interim power rate from Nova Scotia’s regulator.

Finally, Trump expands logging in Alaska’s Tongass, and Canadian politicos voice their climate positions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As part of an election campaign, the federal Conservatives released a plan to support BC’s ailing forest sector. In related news: lacklustre 3rd quarter results expected this week; Minister Donaldson takes issue with Liberal call for action; and the Wilderness Committee’s perspective on forestry downturn. Elsewhere: JD Irving closes New Brunswick Baker Brook sawmill; and the Wood Component Manufacturer’s Association elects a new board.

In Forestry news: despite Trump pledge, Oregon logging not increasing; BC scrambles to recruit tree planters; Alaska hit by the hemlock sawfly; and LA wildfire out of control after change in the weather.

Finally, building industry materials become runway fashion – all for charity.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Audubon Society says climate change threatens two-thirds of North America’s bird species, especially in Canada. In related news: Oregon’s moral dilemma with killing Barred Owls to save Spotted Owls, a BC court rules in favour of logging in Haida Gwaii; and voices weigh in on how much BC old growth should be left.

In BC Business news: forest company goodwill, generosity hailed; Liberals call for forest minister’s ouster; Tolko workers face uncertain future; and Part 2 of BC’s Independent Wood Processors plan to replace lost sawmill jobs. Elsewhere: Fort Frances, Ontario has 90 days to find a mill buyer; Oregon State unveils wood products lab; and a contrast in fire seasons: Oregon and Indonesia.

Finally, happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian readers and happy Columbus Day to our US readers. The frogs will be back on Tuesday with full bellies and the weekend headlines.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s boreal forests are in the news as environmental groups pressure toilet paper manufacturer Procter & Gamble to use more recycled materials in their tissue. In Haida Gwaii, local artists are seeking to halt logging of old growth trees outside Masset and in Prince George, conservation group Enough is Enough is speaking out against old growth logging in the North.

In Business news: margins are down for BC sawmills; the Independent Wood Processors Association speaks out in support of the BC Premier’s value-added plan; a Miramichi lumber mill is closed indefinitely because of fire; and a paper mill in Maine is investing in significant upgrades to increase pulp capacity and paper quality. 

Finally, Tree Frog editors got a lesson in spelling from a reader yesterday. Grizzly bears in BC may be emancipated, but what biologists are concerned about are those who are emaciated. Thanks Diana!

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

A report on caribou recovery in BC’s South Peace region—up 49% after four-year wolf cull—recommends program continuance until the herds are self-sustaining. In related news: a poor salmon run may be cause of emancipated grizzly in Knight Inlet; logging helps a threatened songbird in Michigan; wildfires cause massive fish loss in Colorado; and the Tussock moth heads north in BC.

In Business news: Vaughan Palmer pans Premier’s comment on Teal Jones; Quebec helps Thurso pulp mill restart; Huron Central Railway shutdown impacts EACOM; and Ontario invests in First Nation pellet plant study. Meanwhile, a campaign to combat biomass misinformation; and the Adamson, Freer and Griessel families receive BC Minister’s Awards for woodlot management.

Finally, the fall wildfire season challenges Colorado, set to start in South Carolina.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Timber Sales is not complying with old growth logging rules, system is “truly corrupt“, says the Ancient Forest Alliance. Elsewhere in BC: rethinking forestry in Terrace; Pinnacle’s expansion in Williams Lake; and Burnaby sues Domtar over decades-old contaminated land. Meanwhile: Fortress cellulose to take downtime in Quebec and Oregon logging industry hurt by log price drop. 

In other news: the USDA speaks out on the wood-carbon connection; FPAC on Canada’s bioeconomy potential; industry exec on Nova Scotia’s plastic bag ban; and Pasadena, California bans wood roofing and permanent wood foundations.

Finally, a dressing from tree bark could transform the treatment of wounds.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s forest crisis is expected to dominate the fall legislative session amidst claims of tunnel vision on funding and political amnesia over blame. In related news: the ripple-down effect of Western Forest Product’s strike; finding solutions for Northern BC; and the San Group’s growth begets Entrepreneur of the Year.

In other news: a call for Climate action by Canadian forest industry execs; the Green party looks to plant trees; FPAC counters misleading plastics commentary; and the China-US trade war strains both economies, hits the Australian wood chip industry, and causes hardwood layoffs.

Finally, a BC First Nation to devise caribou plan while the US protects an already extinct herd. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forest ecosystems and wood buildings can be our most important climate ally: New York Times. In related news: an Ontario study affirms the carbon value of long-lived wood products; new guidelines coming for BC’s tall timber; and Woodrise wraps in Quebec, moves to Kyoto in 2021.

In Business news: Jock Finlayson on the bad-news BC forest crisis; Northern Pulp says its effluent plan will have minimal impact; US ups duties on Chinese cabinets; and Vietnam to curb trade fraud linked to US-China trade war. Meanwhile, a look at Nova Scotia’s newest protected areas; and toilet paper substitutes fail to catch on.

Finally, Resolute’s Yves Laflame, and BC politicians Heyman and Weaver receive honours. Congrats!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

On Oct. 15, the US administration will raise tariffs on Chinese wood and paper products to 30% from 25%, as Chinese counter-measures take their toll on US hardwood producers. In related news: Domtar reduces paper capacity at two mills; Teal Jones invests in North Carolina; Texas CLT expands to Alabama; and an update on Northern Pulp’s future in Nova Scotia.

In other news: mass timber’s biophillic response; BC’s watchdog chides Interfor and government oversight; Kodak photo paper goes FSC; US Fish & Wildlife announces caribou protections; and more on BC’s forest-crisis monies from Merritt, Invermere and Minister Donaldson.

Finally, this old tree is eating an iron bench.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

When country and western singer Bobby Garcia heard that 200 logging trucks were Vancouver bound, he said “this song is for everyone in the BC forestry industry.” In related news: Donaldson touts value over volume, the truck loggers send gov’t a message; Conifex’s liquidity challenge; and Northern Ontario is primed for growth. Meanwhile, the latest on lumber and pellet prices, pellet feedstock and the US economy.

In Forestry news: the spruce beetle threat to northern BC; Canadian Women in Timber celebrate 30 years; AFPA launches Love Alberta Forest campaign; an eco-friendly gel could help prevent forest fires; Amazon fires fall sharply; and Russia protects a swath of boreal forest. 

Finally, its Energy Efficiency Day in Canada and the US… a nod to wood buildings!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Freddie Mac—a US owned mortgage corporation—forecasts GDP and housing sales to remain strong in the fall. In other Business news: Interfor mills its last log at Hammond Cedar, Teal-Jones looks to Virgina because it can’t make money in BC; and former Kamloops mayor says Premier Horgan needs to listen to the truck loggers.

In Forestry/Climate news: restoring tropical forests one tree at a time; and Ireland joins the rush to tackle climate change by planting trees. Finally, mid-rise and tall wood buildings are the focus of two major conferences this week—Woodrise in Quebec City and Timber! in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

At the Union of BC Municipalities conference in Vancouver, Premier John Horgan said it’s time to reduce log exports and add value to BC’s forest products. Other viewpoints include:

• Good on truckers for going to Vancouver (Max Winkelman)
• Rural BC takes another hit from the NDP (Tom Fletcher)
• Premier delivers his message mostly in jokes? (Vaughn Palmer)
• Jim Pattison urges B.C. to do more for mill towns (Brent Jang)
• Who benefits from a free log market (Jim Hilton)

In Climate Change news: Ontario, the UN and Trudeau look to plant more trees, while architects consider switching from concrete to timber. Elsewhere: the threatened mountain caribou; and why BC’s forestry crisis looms over Alberta.

Finally, the Canadian Wood Council has as new President and CEO—Kevin McKinley.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

No shortage of opinions on BC’s forestry woes in today’s news:

• Liberals say forest workers ‘expendable’ under NDP
• COFI pushes BC forest sector toward new path
• Union says forestry workers being used as pawns
• Innovation key to growing Canada’s forestry sector
• Striking loggers receive support at Campbell River rally

Meanwhile: Catalyst lays-off 70 at Crofton mill; another option for Northern Pulp and Boat Harbour; Pinnacle Pellet scrambles to secure fibre amid closures; LignaTerra announces CLT mill for Maine; Jimmy Pattison hordes cash as global trade tensions mount, and slower US economic growth will persist.

Finally, lots on the Climate Strikes, including how forests, and wood products can help; some firm push back on Tom Fletcher’s earlier column; and… sustainable coal?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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