Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Tembec founder Frank Dottori is fronting Ontario’s first CLT plant—with a little help from the provincial government and the Carpenter’s Council . In related news: Ottawa is helping Domtar upgrade its Espanola mill; Barriere’s mayor speaks out on the Canfor/Interfor tenure sale; BC’s mill closures put the economy at risk; UPM plans to build a eucalyptus pulp mill in Uruguay; and despite falling prices, New Zealand’s log exports continue to rise.

In Forestry/Climate news: the secret food habits of BC’s caribou; Nova Scotia’s forest minister encouraged to “walk the walk“; California needs more firefighters as peak fire season nears; and planting trees can help fight climate change—if we do it right.

Finally; a hi-tech shirt that could reduce forestry fatalities.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

One year after Trump launched a series of trade wars, Canada’s economy has been altered, says Kevin Carmichael. In related news: David Elstone says BC’s forestry contractors are losing work amid mill closures; Conifex temporarily curtails its Mackenzie BC operation; Hampton Lumber takes first in safety; and US remodeler and consumer confidence remains strong.

New studies report that: Ontario’s forests are more susceptible to insects and fire; dryer summers are killing Oregon’s native trees; European mega-fires are an increasing threat; and reducing home energy consumption is key to lowering greenhouse gases.

Finally, Montana’s Tippet Rise pavilion employs mass timber of a different kind.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

A war of words between political parties accompanied the launch of public consultations on the future of BC’s interior forests. In related news: Tom Fletcher says the NDP is pushing ahead with tenure redistribution; West Fraser says the worst of the mill cuts are done; Carrier Lumber backs off of its spraying plans; and Fort Francis’s new mill owner has redevelopment plans.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canadian climate education gets a passing grade; the climate cost of climate conferences revealed; insurance costs rise with increased wildfire risk; and tree coping mechanisms for extreme heat. Elsewhere: forest health concerns in Missouri (Sudden Oak Death); Georgia (longleaf pines needle shedding) and Germany (severe drought). 

Finally, a brief history of the legendary mascot Smokey Bear.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC invites public feedback on how to revive the interior forest sector amid job losses and new curtailments at Canfor. In related news: Vaughn Palmer is surprised at the finance minister’s lack of concern for the sector; a BC town declares a financial crisis; and Dawson Creek’s MLA says more needs to be done. Also, 2nd quarter results for: West Fraser and Södra; expansion plans by Stora Enso; and post-fire thoughts at Muskoka Timber Mill in Ontario.

In Forestry news: ENGOs say BC’s iconic tree protection is ‘mostly symbolic’; ENGOs are not the ‘real problem’ in Montana; and a new study says deforestation in war torn counties is worse ‘post-conflict’.

Finally, tiny molecules that add life to pulp and paper products.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US home builder stocks follow lumber producers down as sagging housing news takes its toll. In related news: US lumber is up while Canadian production is down; Fort St. James declares financial crisis due to mill closures; Canfor looks to repurpose its shuttered Vavenby sawmill; and a labour ruling has some Western Forest Products contractors heading back to work. 

In Forestry/Climate news: BC takes action on threatened old-growth, protects 54 groves with iconic trees—including the Big Lonely Doug; Canada invests in First Nations conservation and in forest-based solutions to plastic waste; researchers take stock of Canada’s urban forests; and BC builds the case for more mass timber construction.

Finally, gaps in wildfire science leave Canadian researchers fighting blind.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The sale of Resolute’s mothballed Fort Frances mill is viewed as suspect as new owner stays mum on its future. In other Business news: the lumber futures market declines as rumours circulate of more down-time; sawmill closures hurt BC communities; Canfor receives positive certification report; and North Carolina weighs expansion of Enviva wood pellet mill.

In Forestry/Climate news: Fort Nelson BC mayor is ecstatic over community forest award and an increase in the region’s AAC; Rainforest Alliance/FSC launch small landowners program; David Suzuki on why climate protection is not a partisan issue and a new study says climate change is exacerbating California’s wildfires.

Finally, updates on SFPA’s Wood Expo, BC’s net zero energy-ready competition; the battle to save Notre-Dame.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A US Trade Court temporarily blocked the US Dept of Commerce from revoking duties on five Canadian lumber companies. In other Business news: Western Forest Product’s strike enters 3rd week; Stella-Jones’ CEO-change causes market unease; support and opposition for the Canfor/Interfor tenure sale; how the Weyerhaeuser dusky gopher frog decision complicates the US Endangered Species Act; and the BC Liberals outline their plan to support the forest sector.

In Forestry/Climate news: researchers say wolfs are not to blame for BC’s declining deer population; whole-tree harvesting could boost Michigan’s biomass production; and wood smuggling in Afghanistan turns a profit for the Islamic State.

Finally, stay tuned for a series of reader-driven enhancements to the Tree Frog News. First up, a company finance and market pricing section, separate from Business & Politics news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A Sierra Club report calls for BC’s old-growth forests to be returned to 30% of their original level. In related BC news: ENGO’s call for more old-growth protection; second growth forests are not as fire resistant as old growth; and today is the deadline for input on BC’s forest policy review. Elsewhere: a fresh approach to the spruce budworm is working in New Brunswick; Saskatchewan foresters join Quebec to fight the budworm; and private investors team up with the Nature Conservancy to protect Appalachian forests.

In other news: lumber and plywood lead price decline in residential construction; Western Forest Products strike enters third week without agreement on a mediator; a Montana perspective on BC’s mill closures; national efforts taken to stop US firefighter suicides; and China’s GHG emissions are up more than 50% in the last ten years.

Finally, the latest viral online craze involves… stapling bread to trees. Sorry!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s Premiers receive praise from FPAC’s Derek Nighbor for discussions on trade, immigration and skills development. In other Business news: the US Trade Court upheld its injury determination on Chinese plywood; fiber costs for softwood pulp are up in 16 countries; more on the BC Federation of Labour’s hot edict on Western Forest Products; and Liberal frustration with the NDP on BC’s struggling forest sector.

In other news: mass timber helps reform construction’s carbon footprint; the potential upside of BC’s old tree mutations; U of Toronto is officially disestablished; and long time rock musician is also a steward of the forest.

Finally, the Hoo-Hoo—Tree Frog’s favourite forestry fraternity—is coming to BC. What’s a Hoo-Hoo you ask?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC will punitively increase the surcharge on logs for export—initially for BC Timber Sales only—in an attempt to increase fibre availability to local mills. In other Business news: Canada’s premiers want feds to redouble efforts on softwood trade; the NY Times speaks to how US lumber companies are faring post-duties; and unions up the pressure on Western Forest Products.

On BC mill curtailments: Fort St. John, North Thompson and Prince George leaders look to minimize the impacts; Interfor seeks support for Canfor timber transfer; and add Powell River paper mill to the downtime list. Elsewhere: the BC Forest Practices Board on proposed amendments to forest practices; and an Ontario group that helps you track forest fire smoke. 

Finally, despite help from Saskatchewan and Thunder Bay, Ontario’s evacuation plans put on hold. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber curtailments achieve their intended consequence as Madison’s reports supply-demand balance. In related news: the impact of softwood duties on housing affordability are overstated (US Lumber Coalition); lack of funding for BC forest crisis is panned (MLA Davies). Meanwhile: global sawlog prices fall (WRI); cheap logs from Europe create log export crisis in New Zealand; and pallet production shifts from hardwood to softwood.

In Forestry news: a BC expert calls for thinning subsidies to reduce wildfire risk; spruce beetles add to BC’s risk despite slow start to the fire season; Ontario fires create air-quality problems for Quebec. Elsewhere: Alberta’s pine beetle fungi discovery; New Brunswick’s resistance to carbon pricing; and Europe’s toxic caterpillar plague. 

Companies making news include: Canfor, West Fraser, Port Hawkesbury Paper, Resolute, and Pleasant River Pine.

Finally, some first-hand advice on what to do if you run into a bear in the woods. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

To date the forest area consumed by wildfires in BC is just one percent of 2018’s total. In related news: evacuations in Ontario prove challenging; Saskatchewan and Quebec firefighters head to Manitoba; and Alaska’s Hess Creek fire is currently the US’s biggest.

In Forestry/Climate news: Trump touts forest management in speech on environmentalism; Massachusetts bill suggests not-logging to reduce CO2; Arizona wants to promote biomass from forest thinnings; fewer trees many mean fewer fires in Alberta; and Robert Bateman says BC’s caribou moratorium is not long enough. 

In Business news: China’s recyclables ban plays havoc on Maine’s recycling programs; and US and New Zealand log exports to China fall. Also: Tolko and Pinnacle’s new plant, Port Melon’s stink and Northern Pulp’s effluent.

Finally, who plants trees at 93—the Queen of England of course.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The future of Northern Pulp’s Pictou mill is looking up as an extension to its treatment plant closure a possibility. In other Business news: the fight to survive BC’s mill closures; options for the OSB plant in 100 Mile House; killing BC industries won’t save the caribou; and BC’s caribou plan on hold as NDP mends fences. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Oregon’s loggers on cap-and-trade; the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society on species at risk; the World Wildlife Fund on Europe’s super fires; the US Forest Service on reducing log rates to encourage thinning; and fire evacuations in Manitoba and Ontario.

Finally; MP Richard Cannings on why his wood-first bill died in the Senate.

Your Tree Frog editors are heading out early today to kick-off this summer’s Festival of Forestry teachers’ tour to Port Hardy! 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Pinnacle is partnering with Tolko to build a new wood pellet plant in High Level, Alberta. Other companies in the news include: Canfor Pulp (summer shutdown); Northern Pulp (Unifor encouraged); Resolute (a lesson for the energy sector); and Seaspan (new marine simulator). Meanwhile: northern and central BC community leaders meet to discuss mill closures; and updates on Chinese hardwood and log imports.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ex-forestry CEO Rick Doman’s view on forest management and fires in Canada (podcast); Brazil’s president pushes back on EU criticisms; an LCA expert on embodied carbon in the building industry; and Swiss researcher says planting trees is the best way to fight climate change.

Finally, wood product sustainability stories about BC, Lakehead U, toilet paper and BBQ briquettes.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Global trade in lumber increased marginally in 2019; while the value of Canadian lumber exports to the US declined significantly—according to Haken Ekstrom. In other Business news: Interfor seeks First Nations engagement on Canfor’s tenure; the BC Liberals want forest relief not partisan antics; the US Commerce Dep’t says low property taxes in New Brunswick are not a subsidy; and Nova Scotia’s Premier is hopeful about Northern Pulp’s fate.

In Forestry news: the Forest Practices Board says BC needs a new planning process; Alberta’s pine beetle mortality is as high as 98 percent; and the USDA says old-growth forests are more resistant to wildfire than young forests.

Finally, happy Independence Day to our US readers who are celebrating their separation from British rule in 1776.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The United Steelworkers voted 99 percent in favour of striking at Western Forest Products despite challenging markets and labour agreements in BC’s interior regions. Elsewhere: Canfor Pulp is implementing summer curtailments at two BC mills and Quebec and Ontario call for harmonized trade regulations.

In Forestry/Climate news: Oregon’s Governor isn’t backing down despite cap-and-trade failure; Florida timber growers are encouraged to plant – hemp; Dallas stays cool with an urban forestry plan; New Zealand allows longer log trains; and Finland studies logging’s impact on climate change.

Finally, Air New Zealand abandons newsprint; Nestle chooses paper over plastic; and Hardie mimics cedar siding.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In company news: Western Forest Products faces strike action by the Steelworkers Local 1-1937; West Fraser is temporarily curtailing Northern Alberta Plywood; and Interfor gets the Village of Chase’s support for the purchase of Canfor’s tenure. Meanwhile: Madison’s reports a calmer tone for lumber trading; and Chinese imports of US wood products are down due to the US-China trade war.

In Forestry news: BC’s caribou rescue plan lacks a socio-economic analysis (Vaughn Palmer); First Nations push for greater share of forest tenures (Ian Bickis), BC’s forest crisis could have been planned for (Bob Simpson); glyphosate concerns are raised in Northern Ontario and BC’s Kootenay region; and the potential of wood products to mitigate carbon emissions globally.

Finally, the Canadian gov’t gives Canada Wood a boost; while Australia and the UK promote wood’s potential.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Sawmill curtailments beget pulpmill curtailments in BC as Canfor Pulp announces summer downtime. Meanwhile—opining on the root causes: John Bergenske says it’s poorly managed forests; while Vaughn Palmer speaks of the “unavoidable aspects” but also why the lack of urgency by the NDP government.

In Forestry/Climate news: killing aspen increases Alberta’s wildfire risks; salal dye-off a sign of BC’s climate change; cap-and-trade protests continue in Oregon; BC health experts add to their vulnerable people list; and Spain battles blazes as heatwave grips Europe.

Finally, the promoters promote: plastic pollution, wheat-straw pulp; eco-friendly housing; a natural 24-hour fuel; and climate-smart wood. 

An early Happy Canada Day greeting from the Frogs. Back on Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Mass timber and high-tech companies meet in Sidewalk Labs’ vision for a wireless, timber-filled Toronto. In related news: how Toronto’s project can help tackle climate change; and create jobs for Northern Ontario.

In Business news: Stimson Lumber calls for a boycott of Oregon businesses; Steelworkers anticipate a strike vote at Western Forest Products; how Hampton Lumber avoids curtailments; U of Maine to help the forest economy; and Wood Resources on global trade in softwood lumber.

Finally, new studies suggest: Alberta’s seismic lines up methane emissions; pine forest restoration is good for birds; intact forests are on the decline; higher temps means lower seedling survival in the Sierras; and health risks rise with wildfire smoke.

Finally, despite the bug bites, the [planting] job is worth it.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood lumber prices continue their dizzying reversals; while the strengthening Canadian dollar threatens to squeeze forest industry profits. In other Business news: Conifex’s decision to sell its Fort St. James mill was “extremely difficult” (CEO Ken Sheilds); Liberal’s don’t understand the “real issues” (Mayor Bob Simpson); “more shutdowns are coming” (CEO John Brink) and “we will get through this difficult transition” (CEO Susan Yurkovich).

In Forestry news: Canada’s first faculty of forestry is set to close; Nova Scotia announces shift to biomass heat; David Suzuki says “caribou and industry can coexist”; Patrick Moore says “trees are the answer”; and Bill Moomwa says Massachusetts forestry “isn’t sustainable for the climate”.

Finally, mass timber makes headlines in Montreal, Toronto; Colorado, Washington DC and Wales.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hampton Lumber plans to buy Conifex’s idle Fort St. James BC operation—and build a new sawmill; while Boreal Bioenergy is also looking at Fort St. James (and Nelson) to expand their torrefied wood pellet business. Elsewhere: Norbord is cleared to restart its Alberta OSB plant after wildfire scare, the caribou recovery moratorium has MP Bob Zimmer concerned; MLA John Rustad says BC’s July 1 stumpage increase is flawed; and Home Depot’s CEO on lumber and Lowes.

In other news: Toronto’s waterfront community will be built with Ontario forest products/mass timber; a BC Forest Safety Council update on faller training; BC is encouraged to follow the fed’s lead and declare a climate emergency; and Dovetail Partners has a new Executive Director.

Finally, wearing wood-based lingerie has never felt so good.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Forest industry crisis needs gov’t action, according to the Vancouver Sun. In related news: premier Horgan is set straight on botched caribou plan; BC’s Northwest economy is on the rise despite forestry cuts; Gorman Bros feeling the lumber slowdown; strike action looms at Western Forest Products; its a rollercoaster ride for Canada’s sawmills; and lumber exports are up in US and Russia.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s drought condition raises concerns about root stability and the health of urban parks; more fires means more smoke in Alberta; warmer weather increases spruce beetle outbreaks in western US; and the slow growing ponderosa is less vulnerable to climate change than faster growing trees.

Finally, BC’s secret biochar plant; and the UK’s switch to clean energy.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government imposed an interim moratorium on resource development to give itself more time to come up with a plan to protect caribou populations—or as Vaughn Palmer calls it—a rescue plan for the rescue plan. Here’s what industry and some ENGOs have to say. Elsewhere: BC’s Forest Practice Board finds non-compliance in a Peace River woodlot and a stream near Kelowna.

In Business news: Ontario’s cabinet shuffle called good news for forestry; more on the closure of Canfor’s Vavenby mill from the employees, the District of Clearwater and mainstream media; how Canal Flats, BC is turning an old sawmill into a high-tech centre; and an early peak at the 2019 Global Buyers Mission.

It’s the Summer Solstice. So why the lag between the longest day and the warmest temp?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor