Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Although the cause of the Notre Dame fire is still unknown, France launched a redesign completion, amid questions about safety at historic sites around the world, and offers of sunken, salvaged timber from Ghana. In other Wood Product news: office buildings go beyond green with WiredScore, a 3rd party certification for digital infrastructure.

In Business news: the latest from Madison’s on lumber is not good; FEA Wood Markets 2018 billion board club includes these 15 producers; new bargaining dates are set for northern BC; Northern Pulp gets new info demands; the San Group updates its sawmill plans; and West Fraser to appear on Emmy-Nominated TV show.

Finally, Western Forest Products identifies and protects its big trees; while California researchers have sequenced the entire genomes of two giant redwoods.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Architect Peter Busby proposes to build the world’s largest and greenest wood tower—a 35- or 40-storey mass timber structure—in Vancouver. In related news: FPInnovations announces world-renowned speakers for Woodrise 2019; and Project Learning Tree launches its Green Ride (all 8750 km of it) for Green Jobs. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Vicky Husband calls for citizen action on plans to log near BC’s Juan de Fuca park; Ontario proposes changes to its Endangered Species Act; 80% of US parents want climate change taught in the class room; a Perdue Univ. prof says large-scale carbon sequestration would send food prices soaring; and the Arbor Day Foundation announces its forest stewardship winners.

Finally, just in case you were busy looking for Easter eggs, you can check out yesterday, last week or last year’s headlines, as we archive them all. Here’s our coverage on FPAC’s Women and Gender Diversity in the forest sector panel.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After nearly a half century, Earth Day—the world’s largest secular holiday—is celebrated in 193 countries, including Canada and the USA. In Earth Day news: Horgan and Trump issue customary statements, while: Canada celebrates its environmental record notwithstanding its wilderness gaps; Brazil’s unique deforestation challenge is highlighted; and eight stories of sustainable architecture.

In Forestry/Climate news: pro and anti-logging sentiment at the Caribou hearings; ENGO outcry over logging plans near Juan de Fuca park; the Canadian gov’t to help tackle climate change in BC; U of Nevada researchers seek to improve conifer resilience; and fire season starts slow in Ontario.

Finally, wood versus weed, Boise Cascade sues to protect its tree-shaped logo.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

The Notre Dame fire is a “wake-up call” for the guardians of heritage buildings throughout the world; while drone footage shows the devastation up close; and a recent 3D laser scan may facilitate the rebuild. In related news: U of Toronto’s timber tower plan is updated.

In Forestry/Climate news: Vancouver Island old-growth films premier in Toronto; the ‘racist tone’ in the caribou talks; the future of bats on Bat Appreciation Day; and Canada’s forests absorb more than six times what the country emits in CO2. Elsewhere: Paper Excellence curtails its Powell River mill for two weeks; and Ethan Allen lays off 300 at furniture plant in North Carolina.

Finally, FPAC’s gender diversity panel comes with passion and good advice!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A societal crisis? David Suzuki calls for robust conservation for species at-risk; as the last caribou transplants return from the US; BC’s caribou talks draw record crowds of ‘concerned‘ Revelstoke residents; and Canada’s environment minister warns of a hot future unless action is taken.

In other news: More on the Notre Dame fire and timber beam replacement challenge; Alberta’s election adds opposition to the fed’s carbon tax plan; while companies in the news include Tolko (taxes), Domtar (odours), Roseburg (management) and J.D. Irving (recruits).

Finally, the news is early as the Frogs join FPAC’s celebration of gender equity in the workforce. We’ll have an overview of the event in tomorrow’s news.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Notre Dame’s 850 year-old timber roof—crafted from 350 year-old oaks—has been lost in a construction fire; with the cathedral’s age, design and lack of sprinklers contributing to firefighter’s challenge. In related news, New Zealand research highlights wood’s earthquake and fire performance going back to 1848.

In other news: US and Canadian perspectives and actions on the WTO’s softwood ruling and an explainer that calls it ‘gibberish math’; CN challenges breach determination; an Oregon bill would ‘shut down the timber industry‘; the BC gov’t taps ex-Liberal minister Blair Lekstrom to ‘rescue the caribou rescue’ plan, ‘dial down the acrimony‘, and extend consultations a month; and a report card on cumulative effects in BC’s Howe Sound.

Finally, it’s time again to celebrate soil health by soiling your undies.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada will appeal the WTO panel decision allowing the US to use “zeroing” to calculate anti-dumping tariffs, while a ruling on the more significant countervailing duties is still to come. In other Business news: the federal and Ontario governments go to court over the validity of the fed’s carbon tax; NRCan invests in UNB’s climate adaptation technology; and Maine invests in wood insulation and in wood fuel from biomass.

In caribou news: FPAC’s Derek Nighbor responds to an NRDC letter in the Washington Post; while industry concerns are aired in the local Vanderhoof and Revelstoke newspapers.

Finally, the cement and concrete industry are at it again – ‘whack a mole‘ style.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government seeks to help smaller businesses, introduces Forest Act amendments to prevent concentration of harvesting rights by major licensees. Meanwhile, on the caribou front: BC Liberals call consultation sessions call a sham; BC’s caribou director says otherwise; and Chapman’s Ice Cream seeks to profit from the controversy.

In other news: Ontario’s budget to create conditions for forest innovation; US construction inputs rise despite lumber woes; and Georgia Pacific will close its Oregon Coos Bay mill.

Finally, 10 of the top 20 US landowners are forest companies and tree-based rubber can help fight the world’s plastic pollution problem.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s standing room only at the government forums on caribou recovery: hundreds attend in Prince George; it’s standing room only in Williams Lake; the NDP is quick to blame the feds (Vaughn Palmer); the herds have disappeared in National Parks where no development occurs (Tom Fletcher); and a wrong decision may wreck havoc (retired mayor of Chetwynd).

In other news: BC must consider coastal forestry’s unique challenges (Don Demens, WFP); market prospects good despite US protectionism (Business in Vancouver); BC falling short on biodiversity (CPAWS); WTO softwood ruling applauded (Oregon lawmakers); and FSC takes heat over Roseburg complaint.

Finally, the tallest tropical tree in the world—at 100 meters—is a Malaysian yellow meranti.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The World Trade Organization delivered a mixed ruling in the US-Canada lumber dispute, finding the US did not follow the rules in calculating the anti-dumping duties but more significantly, they can use the long-outlawed ‘zeroing policy‘, which overstates the calculation. In response, the US Lumber Coalition cheered the ruling, while the Canadian industry is disappointed but plans to continue as more rulings lie ahead. 

In other news: Vaughn Palmer opines on BC’s caribou protection plan; ENGO’s on BC’s wolf kills and caribou zoos; the NY Times on protecting Poland’s primeval forest; and Treehugger on mass timber’s sustainability.

Finally, can Big Oil’s reputation be saved by planting trees?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A preliminary report from Canada’s transportation watchdog appears to confirm shippers’ complaints about discriminatory treatment for commodity lumber. In other Business news: Quebec truckers face growing challenges; Northern Pulp’s uncertainty ripples down to its contractors; Random Lengths says improved weather will trigger higher prices; and AF&PA’s Donna Harman opines on the evolution of the US industry. 

In Forestry/Climate news: California’s wildfires spark preemptive state of emergency; ENGOs call for carbon capture with forests; natural forests are better than plantations at fighting climate change; and northern forests CO2-uptake is on the rise.

Finally, from the COFI conference, Yurkovich’s highlights, Jeffrey’s timber accolade, Harder’s notable quotes, and our photo gallery of the folks in the room.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wrapping up the all the highlights of this year’s COFI convention is no easy feat—given the many impressive and informative presentations. But as evidenced in today’s Special Feature, CEO Susan Yurkovich was more than up to the task. Other conference headlines include:

• BC Premier launches forest policy review for Interior (Mark Nielsen)
• Horgan not ruling out trade mission to China (Marcella Bernardo)
• BC to use procurement to help with shrinking timber supply (Tom Fletcher)
• Horgan pledges to build museum, hospital with mass timber (Nelson Bennett)

In Forestry/Climate news: a northeastern BC town balks at the cost of saving caribou; scientists wrestle with converting biomass to coal in Arizona; Shell is investing in carbon offset projects worldwide; and changes to Brazil’s environmental policy has activists concerned.

Finally, more COFI highlights and our conference image gallery tomorrow.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

On the coattails of yesterday’s report revealing the forest industry’s profound role in the BC economy, 670+ COFI delegates received updates on: the risks inherent in the US-China relationship; the poor prospects of a softwood lumber deal and the slowing economic outlook for BC, Canada and the US. In related news: BC’s Premier has a ‘new vision for forestry ‘ in the Interior; and BC’s Forest Minister announces funding for wood promotion and forest enhancement.

In Forestry/Climate news: reforestation is deemed critical to the Paris climate accord; US senators push for increased forest fire spending; a South Korea forest fire is declared a national emergency; and a BC bioenergy company is feeling ‘burned up‘ over slash piles.

We’ll have updates from the COFI conference, including more on Thursday’s panels, reviews of today’s presentations, and more pictures … tune in Monday!

Finally, here are yesterday’s #COFI2019 photo highlights and Smokey the Bear celebrates his 75th B-day (do you recognize that voice?).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Jock Finlayson (Business Council of BC) says exports are key to BC’s prosperity and forest products account for 1/3 of all exports. In related BC news: PwC says forestry contributes $13 billion to GDP, and 1 of 5 jobs in Northeast. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia’s premier meets with Northern Pulp’s union; and Anderson Windows opens new Arizona plant.

In other news: a Nordic study ‘cements wood‘ as the future of construction; while a study funded by the cement industry questions wood’s carbon math; and—the cement association applauds. Elsewhere: the Rainforest Alliance says forests are a low-tech, high-impact climate solution; Ontario responds to logging reductions in Dryden; and BC finds its caribou pitch is ‘no easy solution‘. 

Finally, the News will arrive early again tomorrow as we’re croaking live from the COFI conference in Vancouver. Here are last night’s photo highlights.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new study says one out of every 17 jobs in BC is generated by the forest industry; while challenges faced by the sector are the focus of this year’s COFI’s conference in Vancouver.

In other news: the Canadian government is investing in forest innovation; WoodWorks US celebrates design innovation; the cement association pans BC’s tall wood allowance; FSC says mass timber is climate friendly ‘if it’s FSC certified‘; and US insurers seek to reduce home flammability.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s environmental watchdog says the country’s climate inaction is ‘disturbing’; Ontario farmers want to use biomass energy byproducts as fertilizer; BC’s caribou consultations are underway; early feedback on the plan points to an urban/rural divide; and BC’s Liberal leader calls the caribou consultations “a sham“.

Finally, Romeo—the endangered Bolivian frog—weds his Juliet.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Federal scientists are warning that Canada’s climate is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world and that Northern Canada is warming even more. In related news: BC’s wildfire season starts early; the toll of California’s wildfires explained; and hotter/drier weather is bad for Montana’s seedling survival. 

In other news: RISI’s recap speaks of sluggish markets; a fire at Tolko’s Lumby plant is extinguished without incident; UPM is closing one of its German paper machines; housing starts are up in Japan; Michigan State will use mass timber in new facility; and firefighters contain the forest fire in China that killed 30.

Finally, the BC Council of Forest Industries forestry conference kicks off tomorrow evening with an ice breaker. Notable speakers include David MacNaughton, Canada’s Ambassador to the US and BC Premier John Horgan. The Frogs will be in tow—so stay tuned for live updates from the floor. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Nova Scotia government says it needs more details on Northern Pulp’s effluent plan, but time is running out and thousands of jobs are at risk. In other Business news: Chinese log imports reached another high in 2018; and the NAHB will provide testimony on lumber suitability to a NAFTA dispute panel.

In Forestry News: BC’s Forest Minister offers a ‘stay of execution‘ in Elphinstone forest; BC First Nations reach logging deal on Saturna Island; Oregon’s proposed legislation gets pushback from industry; Hurricane Michael has changed Florida’s forests; China’s mountain fire proves deadly for firefighters; BC reports seven forest fires; and a 10,000 acre blaze runs amok in South Jersey.

Finally, the World Resources Institute embraces mass timber, and bike builders display their ‘bike porn‘.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Researches say a plague-like fungus—transported via trade in pet amphibians—is responsible for most frog extinctions, but some species are on the rebound due to adaptations and possibly climate change. In related news: BC’s caribou recovery plan is panned for ignoring community viability and its short consultation process; as is New Zealand’s reliance on trees to meet its CO2 reduction obligations.

In other news: a decision is expected today on the future of Northern Pulp’s Pictou mill; wildfire headlines and actions in Washington, Oregon and California; and awards and recognitions for John Brink (Brink Forest Products), Amy Johnson (Canfor) and North Carolina Senator Deanna Ballard.

Finally, climbing the world’s tallest tree via a human dash-cam.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US launched yet another trade investigation claiming China is subsidizing their wooden cabinetry exports. In related news: Roseburg denies knowledge of illegal timber imports via a China-based company. In other Business news: BC wood shipments are mixed in January; Ontario may free up wood for Fort Frances mill; Tolko upgrades its mill in Armstrong; and timber industry contributions in Oregon spur a call for campaign finance reform.

In Wood Product news: Timber towers are trending in Toronto, Maine seeks a mass timber demonstration building; California Redwood’s LCA is updated; AWC applauds Utah’s support of mass timber; and Chicago’s new airport terminal will include extensive use of wood.

Finally, Douglas fir beetles in Oregon, Gypsy moths in Vancouver and caribou plans near Revelstoke, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario can’t compel Resolute/Repap to make a deal over the future of the Fort Frances pulp mill, despite the town’s insistence that the surrounding forests should be prioritized for their benefit. In other Business news: the building season is delayed due to weather (Madison’s); the USMCA is no sure thing (Globe and Mail); BC mills take in burned timber (Houston Today); Northern Pulp’s extension request gets community support (CBC News); and CanWel buys Lignum Forest Products from Conifex.

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia’s auditor general has species at risk concerns; BC’s caribou plan troubles one BC politician, as hearings gear up in Revelstoke and the Peace River; Oregon reaches compromise on cap and trade, New Zealand touts the case for using trees to offset CO2 emissions, and the future of biomass plants in Arizona and Maine.

Finally, mass timber’s is embraced by Idaho but uncertain in Chicago’s building code overhaul.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US single family housing starts fell more than expected in February dropping to a 1.5-year low, but permits were unchanged suggesting a rebound in coming months. In other Business news: most, but not all sawmill unions ratify Northern BC labour agreement; and Western Forest Products takes noise action at Duke Point while its Cowichan mill closes for two weeks.

Forestry/Climate researchers say: forests thrive despite climate change; humans are producing more CO2 than forests can absorb; increased cloud cover is offsetting human-caused warming; and some trees release methane while others are net absorbers. Elsewhere: ENGO’s laud BC’s anti-SLAPP legislation; California’s wildfire emergency declaration is endorsed by the LA Times; illegal logging in Russia and illegal timber imports into Oregon. 

Finally, a recap on Portand’s International Mass Timber Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new report documents how illegally extracted African timber deceives consumers, emerges as eco-friendly US product. In other Wood Product news: CLT makes waves in Vancouver and Langley, BC; Washington State researchers use carbon fibre to make CLT even greener; and the U of Maryland’s wood densification research is in the news again.

In other news: Tolko’s sawmill rebuild nears completion; Les Leyne’s behind the scenes scoop on the Paper Excellence-Catalyst sale; Ontario Premier Ford’s Far North Act is panned; West Fraser tackles its Douglas-fir beetle problem; California declares wildfire emergency to expedite forest treatment projects; and Tom Fletcher takes aim at BC teachers environmental activism message for students.

Finally, how many potty-themed words can copy-editors squeeze into a toilet paper headline?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

An ‘historic’ draft agreement between BC, Ottawa, and First Nations proposes resource development closures in critical caribou habitat to help recover three dwindling herds. In other Forestry news: America’s reindeer go quietly extinct; US lawmakers call for more forest thinning to reduce wildfire risk, while the practice is well underway in central BC; and three [forest-friendly] wishes for Northern Ontario.

In other news: East Texas gears up for wooden high-rises; the US Endowment and USDA announce mass timber demonstration grants to promote wood innovation; and six EU countries are accused of importing illegally harvested timber.

Finally, lots more on International Forestry Day from the CIF, USDA and Treehugger.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Today is International Day of Forests and thus a day to honour the professional foresters who look after them, says FPAC’s Derek Nighbor, while SFI and the FAO speak to the importance of forest eduction. Elsewhere: the NY Times looks back at Britians’ World War II Lumberjills; The Hill says US climate policy must protect forests and communities—not industry; and the Narwhal doubles-down on NRDC’s tree-to-toilet pipeline.

In other  news: US-China trade tensions cloud construction outlook; BC looks to diversify beyond the US and China; and more on Resolute’s logging rights and Fort France’s mill prospects.

Finally, SFI conservation and community grants reach 130 groups across Canada and the US.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Premier celebrates the Catalyst Paper purchase by Paper Excellence and their unconditional guarantee of existing pensions. Elsewhere, Fort Frances, Ontario is profoundly disappointed with Resolute’s rejection of Repap’s offer, while the local MPP remains optimistic the mill is viable. In other Business news, Canada’s resource sector applauds the federal budget’s forest product focus—notably FPAC, FPInnovations and Ontario MP Rusnak.

In Forestry news: BC ups its wildfire budget and prepares new strategies as a dry spring unfolds; Washington and Oregon identify communities most threatened by wildfire; and California redeploys Trump’s National Guard to the fire lines.

Finally, the Green Building Council is piloting a ‘timber traceability‘ LEED credit; and Greenpeace pans Ontario’s endangered species review.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario has thrown its support behind the reopening of the Fort Frances pulp and paper mill, but Resolute rejects Repap’s bid, says it will proceed to redevelop the site. In other Company news: Paper Excellence completes purchase of Catalyst’s mills in BC; Georgia Pacific upgrades its Rome, Georgia dimension mill; and Interfor releases its 2018 corporate sustainability report.

In other news: North American lumber production edged up due to US output gains; global lumber trade fell 7% in 2018; Brazil’s indigenous leaders battle to save their land; and Oregon’s new Wildfire Response Council to determine adequacy of current prevention efforts.

Finally, March 21st is International Day of Forest. How will you mark the day?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Calling for a freeze on permits, the Canadian Cement Industry says BC’s decision to preempt the national building code and allow 12-storey wood buildings is premature and unsafe. In related news: Kalesnikoff starts construction on mass timber mill; Structurlam touts CLT prefabrication benefits; Minnesota looks to lure a CLT manufacturer; and a tour through Stora Enso’s plant in Grums, Sweden.

In other news: Repap submits offer for Resolute’s Fort Frances mill; Columbia Forest Products hopes to re-open its Rutherglen North Bay mill; and Roseburg is under investigation for potential use of illegal okoumé wood. Elsewhere: insurance companies use artificial intelligence to assess wildfire risk, while wildfire preparations are underway in Nova Scotia and Alberta.

Finally, wolf cull isn’t a caribou solution for a former conservation officer.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s engineered wood leadership was many years in the making [decades actually]. Stories celebrating the evolution include: more tall wood on the way (Business in Vancouver); what mass timber means for Vancouver Island (CHEK News); Kalesnikoffs to build mass timber facility (West Kootenays); and Portland readies for the largest gathering of mass timber experts in the world. Elsewhere: the World Council on tall buildings updates criteria for what qualifies as ‘all timber‘; and an Arkansas lawmaker says “if we want more trees, we should use more wood products“.

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia to regulate biodiversity; a US study on barriers to northward tree migration; and a climate project aims to help BC forest professionals rethink their prescriptions.

Finally, six years later Resolute vs. Greenpeace continues; and after seven years California’s drought is finally over.

Oh… and have a Happy St. Paddie’s Day weekend.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Government’s decision to double the height limit for wood buildings—ahead of next year’s scheduled change to the national building code—gets kudos from the forest industry and the building and design community. In related news: the first large-scale mass timber residence hall opens in Arkansas; Lendlease puts its CLT plans on hold in the wake of the UK’s combustible materials ban; and BC’s newest sawmill plans to produce engineered wood products from low grade logs.

In other news: US construction input prices rise for first time since October; conservation of boreal caribou get a boost in the Northwest Territories; clearcuts among reasons cited for BC’s monster spring floods; the US moves to lift grey wolf endangered species status; and Trump’s 2020 wildfire budget is the largest ever [or perhaps not].

Finally, Vancouver’s ‘email a tree‘ initiative wins gov’t waste award.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

January US housing starts came in well above expectations as they rebounded from December’s plunge, but after remaining flat for several weeks, softwood lumber prices dropped. In other Business news: Lumber Liquidators agrees to major penalty in flooring scandal; the Steelworkers say their Northern BC deal is good but WFP’s shutdown news is a bargaining tactic; and more on the Fort Frances/Resolute debacle.

In other news: Nelson Bennett and Port McNeil residents give the NDP’s Coastal Revitalization Plan a reality check; Alberta’s Wood Buffalo Park gets a buffer; Oregon lawmakers want to ban clear cuts; NRDC takes on Charmin’s sustainability claims; and a North Carolina fire chief addresses mid-rise fire concerns. 

Finally, Greenpeace co-founder Patrick Moore, Fox News and Trump.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian forest sector is morning the loss of forestry champion Peter deMarch, a life-long forest advocate and chair of the Canadian network of provincial woodlot owners and chair of the International Family Forestry Alliance. Also among the 139 people that perished in the Ethiopian plane crash was Micah John Messent, a budding environmental leader. Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of everyone who perished in the crash.

In other news: Port Alice BC braces for a future without Neucel pulp mill; a fire halts work at Catalyst Paper in Port Alberni, BC; pressure builds on Resolute in Fort Frances, Ontario; the Edmonton Journal on the Domtar mess; and Canfor faces a fine for an injured Vavenby, BC worker.

Finally, a beetle that benefits forests and a new study says wolves must die to save Canada’s caribou.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Market conditions in Japan are forcing Western Forest Products to curtail its Port Alberni Sawmill operations for four weeks, while construction on the town’s newest sawmill—by the San Group—is creating fresh optimism. In other Business news: COFI is optimistic about China despite the Huawei affair; Indiana wants to expand its hardwood industry; and more friction in Pictou over Northern Pulp as well as in Fort Francis over Resolute.

In other news: Vancouver BC approves iconic 10-storey timber building, Vancouver WA wants to build the tallest wood building in the US; forest health is the focus of foresters in Colorado and Montana; and California carbon credits help protect South Carolina forests.

Finally, BC’s natural resource officers may be armed with pepper spray to defend themselves against intoxicated, confrontational people. Yikes!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

International Women’s Day. Dating back more than 100 years and spurred by labour movements across North American and Europe—today we celebrate the individual achievements of many women in the forest sector as well as related gender equity and diversity strategies.

In other news: David Suzuki speaks out on climate change and concrete; the Wall Street Journal on the impact of biomass protests on investors; The Hill on industrial wood burning and climate change; Biomass Magazine on the sector’s explosive growth; and the Wood Pallet Industry on packaging recycling rates. Elsewhere, two BC MLAs on banning glyphosate; and Oregon’s new slash-burning smoke rules. 

Finally, the next line of defence against wildfires—the fire-resistant home.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Under the Dept of Commerce’s annual review process—which takes 12-18 months—the US Coalition is seeking duty revisions on 1000 Canadian companies. In other Business news: concern over the future of Northern Pulp spurs legislation by Nova Scotia’s premier; COFI confirms BC premier Horgan will speak at upcoming conference; and a construction overview for the state of Oregon.

In Forestry news: BC introduces protection for heritage and archeological values; the U of Victoria has a study on BC’s freshwater challenges; a New Brunswick group wants to save the Acadian forest from climate change; the Guardian recycles the Big Lonely Doug story; and CBC plans a week’s worth of Vancouver Island forest industry stories.

Finally, its last call for Rainier Beer’s Tabs for Trees program.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US and Canadian forest industries take issue with NRDC’s recent toilet paper claims, saying tissue products are a sustainable choice and it’s their report that belongs in the toilet. In related news: SAPPI on paper that inhibits germ growth without chemicals; and California may phase out paper receipts. Meanwhile, inventors of bullet-proof wood create fire-proof wood; tall-wood buildings are sprouting up in Canada; Sweden’s tallest timber building is open for business; and more on BC’s wood design awards.

In Business news: the ups and downs on lumber prices (Madison’s); the building permit trend is encouraging (National Bank); clarity on the softwood lumber dispute (Russ Cameron); and a policy review preview for BC’s Interior (Minister Donaldson).

Finally, celebrating International Woman’s Day at: FPAC, West Fraser, Blue Ridge Lumber and Tolko; and BC’s air quality was among the world’s worst in 2018.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Wood WORKS! recognized the designers and developers that pioneered the booming trend towards mid-rise wood construction in BC. The Oscars-like, sold out event showcased unique architecture and innovative structural engineering across 14 award categories. 

In Business news: the National Real Estate Investor says cost volatility is straining multifamily developers; the LBM Journal forecasts stability and fluctuation for the lumber and panel market; Wilkinson speaks out for BC’s struggling sawmills; and Canada’s Ambassador to the US on how to win in Trump’s Washington. Companies making news include Canfor; JD Irving and Northern Pulp.

Finally, rethinking old-growth forests using lichen as an indicator of value.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s a time of optimism in the biomass industry as the EU looks to bioenergy as a means to lower carbon emission and Toshiba announces plans to open a new plant in Japan. In contrasting news: campaigners say biomass threatens Europe’s forests; an ENGO lawsuit calls EU biomass a false solution; and green groups in France oppose coal to biomass conversions. Meanwhile, National Geographic has a GHG-explainer.

In other news: Toronto has plans for the tallest wood-framed office tower in North America; Haida Gwaii mapping reveals rare ecosystems; FSC Canada readies its new forestry standard; Ontario forest industry’s AGM highlights; and Oregon State University seeks to improve wildfire modelling.

Finally, how Australia’s bush fires generate their own lightning.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After four years of curtailed operations, Neucel Specialty Cellulose laid off its remaining BC employees–Minister Donaldson offers his regrets, Mayor says unlikely the mill will open again. In other Business news: an Alberta sawmill speaks out on carbon taxes; US cabinet manufacturers on tariffs and duties; and Pacific Gas and Electric says it likely caused the devastating Camp Fire in California. In company news: Coulson Aviation and US Lumber expand, Northern Pulp is criticized and Western Forest Products adds to their board.

In other news: an update from NRCan’s Deforestation Monitoring Group; wildfire season comes early to Alberta; the US Northwest Forest Plan fails to reverse declining bird populations; and mass timber is touted as a means to reduce Canada’s CO2 emissions, and as a cost effective way to meet Vancouver’s housing needs.

Finally, tree rings help Pacific Northwest scientists date earthquakes back to 400 AD.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The NAHB says US tariffs on Canada and China are contributing to the rising cost of building materials. In related news: ABC News reports that December’s housing plummet is due to higher prices and affordability challenges. In company news: Canfor completes its Swedish acquisition; Cascade closes two paper machines in Ontario; Mercer is a top Alberta employer; Westview’s pellet fire impact; and West Fraser hosts Trades Day in Quesnel.

In other news: SAPPI joins the Sustainable Apparel Coalition; Washington State University on heat-treated wood and recycled carbon fiber; WoodWorks US announces its design winners; rebuilding the Alberta boreal forest after mining; and carbon black is dissed as green(wash) in BC.

Finally, biocontrol measures approved in NZ’s beetle battle, and the world’s most poisonous mushroom is spreading in BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The trend is clear – Russia’s softwood lumber production and exports are displacing Canadian and Nordic production to China, despite slowing market conditions. In related news, Madison’s says North American softwood production and demand are coming into balance.

In Forestry/Climate news: the Narwhal reports on why Canada’s Boreal forest is important, and NRDC’s study on the risk represented by our voracious use of toilet paper. Elsewhere: the government of Canada launches a fund to protect species at risk; some logging strategies increase lichen growth for BC Caribou; Washington’s plastic grocery bag ban comes with a charge for paper bags; and the Guardian says if concrete was a country it would be the third largest carbon emitter in the world.

Finally, warm weather is fueling fires through the famed ‘Winnie the Pooh‘ forest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News