Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

The vote is in on NAFTA’s replacement – the good, the bad and the ugly. Here’s what  the key players are saying:

• A highly significant achievement for Canada. Bravo (Ottawa Citizen)
• A bogus deal that antagonizes US’s neighbours and hurts US consumers (New York Times)
• Worse than the status quo, but it stows Trump’s protectionist wrecking ball (Wall Street Journal)
• A win for everyone says Trudeau (Canadian Press); but what’s in it (CBC News)
• A welcomed step (FPAC; and the BC Lumber Trade Council)

In other news: China is cutting import tariffs on wood and paper products; US lumber is benefiting from the softwood tariffs; Ontario seeks to advance a pro-forestry agenda; Oregon bans a tree-killing herbicide; California getting some relief from the weather; and song birds prefer old growth forests in Oregon.

Finally, the American Wood Council celebrates World Habitat Day, when we reflect on why our world needs wood.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada and the US reached a last-minute deal to salvage NAFTA, as concessions were made on both sides. Notably, Canada retained its cultural exemptions and Chapter 19—a red line rooted in past lumber disputes—gave on dairy and agreed to modest tweaks on autos and the sunset clause. Campbell Clark [in the Globe and Mail] says it’s “a mediocre deal that avoids damage to the economy”.

In other news: Pinnacle Renewable Energy finds opportunity in Alberta; Freeman Lumber faces silt challenges in Nova Scotia; Sterling Lumber will manufacture CLT mats in Texas; a timber investment company is lauded in Oregon; wildfires create repetitional damage for BC tourism; and mid-rise builders are fuelling prefab wall construction in BC.

Finally, you can win free beer for a year by finding by a hidden medallion in one of six US National Forests; and New Zealand plans to meet its GHG target by planting a lot of trees. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s National Forest Week wraps up with celebration stories from coast to coast. Examples include:

• Forest scholarship recipients announced (COFI, Vancouver, BC)
• Forest Families social media campaign launched (AFPA, Edmonton Alberta)
• Forestry Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park (OFIA, Toronto Ontario)
• It Takes a Forest Initiative launch (EACOM, Domtar & Forests Ontario)
• FPAC signs on to an Aboriginal Procurement Champion (Ottawa, Ontario)

In other news: Pressure is on but no resolution at NAFTA; Ontario to create a forestry growth strategy, Ottawa’s urban forest hit by tornadoes; more fires should be left to burn in Oregon; Alaska Roadless Rule receives push back; a US Senator wants to halt payments to environmental groups; and a bill to thin US forests is introduced.

Finally, a good news rainforest story from Brazil and understanding the science behind wildfire smoke.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A federal report on the state of Canadian forests says the combination of pests and forest fires is a threat to the sector’s growth, even as demand for Canada’s softwood expands. In other Business news: declining lumber stocks are a buying opportunity for some investors; and New Zealand’s log market is hurt by the US/China trade war.

In Wood Product news: the International Building Code debate over mass timber is heating up as Lisa Podesto of Lendlease takes on the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; and untreated wood shake roofing is outlawed in Ashland, Oregon.

In National Forestry Week news: stories from the BC Tree Seed Centre in Surrey; the Trees Matter Network in Victoria BC; and from Colin Carroll (CIF President) in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Finally, the Nature Conservancy says 9 of 10 Canadians are happier, healthier and more productive when they spend time in nature. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

It’s National Forest Week in Canada and the sector is celebrating: FPAC’s press release highlights jobs, sustainable forest management and fighting climate change; the CIF awarded Ken Day (recently retired from the UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest) with their Canadian Forestry Achievement Award; BC Timber Sales salutes forests as Canada’s Living Laboratory; the Forest Enhancement Society of BC awarded a grant to aide fire management at Baldy Mountain Resort, and FPInnovations is working with New Zealand to expand steep slope harvesting.

The good news from Northern BC is that Skeena Sawmills is adding value to the area’s forests by opening a pellet plant fed by waste from their other sawmills. The bad news is that talks between 13 northern sawmills and the union have gone to mediation. 

There’s a new face at the helm of the World Forestry Center in Portland – warm welcome to Joseph Furia; increased pressure on the clothing sector is driving more research into fibres made from sustainably managed forests; and lastly, zooming in on wildfire pollution – a close up look at what’s going into your lungs.

—Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

The wildfire season isn’t over yet with big fires still burning in Ontario, and fire-related evacuations in Wyoming and Colorado. In post-wildfire news: West Fraser is harvesting timber burned in 2017; artificial intelligence is helping US insurance companies assess wildfire risk; charred forests in New Jersey are already bursting with new life; and Colorado residents are trying to make their scorched community a home again.

In other headlines: Canfor Pulp extends downtime at Northwood Pulp; the Softwood Lumber Board hires Maureen Pello as VP Operations; and FPAC seeks federal investment to accelerate innovation.

Finally; a UK report says the fear of accusations of greenwashing is causing some companies to downplay their environmental credentials.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With NAFTA’s dispute mechanism in doubt, the US is crippling the World Trade Organization (WTO), which sets the rules for global trade and resolving disputes. In related news: tariffs on China and Canada are shifting supply and demand channels; and the softwood dispute drags on. Elsewhere, the United Steelworkers seek improved pay; while timber industry jobs are being created in Mississippi and BC’s South Okanagan.

In Forestry / Fire news: BC’s wildfire efforts—impacted by past beetle epidemics—are not enough, according to the Forest Practices Board; California’s wildfire recovery bill is Governor approved; and the Mail Tribune says wildfire smoke threatens Oregon’s economy and livability.

Finally; mass timber is touted as the smart future for Toronto; wood-frame modular housing eases BC’s student housing crunch; and Cambridge University creates the longest, continuous tree ring-based diary. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With next week being Canada’s National Forest Week, messages of celebration are out from Tree Canada; the BC Minister of Forests; and collectively from the National Forest Week BC Coalition, ABCFP and the Canadian Institute of Forestry. In other news: Trump’s threat of using national security to impose tariffs dominates NAFTA talks; lumber tariffs are a boost to some US producers; and tariffs and a labour shortage continue to force Colorado home prices up. 

In Climate and Bioenergy news: fighting climate change may require a global government; Pakistan and Iceland plan to address climate change by regrowing their forests; an ENGO group says timber harvesting is Oregon’s coal; burning wood rather than natural gas is said to make the EU less green; and Canada’s Wood Pellet Association talks market expansion in Vancouver.

Finally, a story on why UK housing is stuck in the dark ages, and Prince Andrew tours Norbord’s mill in Scotland.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Lumber hits a new low in a strange disconnect with hurricane Florence. Three related stories include: forestry stock prices fall, analyst downgrades lumber stocks; and US building permits fall in August. Elsewhere: Chinese tariffs may give US veneer mills a break; and Rough & Ready Lumber responds to mill closure criticism. 

In Forestry news: BC draws ire over caribou plan; Nova Scotia’s forests need more protection; forest diversity is key to protecting Utah’s forests from drought; Virginia  protects forestland along the Appalachian Trail, FPInnovations and the American Trucking Association partner on innovation; and Greenpeace links name-brands to forest destruction in Indonesia. 

Finally, the saying “you can make anything out of lignin except money” may be redundant; and happy 85th Birthday to the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA).

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Log exports are back in the news with BC mayors resolving that the provincial government should enact a policy to manage exports; Nova Scotia’s premier and forest minister are distancing themselves from a recent email about clear-cutting; and New Zealand’s forestry minister makes a plea to China for timber industry investment.

In forestry news, fire expert Bob Gray says traditional logging hasn’t eased wildfires in BC – maybe the wrong trees are being left behind; BC’s Premier says he won’t just write a review of this year’s fire season, he wants a call to action; and Manitoba trees are suffering from the equivalent of a depressed immune system. In the US, harvesting activity increases with demand for wood in Southwest Colorado while in the northern part of the state, legislators are calling for restoration funding following the recent fire season.

Finally, a CLT tower in Australia gets the green light – partly because it’s lighter than other materials, and tenants who like “that kind of space” are prepared to pay more!

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

What’s causing global deforestation? A new study reveals the drivers are—in order of importance—commodity crops, forestry, wildfire, agriculture and urbanization. In related news: could planting forests ease Australia’s drought; and Apple is restoring Columbia mangrove forests to sequester carbon.

In Forestry news: new plant species are found in a forest near Prince George BC; FPAC calls for additional protection for the endangered caribou: wilderness group says critical habitat is being lost in BC; goats are being airlifted out of a Washington forest; and Oregon rejects ENGO call to protect the Humboldt marten.

Finally, a hardwood substitute made from rice husk makes its debut in Australia; the cutting edge of forest logging is on display in Oregon; satellites and heat-sensing instruments help fight wildfires in Idaho; and pointing fingers won’t help solve Utah’s challenge.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hurricane Florence forced Canfor and Domtar to close temporarily as strong winds and a deluge of rain hit the Carolina coast. In other Business news: the cost of construction inputs fell in August but the trend won’t continue; a bipartisan group of senators calls for the resumption of softwood lumber talks; and New Hampshire’s lawmakers override their governor to sustain a subsidy for six biomass plants.

In other  news: Nova Scotia is still weighing changes from the Lahey report; BC mayors seek incentives to reduce forest fuels; active fire-fuel management is touted in Washington state; Oregon seeks to become a US mass timber hub; and the BC Community Forest Association releases its 2018 annual report.

Finally; how wood is cool for school [design] and wooden airports from a bygone era [Russia].

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Plywood sales jump as the outer bands of Hurricane Florence start lashing the Carolinas. In other Business news: the US-China trade war is on hold as wood importers look for alternative sources; US lumber and plywood prices fell in July; and the Society of American Foresters has a new CEO. 

In Wood Product news: the tall wood code debate heats up in the US; plans for Toronto’s tall wood tower are revealed; and five BC municipalities win wood design awards for their community projects.

In Forestry and Climate news: the San Francisco climate summit focuses on the boreal forest; the EU’s renewable energy directive may cause deforestation; London’s Royal Botanic Gardens seeks respect for the world’s fungi; fire emergency preparedness is touted in BC; and the US Forest Service has a new tool for fire weather prediction. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The abrupt change to BC’s top forestry official—Tim Sheldan out, John Allan in—could signal a change in policy direction. In other Business news: the US Commerce Dept. rejects tariff exemption request by Canadian shingle makers; softwood tariffs are not driving suppliers to buy more US lumber; and Hurricane Florence is pushing lumber prices up.

In Forestry news: the Sierra Club targets BC’s old-growth forests; forest management is helping Alberta’s caribou; the Quebec Cree want more forest protection; Wired Magazine says money can stop wildfires; and FPInnovations and Forsite team up on LiDAR to reduce inventory costs.

Elsewhere: FPAC applauds the Canadian Forest Ministers; Vermont says Canada and NAFTA are key; Boise Cascade sells three mills; and West Fraser get high marks for corporate governance.

Finally; wood waste may power logging trucks; and live Christmas trees may arrive at your door — via Amazon.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two Australian firefighters, on patrol with US Forest Service personnel in Washington state, were set upon by hunters, chased and shot at. In related news: a new study says the number of human deaths from wildfire smoke could double by 2100; forests are the forgotten climate change solution; Interstate 5 reopens after a six-day closure in California; and the Metal Roofing Alliance says forest fires are good for business.

In Forestry news: the BC Forest Practices Board is auditing 5 woodlots and 5 range tenures; the BC Government announced new wildfire prevention grants; and despite support from tree farmers, the US Farm Bill may have to drop its forest-thinning measures. 

Finally, Washington state embraces cross laminated timber; Portland is hanging tough despite a CLT failure; Michael Green will keynote at a Boston wood conference; and Tulipwood CLT is featured at the London Design Festival.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FEA / Wood Markets’ Russ Taylor foresees lumber prices moving higher in the short-term as the supply chain remains fragile. In other news: Canada is optimistic a NAFTA deal can be struck; Domtar Espanola inks a deal with its union; Oregon’s lifeline to Rough & Ready sawmill is under legal pressure; and despite fires BC’s budget surplus keeps on growing.

After some rain-induced relief, twenty-one new forest fires are reported in Ontario; the Waterton National Park fire is growing again; and Interstate 5 remains closed near the California-Oregon border. Elsewhere: a park for BC’s Big Lonely Doug?; two new parks for New Brunswick; prescribed burning is coming to Mt. Revelstoke; the human toll behind Oregon’s wildfire suppression; and Tom Martin on why the US Farm Bill is vital to family forest owners.

Finally; a wrap on BC Wood’s WoodTALKS and GBM showcase in Whistler, and something worth cheering about: Carlsberg plans to use wooden beer bottles.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With President Trump’s deadline looming, US and Canadian negotiators are tackling the final three NAFTA issues, retention (or not) of Chapter 19, cultural issues and dairy. In related news: Trudeau accuses Trump of flouting trade rules; while Chrystia Freeland says the dialogue is still constructive. Companies in the news include Canfor’s Isle Pierre shut down; Interfor’s record hiring of co-op students; Pinnacle’s purchase of an Alabama wood pellet facility; and Roseburg’s mill fire in Missoula.

In Forestry / Fire news: a video showing the incredible precision of the air crews fighting a massive BC wildfire; the California wildfire that closed a major freeway has tripled in size; and the insurance claims from the Carr and Mendocino wildfires are massive.

Finally, live from the Global Buyers Mission – an update on Day 1 of WoodTALKS; and the Sasquatch gets the last laugh (in the BC Supreme Court).

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Prime Minister Trudeau says the US president’s aversion to following rules is why Canada can’t budge on NAFTA’s dispute settlement provision. In other headlines: Pennsylvania home builders bemoan soaring lumber prices; FPAC releases a report on Caribou recovery; Nova Scotia’s woodlot owners endorse forest policy changes; and BC’s professional reliance review is in the news again.

In Wood product news: the LBM Journal has in depth report on engineered wood products; German researchers are looking at a new wood-metal hybrid for lightweight construction; and a tally on how many CLT panels needed replacement on Oregon’s mass timber showcase.

Finally, an interesting story on the dawn of drone technology; and the Frogs are reporting live from BC Wood’s famed Global Buyers Mission in Whistler, BC.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Value-added wood product companies are heading to Whistler this week to attend Canada’s largest international buyers show – BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission. In other Wood news: Norway has built the world’s tallest timber building; Portland’s Carbon12 timber tower is the future of high-rise, carbon footprints are gaining note with pallet manufacturers, and wealthy countries are outsourcing their carbon pollution.

In Forestry / Fire commentaries: a U of New Brunswick prof on higher yields from plantation forests; the Washington Forest Protection Association on how forestry reduces wildfire damage; a Northwest botanist on restoration forestry for wildlife resilience; U of Washington researchers on why thinning forests may not prevent fires west of the Cascades; and the Sierra Club on how Trump is using wildfires to plunder forests. 

Finally, how Chinese imports and Chinese retaliatory tariffs are impacting wood manufacturing jobs in the US.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change, forest practices and urban sprawl are being impugned in the wildfire-prone West. Here are the top headlines:

• Urban sprawl and bad planning are fuelling future infernos (Globe and Mail)
• Wildfires put water quality at risk (Victoria Times Colonist)
• Balance is the key to success (Forest Enhancement Society BC)
• Fire reshapes US West, driven by climate change (Associated Press)
• Climate change is making wildfires worse, cutting trees can help (Los Angeles Times)
• Is climate change sparking record-breaking forest fires? (Pro-Con: The Daily Astorian)

In other news: the US/Canada NAFTA talks stall with Chapter 19 as a possible deal-breaker; research on the fate of Canada’s boreal forest is like a climate time machine; reaction times among firefighters is shown to decline over the fire season; and Alaska’s roadless rule is open for public comment. 

Finally, a Stockholm architect’s winning design includes 31 cross-laminated timber towers!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The International Code Council is set to vote this fall on whether it will back a code change to allow construction of wood buildings up to 18 stories—much to the chagrin and trepedation of the Portland Cement Association [see stoptallwood.com). Elsewhere: Brad Pitt is being sued for homes he helped build post-Hurricane Katrina, Australia celebrates the towering potential of timber; and wood toy blocks come back into vogue. 

In Business news: a NAFTA deal is expected today—at least in principle—as Canada pushes to save the Chapter 19 dispute panels; Statistics Canada reports lumber production is down in June; and UK utility The Drax Group plots its coal-free future with US wood pellets.

Finally, the worst of BC’s record wildfire season is over, and the property and timber values were less than last year; and California’s Governor Brown supports legislation allowing for more logging in the state’s fire-prone forests.

–Kelly McCloskey,Tree Frog Editor 

Don’t stop the presses: US Trade Commission overturns duties on newsprint, ruling that Canadian imports do not injure the US industry. The vote was welcome news to Canadian exporters, the US newspaper industry, Catalyst and Kruger, while Norpac is disappointed and assessing their options.

In other Business news, Trump and Trudeau say a deal is possible on NAFTA by Friday as Dairy and Chapter 19 interests vie to be Canada’s hill to die on; Finning responds to Caterpillar’s plan to sell its forestry business; and Resolute is selling its West Virginia mill to Nine Dragons Paper. 

Finally, emotions run high in BC’s fire ravaged areas; a BC psychologist says wildfire smoke can trigger past wildfire traumas; and California’s cap and trade market is touted as a means to save the Amazon.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada and US negotiators are trying to reach a compromise on NAFTA amidst uncertainty over Canada’s do-or-die position on Chapter 19 and Trump’s threat to go-it-alone with Mexico. In other Business news, the US International Trade Commission will vote today on whether to uphold duties on Canadian newsprint; and US environmental groups launch a PR campaign against timber industry lawsuits.

In Forestry news: Ontario’s tree seed plant closure is described as short-sighted; Nova Scotia’s forestry review is called a vindication for environmentalists; Yellowstone’s lodgepole pine is the poster child of plant recovery; the future looks grim after two years of BC wildfires; and David Suzuki says until we address climate change we’re likely to see more smoke-clogged skies and devastated forests.

Finally; stories on responsibly sourced wood materials in Texas; rooftop modular wood homes in Berlin; and earthquake-resistant timber construction in Christchurch, NZ.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US and Mexico have reached a trade deal that removes Chapter 19, the NAFTA dispute-resolution clause that protected Canadian lumber exports in the past. In related news: US appeals the WTO glossy paper decision despite the original-proponent’s disinterest; newsprint tariffs are paying off for Norpac; and US homebuilders accuse lumber mills of running a cartel.

In Wood Product news: 11 US wood industry associations form a coalition to promote the wood industry as a career path; tall wood buildings could face higher insurance costs; a new book on concrete got Treehugger’s attention; and an apartment fire in Chicago renews calls for ICC code adoption on sprinklers. 

Finally, rain and cooler temperatures bring some wildfire relief in BC and Alberta, California debates thinning as a means to reduce fire risk; and a Canadian Industry CEO says forestry is a clean tech success story.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s wildfire season is now the second-worst in history behind only last year, and the smoke plumes are reaching Ireland. Related headlines include:

• As wildfires rage, is it time to rethink how we manage forests? (BC, Ontario)
• Mayors want more funding for wildfire mitigation (BC)
• Failure to reform forest inventories simply invites more trouble (BC)
• Better forestry needed to avoid an age of bad air (East Oregon)
• More aggressive approach means more prescribed fires and thus smoke (Montana) 
• More prudent vegetation management proposed with climate-change cash (California)
• Wildfire sets off World War II ammunition buried in forest (Germany)

In other news: NAFTA breakthrough imminent; lumber prices still higher than normal; Nova Scotia tenure changes on hold; and court confirms Taan Forests’ right to hire local logging contractors.

Finally, Terra Nova National Park wants to protect stunted trees from hungry moose, and the Festival of Forestry tour kicks-off today (which is why the news is out so early).

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

The Canadian Concrete and Masonry industry is disparaging CLT, saying fire chiefs and insurance companies are pushing back. In related news: a code review could allow for high-density wood projects in New York City; and renowned CLT Architect Andrew Waugh is teaching UK kids about mass timber. 

In Forestry/Fire commentary: Trudeau speaks to the importance of resource coordination in Prince George, BC wildfire experts want more controlled burns; and California’s Governor moves to increase forest thinning. Elsewhere, a change in the weather may help BC; and fire updates are in from Waterton Lakes National Park; Telegraph Creek; and Campbell River.

Finally, InsideClimate News says wildfires are affecting climate change (and vice versa) and the TLA endorses Dan Miller to lead BC’s contractor sustainability review.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A change in the weather is coming but things may get worse in some regions before they get better. Here are the key wildfire headlines:

• Change in weather could blow wildfire smoke out of BC
• More resources needed to make BC fireproof (First Nations Chief)
• BC loggers lose at least $5M of equipment in raging wildfire ( Kootenays BC)
• Ontario announces that out-of-province fire crews are no longer needed
• Many native animals and birds thrive in burned forests, research shows (US West)

In Business news: lumber tariffs are driving up US housing prices; record prices mean record profits for lumber producers; America’s largest homebuilder continues to post impressive results; former BC premier Dan Miller to lead contractor sustainability review: and tree-nursery firm PRT expands to Michigan. Other topics of note include: BC’s celebri-tree (Doug); Nova Scotia’s radical forestry shift; Trump’s impact on public lands; and potential violence in California’s forests.

Finally, a German study says the longer growing season that comes with climate change means faster tree growth but less dense and weaker wood.

— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Smoke from BC wildfires is affecting the public’s mental as well as physical health, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Related air quality headlines include: breathing Seattle’s air is like smoking 7 cigarettes; smoke poses health risks across the US West; and instant air quality updates are available via wifi in Victoria, BC. 

In Forestry news: BC’s Premier says forest fuels need to be reduced; a Nova Scotia report calls for less clear-cutting; a Canadian scientist says we need to get used to fires seasons like this; a Missoula researchers says summer rainfall has 17 times more impact than snowpack on acres burned; and temperate forests in the US East show strong adaptation to changes in climatic conditions. 

Finally: new home construction slowed in Oakland due to increased costs; Plastic’s Today says lumber tariffs are a boon for their members; and UC Berkley’s Peter Berck—one of the world’s foremost forestry economists—has died of cancer.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfires and supply disruptions are being linked to rising lumber prices and rallying lumber stocks, according to CIBC’s Hamir Patel. In related news: West Fraser’s record stock-streak ends; Irving reaches settlement on polution charges; Miller Western gets a replacement crane; Nova Wood Products receives federal monies; and Maine’s governor is cleared by legislative watchdog.

In Forestry and Fire news:

• Forests of dead or dying trees are a volatile fuel given BC’s drought conditions
• Smoke prompts air quality advisories across the West and more ER visits
• BC wildfires may have a long lasting impact on both water quality and supply
• Nova Scotia’s long-anticipated forestry practices review to be released today
• Yale botanist highlights lessons learned from indigenous forest management
• California scientists call for carbon credits from forest conservation

Finally, a new study says deforestation may have contributed to the Mayan collapse and the soils still haven’t fully recovered as carbon sinks.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The 2018 wildfire season across the West continues to dominate the news, be it business, forestry, climate or health & safety related. Here are the headlines: 

• BC declares state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires burn (CBC News)
• Push back on Trump blaming fires on Canadian lumber (CTV News)
• Wildfire smoke in BC causing health concerns (Globe and Mail)
• Hard on water: Smoke not the only long-range effect of wildfires (Can Press)
• Forest fires in northern Ontario provincial park essential to ecosystem (CBC News)
• Climate has a role in wildfires? No. Wait, yes. (New York Times)
• Clear-cutting forests won’t solve California’s wildfire problem (Sacramento Bee)
• Too few ‘fire bombers’ as Western states burn this summer (Washington Post)
• Zinke blames environmentalists not climate change for wildfires (Time Magazine)
• Record-breaking fire tornado killed California firefighter (Helena Independent)
• Science Says: hotter weather turbocharges US West wildfires (Associated Press)

In other news: BC Steelworkers give negotiators a strike mandate; Kruger plans to build a tissue plant in Quebec; and Seattle’s mayor pressures BC to halt logging near the border. Finally, as steel and concrete costs rise, mass timber continues to make progress, despite fears promoted by the concrete industry.

A special thanks to our readers who passed on best wishes during our brief sojourn. Other than Christmas—it was the first publication break we’ve taken in our ten year history!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

TimberWest and Island Timberlands have signed an affiliation agreement to share corporate services and coordinate forest planning, while continuing as stand-alone companies. In other Business news: NAFTA shifts to Canada as the US and Mexico are close to a deal on autos; China proposes tariffs on US pulp from recycled paper; US construction costs hold steady in July; and FPAC makes its 2019 pre-budget pitch.

On the wildfire front: California, Oregon and Ontario say progress is being made; but BC reports that two northern fires have merged; new fires are popping up across south; and wildfire crews are bracing for a shift in the weather. 

Finally, an historic wooden church in Russia is destroyed by fire; and two Canadian experts say wildfires will only get worse unless we learn to live with them.

The Frogs will be here Monday only next week—unless there’s breaking news.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite the late start to the wildfire season, last year’s record is being surpassed. In BC there are currently more fires burning than in any one day in 2017; in California the largest wildfire in history is still growing; and in Portugal and Spain “forest fires continue to rage”. In related news: Ontario just increased its forest fire budget as lighting caused fires become the new normal, there’s lots of concern in BC with lightning in the forecast; and Island Timberlands decides it’s time to close their forests to the public.

In other forest fire news: a Canadian physicians group says we need to wake up and smell the smoke; the Washington Post says breathing is a chore; the USFS is salvaging burnt timber; and amongst US politicians, Romney wants more logging while Daines seeks to ramp up forest restoration.

Finally, Norpac says its critics are exaggerating the impact of newsprint tariffs; and Oregon is the first state to adopt codes allowing tall timber buildings.

Don’t forget – the Tree Frog News will publish on Monday only next week.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

China’s proposed retaliation to President Trump’s promise to escalate tariffs will punish hardwood and lumber products most; and US Senators are feeling the heat from exporters in Missouri and Pennsylvania. In other Business news: the trade spat has delayed China’s plans to build a paper mill in Arkansas; US forest owners want the Farm Bill to proceed ASAP; and recent stock trends suggest the uptrend in forest products is reversing.

In Forestry / Fire news: the Cal Fire is now the biggest wildfire ever recorded in Calfifornia; where 14,000 firefighters are battling 18 fires. Other fire headline updates include Europe, Ontario, and BC (Nanaimo and Telegraph Creek). 

Finally, TimberWest and Island Timberlands (amongst others) are credited for progress made on the endangered Vancouver Island marmot population.

–Kelly McCloske, Tree Frog Editor

There’s more fallout from last week’s tariff decision by the US Dept. of Commerce. Headlines include: Trump’s trade war is hurting BC pulp mills and US newspapers; US newspapers see tariffs pushing them off a cliff; and Unifor says BC’s pledge to protect pensions won’t be enough. In other tariff news: Resolute’s CEO isn’t optimistic on softwood lumber; and China’s response on hardwood will affect everything from oak wood to veneered panels.

In Forestry / Fire news: one expert says private insurance companies could bare some of Canada’s high fire suppression cost; Ontario fires may have a long-term environmental impact; California’s timber industry can help reduce fire risk by thinning; and fire more than logging is causing forest degradation in the Amazon.

Finally—a heads-up, the Frogs need to recharge their pads and unless there’s breaking news, the Tree Frog News will publish on Monday only next week. Until tomorrow.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Dept. of Commerce’s final determination on Canadian newsprint tariffs—proceeding but at a reduced rate—generated a plethora of responses, most negative.

Here are the notables:

• A small reprieve but still a blow to the newspaper industry (NY Times)
• It’s just going to kill that business faster than it is right now (Minister Freeland)
• Newsprint tariffs send costs soaring for US newspapers (Financial Times)
• North Carolina Paper blames newsprint tariffs for dropping Sunday comics (Associated Press)
• Commerce confirms Canadian producers benefit from government subsidies (NORPAC)
• Kruger is in a more competitive position (Newfoundland) while Catalyst is hardest hit (BC)

In other news: RISI acquires Random Lengths; market pulp reaches record prices in 2018; Northern Energy reveals their pellet plant plans; and Western Forest Products, Interfor and Rayonier’s positive Q2 results are in.

Finally, the first ever UK-made CLT is making its building-debut and Fortress Paper is adding value to its pulp-making business with sweeteners for chewing gum.

Monday, August 6th is a holiday in British Columbia, as such the next edition of the news will be Tuesday, August 7th. Thank you.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wildfire and fury – the only thing fire scientists are sure of is this will get worse, according to Wired Magazine. Related headlines include: the link between climate change and wildfires in the US west is undeniable; US government actions make wildfires worse; BC’s past wildfires a reminder that fuels need to be cut; and air quality alerts issued in Ontario.

In other news: a new carbon accounting system may better account for forest practices; climate change is pushing US forests west not north; a court says Oregon should not have sold the Elliot State Forest; and animals and fungi are shown to enhance forest productivity in Germany.

Finally: US lumber tariffs continue to divide the construction industry; newsprint tariffs hurt the newspaper industry; and pulp prices put the squeeze on Charmin’s profits. No news yet on the USDA’s newsprint tariff decision but check back for Breaking News. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

High temperatures and drought conditions are reducing river flow on the BC Coast and increasing river temperatures throughout Europe — creating challenges for fish, forests and foresters. In related news: new fires are threatening more homes in California; evacuation orders have been expanded in Ontario, and lighting is the main driver of new fires in BC.

In other news: Canfor Pulp reports record earnings; Resolute and Sonocco CEOs join AF&PA’s Board; Georgia Pacific plans to open a new lumber mill in Albany NY; APA clears the air on formaldehyde regulations; and the USFS Chief says CLT can make thinning a profitable endeavour. 

Finally, Ontario’s premier says reducing the number of city councillors in Toronto will save trees; while one of his constituents demonstrates how not to transport lumber in your car.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Divergent industries on both side of the border are hoping for tariff relief as the US Dept. of Commerce makes its final determination on newsprint. But just in case it results in more mill closures, the BC government is upping Catalyst Paper’s pension obligations. Other companies making news include recent financials for Canfor, Western Forest Products and Conifex.

In Forestry and Fire news: a U of Guelph ecologist says forest fires are becoming more destructive in Canada; a BC expert wants more prescribed burns; air quality advisories are in place across BC; the USFS Chief speaks out on how to reverse the fire problem; and Sierra Pacific is closing its forests to the public. 

Finally; SmartLAM says the US is ready for CLT, Dezeen highlights timber use in a Portugal church renovation; but the concrete industry says wood-framed construction is both unsafe and uneconomic. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor