Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Increased log exports are the result of mill closures — not the cause, according to the Northwest Loggers Association. Elsewhere: the Town of Fort Frances accuses Resolute of intimidation; Nova Scotia’s Premier is willing to change policies to end US tariffs; Western Forest Products has a record year; and Mosaic—the timberland manager for TimberWest and Island Timberlands—is hiring bigly.

In Forestry news: a new book on the South Selkirk caribou; and concerns over logging in Campbell River and Cowichan Valley BC, Alaska and Eugene, Oregon. Meanwhile, pro-forestry coverage via Canwel, West Fraser Timber, Forests Ontario, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the US Dep’t of the Interior.

Finally, BC’s wood design nominees are announced and BC’s forest professionals are honoured. Oh, and happy Valentine’s Day!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The rebound of  softwood lumber prices (Madison’s) is being hampered by rail transportation and difficult weather conditions (West Fraser), as well as US-China trade tensions and slowing economic growth (Wall Street Journal).  

In Wood Product news: structural timber is in the midst of a US renaissance; wood’s evolving role in US apartment construction; the UK wood cladding ban means rethinking CLT; and Australia’s eco-building materials include bamboo, hempcrete and recycled plastic.

Finally: the recent cold snap won’t eradicate Alberta’s pine beetles; ENGO’s sue in support of Montana grizzlies; and California tree mortality is fuel for future wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Might be time to break out the Magic 8 Ball, as market prognostications abound. MarketWatch sees a bear-market correction; Wood Business looks on the bright side; Random Lengths reports momentum but also hints of caution; CMHC says Canadian housing starts are steady; and according to one US journalist—Rolling Stone Chuck Leavell can’t get no timber satisfaction.

Companies in the news: Western Forest Products’ CEO on its commitment to BC manufacturing; Paper Excellence is closer to acquiring Catalyst Paper; Resolute opens path to Fort Frances mill demolition; and Georgia Pacific closes its Glynn Country Georgia sawmill. Elsewhere; the BC Institute of Technology graduates its first class of experts in industrial wood processing.

Finally, the Great Bear Rainforest hits the big screen and the classroom.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s forest companies are scaling back their Canadian based mills—amid rising log costs and falling lumber prices—as capacity shifts to the US south; although Interfor says it’s shipping more lumber from Canada to China as a result of Chinese tariffs imposed on US producers. In related news: the competitiveness of the BC forest industry, and market and fibre challenges facing the sector over the next few years, were front and centre at the BC professional forester meetings last week.

In other news, an update on: BC’s Professional Governance Act; Structurlam’s expanded mass timber operation; and Forest Ontario’s award winners. Elsewhere: why extreme cold is good for Alberta’s forests; and how forest fires are wrecking havoc in Australia and New Zealand.

Finally, youth are the focus with: FPAC’s #TakeYourPlace campaign, the BC First Nations Forestry Council career fairs, and UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest outdoor classroom.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

North American softwood lumber prices shot up spectacularly last week as lean inventories forced large-volume buys in advance of the construction season. In other Business news: Northern Pulp tables its plan for effluent treatment; Catalyst shuts its Powell River mill due to boiler leak; Haddock Lumber will build a state-of-the-art lumberyard in Maine; and Interfor reports 2018 growth despite challenging fourth quarter.

The BC professional foresters conference in Kamloops dominates today’s Forestry news as Minister Doug Donaldson announced: the completion of the forest inventory program review, funding for enhanced fibre utilization, and his phased approach to forest practices changes; while emphasizing the importance of building public trust via BC’s new Professional Governance Act. In other Forestry news: BC drops the Clayoquot Sound AAC and an update on NRCan’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative.

Finally, a fatal wood dust explosion in Belgium and how the humble tree is making a  tall-wood comeback in Toronto.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) kicked off their annual conference yesterday with in-depth discussions on climate change and species at risk, prior to a plenary on the challenges and importance of planning for healthy and resilient forests. Today’s topics include: water woes, road liabilities, and the forest professional in the classroom—to name a few.

In other Forestry news: more on the threatened BC caribou, old growth protection efforts on Vancouver Island, the shortfall in meeting the US Northwest’s biodiversity goals, as well as logging controversies in Alaska and Indiana. In related news: climate modelling shows significant shifts in 21st century Pacific Northwest coastal forests.

Finally, Conifex is the latest company to take downtime due to falling prices.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Inhaling smoke from a wildfire can be equal to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, says researcher Mike Flannigan. In related news: the size of wildfires across the US West has increased dramatically but still burn only a fraction of the area they did before Europeans arrived. Elsewhere, ENGO’s turn up the heat on BC’s old growth logging; opportunity abounds in the UK’s unmanaged forests; and Project Learning Tree’s latest forest education tools.

Companies making news include: Fortress’ bioproducts demonstration project; Prince Albert’s pending pulp mill reopening; South Enderby Boards’ mill fire; Tolko’s acquisition of Columbia Containers; Freres’ Lumber mass panel patent; GP’s groundbreaking in Albany; and Canfor’s Houston mill curtailment.

Finally, the number one green college in the US plans to use mass timber. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Innovation in the production, design and use of wood products dominate today’s headlines. Specifically, how the new ICC code enables tall wood buildings in the US, and the fire testing that supported the change; how innovation in wood technology is improving our sustainability factor and related innovation showcases in Vancouver, BC and Hanover Germany; and the 2019 nominees for BC’s 15th annual Wood Design awards.

In other news: Quebec and Canada support CelluForces’ cellulose nanocrystal facility; a  Mississippi mill manager is invited to Trump’s State of the Union Speech; and a PEW foundation feature on logging’s role in wildfire management.

Finally, the Frogs will be reporting live from the Association of BC Forest Professionals AGM in Kamloops. Looking forward to talking with some of you at the ice breaker!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Resolute blames aid provided to Port Hawkesbury for the closure of its Quebec mill, seeks compensation through NAFTA. In other Business news: tougher pollution standards are in the works for Northern Pulp; Skeena Bioenergy secures agreement to export wood pellets; and Western Forest Products invests in the US. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Rolling Stones’ Chuck Leavell on the woes of a US tree farmer; Oregon’s Kate Brown wants more fed money for thinning; David Robinson’s three wishes for Northern Ontario; a UN program chief sees big potential for biomass in Europe; and ENGO’s on Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics timber sourcing protocol.

Women making news include: Charlene Higgins as CEO of the BC First Nations Forestry Council; Bethany Doss as 2nd Vice Chair NAWLA; and Nicole Hepp as Prince George’s newest conservation officer.

Finally, where in the world is Bill Dumont [going]? Haida Gwaii and the Holy Land.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tree Frog is pleased to announce that today marks the start of our second decade of producing our news service. We couldn’t have done it without our supporters and readers – so thank you all for helping us reach this exciting anniversary!

One upside to the polar vortex deep freeze is a reprieve from invasive insects such as the gypsy moth and hemlock woolly adelgid. In other Forestry news: Oregon looks to ban herbicides containing amicocyclorachlor; a North Carolina company stops using methyl bromide to debark it logs; and an ENGO suit claims Green Diamond Resource Co. is harming martin habitat.

In Business news: Northern Pulp will be forced to shut down temporarily without a one-year extension for an effluent plan; Western Forest Products completes acquisition of Columbia Vista mill; Resolute shared plunge 12% due to lumber woes; and Australia codes will allow 8-storey timber systems, while CLT loses ground in the UK.

Finally, its World Westlands Day, which is good news for ducks and threatened alpine frogs.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As its climate gap widens, Canada looks to purchase California carbon credits and claim the carbon in its forests—despite evidence that Canada’s forests are carbon emitters. In related news: National Geographic speaks to renewable energy trade-offs, WRI/Yale University on why cities need to grow up, not out; and ENGO groups oppose biomass power plant conversions in the UK.

In other news: winners and losers in the US lumber trade war; how the CLT industry is responding to the UK combustibles ban; the potential of timber in New Zealand’s core-wall systems; and Japan’s shift to small-scale forestry. Also, more on Canada’s rail car investigation; BC’s Steelworkers negotiations; Northern Pulp’s effluent facility; and BC’s caribou recovery efforts.

Finally, a soliloquy of sorts on the role of paper bags in a 1945 murder.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In separate releases, the Gov’t of Canada announced monies for LP’s Dawson Creek mill upgrade, and for climate change adaptation projects, such as examining cost-effective strategies for managing wildfires. In other Business news: 2019 looks good for CN Rail despite forest product woes; Canfor temporarily curtails production at three BC mills; and BC Forest Minister Donaldson defends move to restrict log exports.

In Forestry/Climate news: the US shutdown has delayed wildfire preparations; California is streamlining its review process for wildfire-related forest treatments; Montana’s forests are now CO2 emitters; the UK has a unique forest carbon opportunity; and what Fortune 500 investors need to know about climate risk and resiliency.

Finally, Milwaukee endorses 21-storey timber building, and a new virtual reality experience can transform you into a tree.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Skeptical Environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg, says shallow, apocalyptic reporting on global warming has made us all panicky, whereas the truth is comparatively boring. In related news: the Sierra Club takes aim at BC’s hidden carbon emissions; habitat decline threatens BC trappers; and concerns over logging make the news in 100 Mile House; Northern California, Poland, Ireland and Madagascar (the rosewood trade).

In Business news: Tolko prepares to recall workers as Williams Lake rebuild nears completion; Northern Pulp and fishermen reach testing agreement in Nova Scotia; Newfoundland has a new forestry plan; and Paper Excellence welcomes BC’s coastal revitalization strategy.

The final straw: Ben & Jerry’s announces plan to eliminate single-use plastic straws and spoons.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Log and lumber prices will be less volitile but also less attractive in 2019, according to ERA’s Kevin Mason, while Forest2Market says 2019 markets will be mostly flat or trending down except for offshore imports, pulp and CLT. Elsewhere, a preliminary report confirms rail embargoes on Canadian commodities; while Resolute, EACOM, Nechako Lumber and Active Energy Group make news in their communities.

In other news: concerns are raised about Wood Buffalo National Park; BC’s caribou recovery strategy; and the lack of protection for Nova Scotia’s endangered species; while plastic takes a beating in Halifax, Washington State, and the corporate headquarters of Samsung Electronics.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Scientists expect CO2 to rise significantly in 2019 as trees will grow less due to El Niño-caused drier weather. In related news: NRCan scientists research drought tolerance; FPInnovation releases videos on resource roads and wetlands; and ENGOs take legal action in support of Alberta caribou.

In Business news, more on: BC’s proposed changes to log exports and contractor sustainability; TimberWest’s logging lawsuit; forestry’s downward trend in Northern BC; and the US trade war’s impact on EACOM. 

Finally, a mish-mash of wood product stories on: fibre insulation panels; glulam, mass timber code changes; wood skyscrapers and Woodrise 2019.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two of North America’s oldest lumber grading agencies—the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) and the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB) are merging their operations. In other Business news: CP Railway’s revenues jump despite forest shippers concerns; an MNP economic report highlights forest struggles in Northern BC; and Canada invests in biomass with Indigenous participation.

In Forestry/Climate news: Nova Scotia’s woodlot owners support Lahey report despite logging restrictions; Washington State unveils plan to prevent wildfires; and Perdue University researchers find link between forest productivity and climate change.

Finally, news on Nechako lumber’s supply agreement; Domtar’s new mill managers; and a fire at American Wood Fiber’s pellet plant.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In dismissing most of Resolute’s suit vs. Greenpeace, a judge says the company’s racketeering complaint doesn’t prove “actual malice“, as required by California’s anti-SLAPP law, but rules defamation suit can proceed. In other Business news: Ontario’s forest industry pitches its wish list for gov’t; Boise Cascade makes leadership changes; and more on the pending investigation into rail car rationing by Canada’s railways.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s forests fix and store huge amounts of carbon; Yellowstone’s forests could become grasslands; and US forest soils emit more pollutants with climate change. 

Finally, mass timber projects are celebrated in Toronto; Milwaukee; Australia and the Arctic.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Global wood demand slowed in 2018 according to the World Bank in Madson’s Lumber Reporter – the culprits include Chinese tariffs and US housing trends. In other Business news: there is unease in Nova Scotia about a future without Northern Pulp; a no-deal Brexit means changes for UK timber traders; and wood is making a comeback in Ontario. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Vivian Krause speaks to the US money train behind some Canadian ENGOs; George Wuerthner says the US Forest Service is ignoring fire science to justify thinning; a US study says biotechnology is not a quick fix for forest health; and an Australian report says forest soils need more time to recover from disturbances than previously thought.

Finally, food and building materials merge with wood-composite chicken nuggets.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Speaking at the Truck Loggers convention, BC Forest Minister Doug Donaldson detailed changes to the contractor/licensee rate dispute mechanism, while renowned forest economist Peter Pearse says the BC gov’t’s plan to further restrict log exports doesn’t make sense. In other Business news: a lawsuit involving a logging contractor, a major forestry company, a former forests minister and the Hells Angels gets underway in Nanaimo.

In Forestry/Climate news: the misunderstood role of broadleaf trees as a firebreak, how forest fires and climate change contributed to California’s utility bankruptcy; and one man’s view on how the supply chain movement can help end deforestation.

Finally, tall timber towers are taking root in Canada, while a timber temple to sports rises at the 2020 Olympics.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Premier John Horgan, speaking at the Truck Loggers convention, revealed plans to reform the forest industry by curtailing log exports (amongst other policy changes), with the goal of increasing domestic manufacturing and sector reinvestments. Below are a few of the interlocutors:

• Reforms will reverse systemic decline over the last two decades (BC Gov’t)
• Horgan pledges forestry revitalization, but it’s easier said than done (Vaughn Palmer)
• Log exports make it economically feasible to harvest second growth wood (David Elstone)
• Change to fair market rate test a fundamental shift in support of logging contractors (TLA)
• BC extends log export orders for northern regions due to lack of mill capacity (Tom Fletcher)

In other news: forestry stocks are on the rebound; the BC Forest Practices Board has good news for Skeena Sawmills and the Sunshine Coast Community Forest; and the US shutdown impacts wildfire preparations in Colorado and Oregon.

Finally, the Oregon Dept of Forestry has a new Deputy State Forester and the Canadian Wood Council is looking for a new President and CEO.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

An independent investigation into the Chinese timber trade says the FSC logo has become less a symbol of sustainability and more a tool for “greenwashing”. In other Business news: Mercer’s stock jumps 19% due to an S&P index change; the US shutdown is impacting rural housing grants; Repap is optimistic re: their bid for Resolute’s Fort Frances mill; and a small fire at Catalyst’s Crofton pulp mill.

In other news: a new database helps builders find FSC certified lumber; wood is replacing rubber in the artificial turf market; a Drexel U prof on the trend to wood construction; and a [wonkish] study on climate change’s impact on global tree growth.

Finally, the 2018 Wood Design & Building Award winners; live tweets from the TLA Convention; a primer for the COFI Convention, and a wood and wellness event in the UK.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

When it comes to fighting global warming, climate scientists are assessing and applauding the push for expanding forests, while (elsewhere) investment analysts look for forest companies that could benefit from an increased demand in their products. In other Business news, more on: the global slowing of lumber trade; the positive EU wood products market; the federal investigation of supply chain failures in BC; and West Fraser’s production curtailments.

In Forestry and Climate news: the Great Bear Rainforest means more logging for this First Nation group; Colorado’s beetle infestation is exacerbated by drought; the US gov’t shutdown keeps Montana’s firefighters idle; Finland has developed a new way to turn forest waste into transport fuels; and wood pellet production in North Carolina and their use in the UK are under the gun.

Finally, a frog believed to be the last of his kind has been granted a reprieve from solitude.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s transportation regulator has launched an investigation into delays at BC’s railways that—according to FPAC’s Derek Nighbor—cost lumber producers more than $500 million over two years. In other Business news: West Fraser announced more temporary curtailments in three BC Interior mills; the TLA’s Making it Work conference kicks-off tomorrow, where (per Tom Fletcher) log exports are high on the agenda.  

In Wood Product news: the US Code Council’s recent embrace of tall timber buildings is driving CLT production growth and inspiring architects to design skyscrapers out of wood. Elsewhere, a floating timber bridge is proposed to connect Brooklyn and Queens in New York.

Finally, the Washington Post on Trump’s executive order that promotes logging as a means to help curb wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Prince George lumber manufacturer John Brink and BC Rail settled their decades-old dispute over the land Brink built his sawmill on. In other Business news: Wood Resources on the declining trade of softwood lumber in 2018; Nova Scotia’s Premier speaks to the Northern Pulp dispute; Georgia Pacific’s mill closure will ripple across Louisiana; 10 years after expropriation the Abitibi Consolidated’s mill site has yet to be cleared up; and Western Forest Products commits to noise reduction at its Duke Point mill.

In Forestry news, more on: BC efforts to preserve a newly-found old growth forest; the US gov’t shutdown impact on wildfire preparations; and the 2018 Farm Bill. Elsewhere, Health Canada says concern over glyphosate use in forest management is not scientifically supportable.

Finally, to be healthy, black bears need more than an all-you-can-eat salmon buffet.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As prices migrate lower, the US softwood lumber tariff is causing curtailments in Canadian lumber production. Meanwhile, Trudeau continues to raise the issue with Trump without “weighing in on” everything he says. In other Business news: lower paper sales has Georgia Pacific laying off 700 in Louisiana; BC Forest Minister’s dilemma given his relationship with First Nations; Thunder Bay unveils its latest strategic plan; and more on the effort to redevelop Maine’s Millinocket paper mill. 

In Forestry news: Adam’s Lake Indian Band passes forestry audit; biotech’s potential to address forest pests; how the US gov’t shutdown is impacting wildfire preparations; and the illegal logging trend in Mexico’s cartel territory.

Finally, a US builder’s strategy to address wood frame’s mid-rise fire construction vulnerability.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

As President Trump withholds FEMA monies for wildfires—unless California improves its forest management—his government shutdown is stalling forest thinning projects. In other Forestry news: the Canadian Institute of Forestry speaks out on gender equity; the Ancient Forest Alliance has a new [BC old growth] forest to protect; and road density, mining and forestry threaten key species in BC’s Elk Valley.

In Business news: lumber’s price-fall helps the case for wood use; BC’s Premier supports Minister Donaldson’s visit to pipeline blockade; LP announces plan to build a pellet mill in Mississippi; a woodlot owner speaks out in support of Northern Pulp; moduler wood housing is helping BC’s homeless; and Canfor’s 2018 year in review.

Finally, Wood WORKS! is working as evidenced by BC mayor’s lobby effort for more wood use.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s natural gas pipeline blockade is creating problems for industry (even if they do everything right), the NDP government (despite their commitment to consultations) and for other First Nations (who desire the development). In other Business news: Western US sawmill production is up 4.8% in 2018; Frank Dotorri’s retirement plans include pursuit of a CLT plant; and Port Hawkesbury Paper’s contribution to Nova Scotia is still strong despite tariffs.

In Forestry news: Ottawa sets new rules for drone use; California’s governor wants social factors considered and more cameras used in fire safety efforts; the economic implications of caribou recovery are a concern for Northern BC communities; and according to a U of Victoria consortium, climate change was the driving force for BC’s record-breaking 2017 wildfire season.

Finally, LBM Journal names its Dealers of the Year Award and Suwannee Lumber makes a big donation to Florida youth.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tall Timber is in the news with more on: Toronto’s massive Quayside waterfront plan; Oregon State U’s earthquake-friendly forestry building; and Georgia’s debate over wood’s use above three-storeys. In Business news: the China trade war is taking its toll on hardwood producers; and a PR effort for Northern Pulp is questioned.

In other news: support and ridicule for Trump’s recent thinning initiatives; support and distain for BC’s Forest Minister’s apparent blockade support; friction over Alberta’s plan for a new park; and the value of agricultural woodlots in Southern Ontario.

Finally, many of you were unable to click through to our website from the link in our email because of a security warning. The issue wasn’t with www.treefrogcreative.ca but rather the tracking technology employed by iContact (our messaging service). We have assurances that the issue has been resolved, but if you are still concerned, you can always type our URL (www.treefrogcreative.ca/news) directly into your search bar. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In todays news: Northern Pulp readies its plan for a new effluent system; Western Forest Products pursues reconciliation in BC’s Alberni Valley; Vancouver’s old growth lumber gets a new lease on life; Trump’s executive order may see logging in National Parks; and silvopasture (cows and trees) can mitigate climate change.

For those who extended their Christmas break, a few of the headlines from last week include: the NY Times on the decision to allow 18 storey wood buildings; the Wall Street Journal on lumber’s price collapse; the Canadian Press on Canada’s changing forests; Macleans on Canada’s species [most] at risk in 2019; and the Economist on the importance of building with wood. Also: FEA Wood Markets outlook for 2019; Frank Dottori’s retirement; and the passing of BC’s John Russell PhD, RPF. 

Finally, the Tree Frog News supporter roll-over date is February 1, 2019. As our longtime readers know, we exist solely because of the generosity of our sponsors and our “frog-friends”. Bottom line, if you like the service—you can ensure we continue via our Friend of the Frog donations page. Your small contribution truly makes a difference!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FEA Wood Markets released its market outlook for lumber in 2019. In sum, demand is expected to grow 2.1%, prices will remain strong, US production will rise 5% and Canadian production will fall 1%. In other Business news: the New York Times story on mass timber begets stories in Treehugger and the Commercial Cafe, more press for Frank Dotorri on his retirement; and a plan B for Nova Scotia if Northern Pulp is forced to close.

In Forestry news: the Sierra Club calls for more old-growth protection in BC to offset Amazon deforestation; the US Trade Official criticizes illegal logging in Brazil; Green groups warn of forestry pitfalls in COP24; and Google Street View helps urban foresters count the trees.

Finally, the Economist says efforts to make buildings greener are not working; but also that more buildings should be made of wood.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Industry icon Frank Dottori is exiting the lumber business after naming his successor at WRC Timber (Tony Wyszkowski); and sadly, BC’s John Russell PhD, RPF—the world’s leading expert on western red and yellow cedars—has died. Other names making news include:

• John Ackerly (Green Heat) on the conspiracy against wood stoves
• Fan Williams (Architects’ Journal) on concrete’s unfortunate CO2 footprint
• Lesli Allison (Western Landowners Alliance) on active management of US lands

Elsewhere: Nova Scotia improves trucking efficiency by allowing more B-trains; and home insurance is harder to find in Colorado due to wildfires.

Finally, the Tree Frog News supporter roll-over date is February 1, 2019. As our longtime readers know, we exist solely because of the generosity of our sponsors and our “frog-friends”. Bottom line, if you like the service—you can ensure we continue via our Friend of the Frog donations page. Your small contribution truly makes a difference!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Looking back on 2018 or forward to 2019, the holiday headline that garnered the most attention was the International Code Council’s decision to allow wood buildings as high as 18 storeys in the US. Notable stories include: New York Times (knotty is making a comeback); Fire Engineering (more planning and education will be required); and Treehugger (the year wood construction took some steps forward, some back). 

Other headlines you might have missed include: the Wall Street Journal on lumber’s collapse; the Canadian Press on Canada’s changing forests due to fires, bugs and climate; Macleans on Canada’s species [most] at risk in 2019; and FPAC’s wish list for Canadian Forestry in 2019.

Finally, Trump’s executive order opening the door for more thinning and biomass use is celebrated as good for the forest and human health.

Best wishes for healthy and prosperous 2019.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Our BIGGEST thanks to all our readers and sponsors on the SHORTEST day of the year – the winter solstice. But why the lag between the shortest day of the year and the lowest average daily temperature of the year? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it’s because the Earth’s thermal mass still retains heat from the summer and cools gradually. The coldest day of winter doesn’t occur for another month and a half.

In today’s news: Trump signs 2018 Farm Bill; why construction costs are up; Canada’s smorgasbord of bad weather; why California needs to start more fires; and the ridiculously large number of trees New Zealand needs to plan to be carbon neutral.

Finally, on our last News day of the year: a Danish TREEdition and the Tree Frog’s favourite Yule Tide Fly Stew. Your faithful Frogs will be back with all the headlines on January 2nd, 2019!

Best wishes for a successful, healthy, and joyful new year!

Kelly, Sandy and Heidi

Christmas comes early as the International Code Council vote on Tall Wood is set to pass, clearing the way for 18-storey buildings in 2021. In other Business news: Western Forest Products’ Don Demens corrects inaccuracies in ENGO op-ed; Northern Pulp’s discharge pipe has the community divided; EACOM says duties are hard to swallow with sagging lumber prices; and US sawmill production is up 4.3% in the first nine months of 2018.

In other news: Oregon’s Elliott State Forest may become a research forest; BC/WA/Oregon join forces on forests and climate change; and new research suggests forests, like humans, require a balanced diet.

Two TREEditions today: a 40 ft. Christmas tree order in the UK (thanks Sam Coggins) and reflections of the real Santa Clause (aka Bill Dumont).

Finally, an early Christmas greeting to all our readers and please note – tomorrow’s Tree Frog News is the last of 2018, barring any breaking news over the holiday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Business news in Eastern Canada – will wood supply thwart the restart of the Fort Frances mill? And will fishermen stop Northern Pulp from finding a new effluent pipeline route?

In Wood news, a UBC student wants to plant gardens on bus shelters, and Anthony Thistleton’s new book Thinkwood says YES to using mass timber – the more the merrier! 

Canada is the chief steward of the world’s Boreal forests – it’s a big responsibility; NRCan is investing in two Indigenous forest sector projects in New Brunswick; and researchers at the University of Arizona say Southwest forests’ productivity will decline over 21st century due to climate change. 

Finally – with six days until Christmas, Tree Frog is reaching out again for your TREEdition Stories. Please tell us about your Christmas traditions and send us a picture – we’d love to share. 

Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Legislation supporting the expansion of wood for use in large scale buildings (in the form of the Timber Innovation Act) is heading to the president’s desk for approval. In related news: Canada Wood signs an MOU with Korean Architects; the U of Toronto plans to merge its faculties of Forestry and Architecture; the Softwood Lumber Board completes its leadership transition; and innovative wood-based fabrics aim to replace microplastics.

In Forestry/Climate news: did Jerry Brown do enough on climate change (LA Times); California’s catastrophic wildfire season is not the new normal (Wall Street Journal); ENGO’s bemoan the non-closing of biomass loophole at COP24 (Mongabay); and how much is a tree worth (the Australian edition).

Finally, need a break from the Christmas hullabaoo? Airbnb just listed this pinecone-shaped treehouse in California.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

COP24 wrapped up with agreement on how countries should track their emissions but not much else. In related news: Canada encouraged the establishment of a global market with carbon pricing; while the role of forests and carbon credits was debated but put off until next year.

In Company news: Despite tensions with China, Don Kayne calls BC trade mission business as usual; Canfor extends temporary curtailments in BC; Western Forest Products sells 7% of its Alberni Operation to First Nations group; Tolko targets February for rebuild of Williams Lake mill; and Port Hawkesbury Paper is doing well six-years after shutdown.

In Forestry news: the US Farm Bill does the right thing; Secretary Zinke steps down due to federal investigations; a winter wildfire threatens two Alberta communities; and California takes some heat on wildfire spending.

Finally, Ontario proposes hunting season for cormorants to reduce their impact on fish and forest habitats.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

Poland’s ‘Forest for Climate Declaration‘ at COP24 is welcomed by FPAC; but derided as a climate bomb by Wake University’s Justin Catanoso; and called hypocritical by ENGOs given Poland’s dependence on coal. In related news: BC’s climate plan fails to promote biomass upside; bamboo producers hype their fast growing mitigation potential; and the UN Forest Products Annual Market Review is out.

In Business news: Repap Resources plans to buy and reopen Resolute’s Fort Francis papermill; Cascades purchases three US packaging companies; Northern Pulp lacks a Plan B; and Western Forest Products TFL 39 audit gets high praise.

Finally, a BC Forest Service retirees’ TREEdition, a global competition on forest education; and the Lorax helps stop development in a US federal appeals court.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Huawei drama is heightening concern over Canada’s exports while China just arrested a second Canadian. According to one expert, despite the risk, Canadian officials need to stay put to maintain their private-sector links. In other Business news: Madison’s says lumber price volatility is settling down to norm; US construction material prices fell 2% in November; the Transportation Safety Board released its report on Western Forest Product’s rail crash; and the United Steelworkers target Canfor’s Vavenby mill.

In other headlines: more on the US Farm Bill, forestry in the aftermath of California’s wildfires; and the UK’s ban on CLT. Elsewhere: ENGO’s target old-growth logging in BC; and local forest happenings in Fredricton, Halifax, Helena, Squamish and Calling lake, Alberta. 

Finally, a heads up on the upcoming Montreal Wood Convention and Savannah Biomass Conference.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The House and Senate compromise on the US Farm Bill drops the contentious GOP-desired changes in the name of fire prevention but retains funding for thinning, forest landscape restoration and the Timber Innovation Act (i.e., support for mass timber). In other Business news: an update from Tom Fletcher on the BC/China trade mission; and the American Wood Council elects Roseburg CEO as chair.

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta researchers want to help tree migration outpace climate change; California’s top firefighter wants to ban home construction in fire-prone areas; the FAO releases two papers on forest vulnerability pre-COP24; and an Australian architect has high hopes for timber innovation in design and construction. 

Finally, scientists at the Deep Carbon Observatory say carbon-based life lurking below the Earth’s surface dwarfs the amount of life roaming on top. Allegedly.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor