Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Forest fires turn deadly for home owners and firefighters. The death toll in Greece’s coastal fire rose to 91 with 25 still missing; Northern California’s wildfires claimed six residents and two firefighters; and an Alberta firefighter died while battling wildfires in Ontario.

On the fire-opinion front: a California fire experts says urban sprawl increases the human risk; a Stanford scientist blames global warming for the worsening fires; three eco-scientists point to irresponsible logging in the US West; and firefighters in Germany face a new challenge—WWII-era ammunition being set off by the flames. Meanwhile, a BC professor says although wildfires cause havoc for people, mule deer adapt easily.

Finally, Unifor ratified a new contract with Canadian Kraft in Manitoba; the BC government is forcing Catalyst Paper to protect their pensioners; and Weyerhaeuser reports record-breaking wood product sales.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new kind of seismic surveying offers promise for Alberta’s oil sands exploration without seismic lines, which is good news for the caribou. In other Forestry news: the USFS Chief plans to make it easier for all kinds of businesses to work with and on National Forests; the US debate over the size of its National Monuments is back in court; a Montana judge ruled against logging in threatened grizzly bear habitat; and the McBride Community Forest in BC is in trouble for logging part of a riparian reserve.

In other news: the US trade truce with Europe puts the focus back on NAFTA, as Mexico and Canada put up a united front for a three-way deal with no sunset clause. 

Finally, there aren’t enough trees in Phoenix to offset the “urban heat island” phenomenon, where temperatures rise due to heat-retaining asphalt and concrete.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Swedish Air Force is using laser-guided bombs to snuff out forest fires with blast waves, which (apparently) is similar to “blowing out candles on a birthday cake“. In related news: there are no words to describe the wildfire horror in Greece; arson is suspected as the source of forest fires east of LA; and BC’s air quality woes come from wildfires as far away as Siberia.

In Forestry news: NASA says mega fires in Canada’s north released half as much carbon as Canada typically stores in a year; the NRDC says the survival of the planet depends on Canada’s boreal forest; and a UK study says tropical forests may soon become a source rather than sink for greenhouse gases.

Finally, depending on your point of view: US tariffs are impacting home prices (in New York State); bad for homebuyers (in general); good for US sawmills (in Maine); or not a problem in the short term (per CN Rail). 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Europe’s heatwave is setting temperature records and starting fires from Norway to Spain. The most tragic is the Mati wildfire in Greece which to date has killed 74 people. In related news: a Penn State study says forest fires are not a serious threat to spotted owls; a fire training facility is close to completion in Burns Lake BC; and Oregon’s air quality continues to deteriorate due to wildfire smoke.

In Business news: the union representing BC millworkers is seeking a strike mandate in part because “the employers are having one of the best economic years in decades and workers should share in this prosperity“. Elsewhere: Northern Pulp gets support from a fellow Pictou County employer; and Weyerhaeuser’s woodworkers reject their latest contract offer.

Finally, Dr. Seuss’ inspiration for The Lorax and Truffula trees may be Kenya’s patas and the whistling thorn acacia tree.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Today we have two editorial board views of the proposed changes to the US Endangered Species Act. The New York Times says the US Administration is proposing to weaken the law by reducing the role that scientists play. The Bend Bulletin says the changes are overdue and important so as to better balance the costs and benefits of its application. Elsewhere: the United Steelworkers says it’s preparing to strike in BC; and The Motley Fool says it’s a good time to buy West Fraser and Norbord stock.

In Fire news; drones are causing havoc for BC firefighters; fire lookouts are crucial in the US West; Nelson is BC’s most fire-endangered town; and fires are still out of control in Ontario; Sweden and Greece.

Finally, Architectural Record highlights the gains from Portland’s proposed 12-storey mass timber project—despite it being put on hold; while the concrete industry celebrates its abeyance.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With summer’s heat in full bloom, wildfires and their management dominate today’s news. The headlines include: BC wildfires have the potential to become firestorms; past forest management exacerbated last year’s wildfire season in BC; West Fraser continues to salvage burned timber in the Cariboo; Oregon’s handbook helps investigators determine wildfire cause; and fire intensity shows that more forest management is needed in Oregon.

In other news: a Dovetail report on sourcing of forest products – the roles for gov’t and certification programs; BC’s Caribou plan could nix upgrades at Weyerhaeuser’s mill; and on its anniversary date, Massachusett’s 10-alarm apartment construction fire points to arson.

Finally, ping pong balls are being used to fight forest fires in BC; while slingshots are helping children plant trees in Kenya.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Familiar headlines dominate the news: US newsprint tariffs are opposed by US politicians; the National Association of Home Builders raises tariff concerns as housing starts fall; and US lumber production is up. In related news: communities on both sides of the Maine-Canadian border are increasingly concerned about the tariff feud.

In other headlines: smoke is causing air quality concerns in Ontario, Oregon and NZ have forest safety on their minds; the US has plans to end automatic protections for endangered species; biomass is cheered in Oregon but jeered in New Hampshire; and the Wolff/Katerra design-build combo has plans “to be prolific“.

Finally; the ancient cedars of Lebanon—which have outlived empires and survived modern wars—may have met their match with Climate Change.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite stories in yesterday’s news on the strength of the wood market, US housing starts continue to fall with lumber prices and labour shortages to blame; Alabama welcomes a new sawmill, expected to create 100 jobs; while more US senators voice their opposition to tariffs on Canadian newsprint. 

In Forestry news, the CEO of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative commends the government of Canada for funding Green Jobs in Green Spaces – a program for youth. Dutch elm disease continues to spread in Regina; urban trees in Edmonton are at risk of drought; and Montreal looks to increase tree cover by 25 per cent. 

The bulk of today’s headlines are forest fire related, from British Columbia, through the US west and all the way to Sweden and the Arctic Circle. 

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

A CNBC report says US lumber producers are scrambling to expand production in Maine; Zacks says the outlook for wood products is strong; and tariffs on Canadian lumber are hitting some NY builders harder than others. In related news: US Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mass) joins members from both sides of the aisle testifying against newsprint tariffs.

In Wood Products news, more on why Portland’s Framework Tower has been cancelled; a setback for tall wood according to Lloyd Alter; but a step forward for wood innovation according to Cees de Jager. Elsewhere, the red forest encroaches on Jasper; a new tree-destroying bug threatens New Jersey; and rat removal is a positive for tropical atoll forests.

Finally, whereas a stick or devining rod may help you find water, tree size is being used by Australian prospectors to find gold!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fire danger ratings across the west are climbing as temperatures rise, particularly in the Kootenay region of BC. In related news: a wildfire that killed a California firefighter on the weekend has doubled in size resulting in road closures and evaculations. Elsewhere, the mountain pine beetle is turning Jasper National Park red; and Finland feels the heat but it’s unrelated to the Trump-Putin summit.

In Wood Product news: plans for a record-setting timber tower in Portland are off due to cost concerns; Oregon State U is investigating the effects of moisture in mass timber buildings; Finland has plans to build a modular floating pool with CLT; and Tom Maness’s legacy is acknowledged by both Oregon and BC’s wood product sectors.

Finally, the US is taking its trade war with China, Canada and others to the WTO.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Environmental groups argue for more conservation as Oregon’s policymakers seek clarity on carbon flows. Industry says the only universe in which one could conclude that the forest products sector isn’t part of the solution to climate change “is an abstract academic one”. In related news: a case is made for solving the world’s energy crisis with wooden buildings; the Prince George Wood Innovation Lab is the most airtight industrial building on the continent; and new research calculates the capacity of forests to sequester carbon.

In other news: Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park is deteriorating; Northern Pulp’s effluent plans will affect marine life; industry sews doubt on caribou recovery plans; and it’s time to rethink how we fight forest fires.

Finally, we are saddened to learn of the loss of Dr. Thomas Maness, Dean of the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, and former director/founder of the UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing. He will be greatly missed.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Friday the 13th Frog!

The Wall Street Journal (subscription only) reports that one of the reasons US housing starts have remained low in a strong economy is because there are “fewer small-time construction companies that build like crazy during boom years”. In other Business news: JD Irving expects to pay $45 million in lumber tariffs despite its reduced rate; while US lumber producers are relieved that Canada’s retaliation against Trump’s steel tariffs leave wood products largely spared.

Meanwhile, Business in Vancouver has these headliners today:

• BC forest companies see continued market expansion potential in Asia
• BC’s forest company employment falls 6% since 2014, despite revenue growth
• BC’s loggers hope the government’s sustainability review will mend its broken supply chain

Finally, modular wood stadiums and driverless logging trucks may be the next breakthroughs in technology?

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Noting the strength of Canada’s economy, the Bank of Canada raised the benchmark interest rate to its highest level in nine years, despite Trump’s trade hit being larger than forecast and Trump’s plan to impose more tariffs on China. In other headlines:

• Ontario has imposed penalties in the fraud case involving Sino-Forest Corp.
• CN Rail plans to spend in Ontario to meet the demand to move wood products
• Window, door, homebuilder and lumber dealers urge more talks in softwood dispute
• The perfect storm of tariff and labor woes may hit Arizona’s booming housing market

In Forestry and Climate news: US incentives encourage home building in harm’s way; Vermont’s red spruce is rebounding from acid rain; Canada’s changing climate is getting hard to ignore; and California meets its greenhouse gas reduction targets ahead of schedule.

Finally, the western toadlet migration is underway in BC. The distance—a two-minute walk for humans—is fraught with dangers.

–Kelly McCloskey, tree Frog Editor

High lumber prices have both positive and negative impacts in Mississippi; but are masking Canadian industry concerns re: trade uncertainty, tax competitiveness and regulatory delays.

In Wood Products news: Ontario architects get support for tall wood structures; Chicago’s first CLT building only a first step in that direction; an APA study finds flexible structural sheathing products overstate their lateral load resistance; and a Montana company is incorporating old wood into their timber frame structures.

In Forestry headlines: the Sierra Club on BC’s rainforests; the Powell River Peak on logger sports; the Montreal Economic Institute on species at risk; and the BC Supreme Court on former forests minister Rich Coleman.    

Finally, Hip hop forestry at Yale and Winnie-the-Pooh’s original Hundred Acre Wood illustration sells for £430,000 at auction.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Professional Reliance Report is equated to the old and costly Forest Practices Code, in a story in Business in Vancouver, and “may send a chill up the collective spine of all resource industries.” In other Business news: the decision to end duties on Canadian glossy paper nets millions for one US competitor; and how should the US retaliate against Canada for screwing its own citizens with dairy tariffs? By screwing US citizens with softwood tariffs of course!

Forestry headlines include: forest fire flair-ups in northeastern Ontario, Colorado and California; and opposition to logging in BC’s Skagit Valley; and the Columbia River Gorge.

Finally, a California study says grasslands are more reliable carbon sinks than trees; and—after years of debate—Maine lawmakers decide that forest rangers can carry firearms.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US revoked the duties on glossy paper from Canada in part due to the WTO ruling in favour of Canada. In related news: the Governor of Arkansas is seeking tariff exemptions on plans for a Chinese-owned paper mill in the state; and Senate Minority Leader Schumer says Canadian newsprint tariffs should be rescinded.

In Forestry news: academics ciritcize vitriolic attacks on Caribou protection plans; ENGOs say old-growth logging threatens BC’s orca rubbing beaches; the TLA says transition to second growth could take 90 years; and Tom Fletcher writes on industry concerns with the BC’s professional reliance review, while Resource Works comments on the author’s many conflicts of interest.

Finally, thousands of Atlantic Canada residents protest Northern Pulp mill’s effluent plans.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US and China slapped tit-for-tat duties on each other’s imports today in what Beijing called the “largest-scale trade war” ever. In related news: the US tariffs are hitting a whole slew of Chinese woodworking and panel processing equipment; the WTO ruled for Canada in its dispute with the US on glossy paper duties; and an interactive map shows why Canada has so much more to lose in a trade war.

Other headline grabbers include:

• The BC Supreme Court on Husby’s right to log old-growth cedar on Haida Gwaii
• David Elstone on the misconceptions and reality of old-growth logging in BC
• Ian Dunn on how David Suzuki et al. are blurring the line between opinion and science
• Lennard Joe on his partnership with SFI and “seven generations” view of forest management
• The Idaho Dept. of Lands on doubling the timber harvest/restoration on federal land

Finally, two releases of note; the FAO’s state of the world’s forest 2018 report and the BC Forest Practices Board annual report.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Eighteen Illinois members of Congress join the list of critics against Trump’s tariff on Canadian newsprint. In other Business news:

• Catalyst Paper signs a new four-year deal with Unifor
• Two leading UK forestry trade associations plan to merge
• Killing cap and trade in Ontario akin to pulling out of fed climate plan
• Northern Pulp to change its effluent plans in the Northumberland Straight

In Forestry news: BC fire chief says it’s time to develop a personal wildfire plan, construction in wildfire areas a problem in Montana, more calls for old-growth protection in BC; and forestry students blog about their summer jobs in Quesnel.

Finally, UK researchers are pursing hollow telephone poles; and wood-based bioplastics. 

— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite the fiery rhetoric, the softwood trade dispute is “much ado about nothing“, according to David Milstead (Globe and Mail), due to the exceptionally strong US housing market where Canadian producers can recoup the tariff from their customers and US builders can pass the cost on to the home buyer. In related news, Bruce Yandle (Washington Examiner), says it’s obvious that Trump’s trade policy is “stiff-arming consumers” as well as benefiting Canadian producers with US operations.

Other headlines include: covering-up the caribou loss in Canada; putting out practice-fires in Oregon; making CLT fireproof in California; and growing black walnut trees as cash-crops in PEI. 

Finally, an expose on Hong Kong’s timber-trafficking problem, including the species involved, the routes used and the enforcement challenge.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A stretch of boreal forest along the Manitoba-Ontario boundary has won international recognition as  a UNESCO world heritage site. Other Forestry headlines include:

• The new normal: wildfires roar across the west again (New York Times)
• Forest Service firefighting not aggressive enough (Vicki Christiansen)
• Report calls for major fixes to oversight of BC’s natural resource sector (CBC)
• Port Alberni sees decline in lumber, increase in raw log exports (Port Authority)
• If an old-growth tree falls in a forest, does it make political hay? (Times-Colonist)
• Forests may lose ability to protect against extremes of climate change (U of Montana)

Have Trump’s tariffs caused lumber prices to surge? Are they a mortal threat to US housing recovery? The LBM Journal says: 1) that ain’t necessarily so, and 2) that’s hogwash. 

Finally, judging by the outcome of meetings on proposed US code changes, it’s likely we’ll see more and taller mass timber buildings soon. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Reaction to the BC government’s report on resource development oversight—which recommends overhauling the professional reliance model—was swift, mixed and blunt. Here are a few of the key voices:

• Shelve it – it’s a solution looking for a problem (Business Council of BC)
• Disappointed – a new regulator of regulators (Council of Forest Industries)
• Unnecessary – does not lead to better forestry (Assoc. of BC Forest Professionals)
• Lacks justification – no reference to best practices (Mining Association of BC)
• A step forward – on shortfalls in ministry staffing (BC Professional Employees Assoc.)
• In the public’s interest – will address past failures  (Evidence for Democracy)

In Forestry news: scientists urge protection of BC’s rainforests; Temagami’s mayor seeks jobs and wilderness protection; Nova Scotia gets new airbus helicopters; and fire updates are in from BC, Alberta; Ontario; Oregon and Scotland.

Finally, Pinnacle Holdings has secured Korean and Japanese markets for their wood pellets; Canadian Kraft workers vote to strike; and Weyerhaeuser’s strike vote results are still unclear.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The cause of a deadly under-construction apartment building fire in Denver remains undetermined, although investigators have ruled out most construction-related causes, including framers. In related news; McDonald’s use of CLT in Chicago is called “one of the most extensive uses of wood in a commercial building since the Great Chicago Fire of 1871″.

In Forestry news: NRDC’s campaign to pressure Canada to protect boreal forests gains the likes of Gap, Hallmark, Clif Bar and H&M; Senators Daines and Tester agree on the benefits of the US farm bill; Norway pledges to combat illegal deforestation; and (according to National Geographic) “tropical forest loss slowed in 2017—to the second worst total ever”.

Finally, more on NAFTA, steel, wood and newsprint tariffs; and a background report to Congress on Canada, focusing on issues relevant to US policymakers.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

A new federal report says it’s essential that Canadians act now to adapt and build resilience to climate change. And today’s headlines serve to reinforce the message:

• Wildfires predicted to grow worse as temperatures rise
• Drought-stricken West braces as wildfire season flares up
• Northern California wildfire grows with 1,500 under mandatory evacuation orders
• The Rocky Mountains Are About To Be Off Limits South of the Colorado Border
• Over 70 forest fires in Newfoundland and Labrador so far this season

In other news: David Suzuki says there’s no climate science denial at the Forest Products Association of Canada, but there is caribou science denial; Kevin Kriese has been appointed chair of BC’s independent watchdog for forestry practices; Husby Forest Products defends its logging of large cedar trees; and—of course—a few stories on NAFTA, lumber tariffs and homebuilding trends.

Finally; is our addiction to beef contributing to tropical deforestation? A new report says yes, as 37 million acres were lost in 2017.

Of all the factors pushing lumber prices up, the historic 2017 wildfire season tops beetles and tariffs—according to Ben Foldy (Financial Times). And while most lumber stocks have enjoyed a good run, Stephen Simpson (Seeking Alpha) says the under-performers suggest prices may weaken significantly. In related news: housing sales rebound in the US South; BC Premier Horgan says US consumers are bearing the brunt of softwood tariffs; and NZ log prices to China hit a 25 year high.

In other news: UNESCO says Canada’s Wood Buffalo national park is being threatened by development; a new book examines the closure of Sturgeon Falls paper mill in 2002; timber sales in Washington may be a good thing, and UK city parks are significant carbon stores.

Finally, an Ontario firefighter and international instructor says the trend in mid-rise wood construction increases firefighter danger.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of residents in rural Northern California. Meanwhile, BC fire crews got a a bit of a scare over the weekend as lightning  storms resulted in about 100 new fires.

In other news: Edmonton rehabilitates its wooden trestle bridges; Australia’s Lendlease commits to timber in all its major precincts; New Zealand seeks to address its housing crisis with more off-site manufacturing and CLT; and more of the same on Trump’s trade fight with Canada, and its implication on US home ownership.

Finally, 10,000 wooden water tanks—a venerable part of New York’s skyline—are a vestige of the past that endures. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US House narrowly passed the farm bill yesterday, which according to the critics includes rollbacks to the Clean Water Act related to pesticide use and environmental protections for national forests. In other Forestry news: US forest mortality is trending upward, exceeding net growth; BC will make restrictions of cedar volumes logged enforceable as forest company disputes over-logging on Haida Gwaii; and California is considering endangered species status for the super cute/super ferocious marten.

In other news: NAFTA talks are reported to resume within weeks; US housing permits and starts were strong in May; but home sales sank along with homebuilder share prices.

Finally, a mid-rise wood design workshop is promoted in Ontario; a best use of timber award is announced in Scotland; and the UK’s first MSc on timber architectural design and technology is introduced in Edinburgh.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Wood Resources International reports that global lumber prices have continued their two-year climb in 2018, with the pace higher in North America than in Nordic countries, Russia and China. In other Business news, Quebec’s Premier Philippe Couillard is heading to Washington to push back on US protectionist trade policies; while Maine’s forest industry is benefiting from some of them.

In other news: the idea of granting Indigenous communities the power of consent over resource development is gaining momentum in BC; Trump says the president’s authority supersedes timber laws that would allow harvesting; a new study says earth’s intact forests are shrinking faster than in the past; and the move from coal to wood pellets is helping the UK meet its energy goals. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A full-meal deal of Business stories in today’s news. The headlines include:

• US home building surged to an 11-year high but permits drop
• Tariffs score one over builder sentiment in lumber trade conflict
• Free trade only works when fair trade is enforced [on Canadian lumber]
• Cedar shakes and shingles makers cut output, shut down mills over US tariffs
• US housing starts jumped 5 percent in May off Midwest building
• Skyrocketing prices, demand for new homes signal uptick in Maine

In Forestry news: Bruce Blackwell says Kelowna still faces grave fire risk; the emerald ash borer is causing havoc in Saskatoon and Fredericton; and the BC government is accused of trickery in old-growth forest math.

Finally, jaguars thrive in lightly logging logged forests; and a global sting against the illegal trade results in the seizure of thousands of tons of timber and wildlife.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Three indices of homebuilder confidence were all down marginally in June—due to spiking lumber costs and potential trade wars—although the current levels are near historic highs.

In Health and Safety news: WorkSafeBC reports 97% compliance on their combustible dust initiative; Canfor’s Ken Pedersen received the 1st MaryAnne Arcand Memorial Safety Award; and Conifex’s Darren Beattie says the “culture of risk-taking is being replaced by a safety-first approach”.

In Wood Product news: sawdust is being turned into valuable graphite; wood chips may improve soil quality and/or stave off a plastics-induced apocalypse; and wood buildings are making our communities safer and healthier.

Finally; consent-based indigenous consultations on BC fish farm tenures exclude industry. Could forest tenures be next?

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

California and Quebec have closed their carbon market to Ontario after premier-elect Doug Ford announced an end to the provincial cap-and-trade system. In other Business news: Scotiabank says a trade war would knock North American markets into recession; Steve Forbes (Forbes Magazine) speaks out against US newsprint tariffs; and Reuters reports that “NAFTA isn’t dead yet”.

In Forestry news: clearcuts are blamed for flooding in New Brunswick; limiting logging is viewed as the best way to manage Pacific Northwest forests; while a lack of harvesting is blamed for forest deterioration in Arizona and New Mexico; and more logging is needed to address BC’s persistent under-harvest of coastal hemlock-balsam stands.

Finally; in line with plans to reinvent its sustainability image, a Chicago McDonald’s is featuring cross laminated timber! 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A bipartisan group of 171 lawmakers in the US urged the Administration to go back to the softwood lumber negotiating table because the current tariffs—per the NAHB—are increasing the cost of homebuilding. Not so, says the US Lumber Coalition. “The price of lumber, like all commodities, fluctuates due to market forces”.

In related news: Canadian wood-shingle makers have joined forces to oppose their inclusion in the softwood tariff; US home construction is expected to fall short of demand; and US consumers are spending more in part due to Trump’s tariffs. 

In other news: a new report on the US National Forests says forest mortality exceeds growth; firefighters in Oregon get full-time job guarantees; and the Anthony Family provide financial support towards the construction of a timber-wood design centre at the University or Arkansas.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Construction costs climbed again in May, following price increases driven by lumber trade disputes, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. In related news: the former US Ambassador to Canada believes the current tiff with Canada is a precursor to a US withdrawal from NAFTA; while Newfoundland’s Premier calls out Trump and encourages more rational negotiations.

In Forestry news: Colorado’s wildfires are gaining steam; the US Forest Service is harvesting more to prevent wildfires; activists claim logging in Oregon is threatening coho spawning grounds; and Alaskan rainforests are short on… rain.

Finally, SFI is avicaching with the Bird Conservancy and the world’s oldest rain forest frogs have been found in amber.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Two decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada suggest an expansion of employer responsibilities re: safety, particularly those in the forest industry that use contractors for their logging and road building work. In other Business news: US lumber consumption is forecast to grow through 2030; US aluminum tariffs are equated to lumber’s experience; and US executives arrive in Washington DC to oppose newsprint tariffs.

In Forestry news: Ontario’s cap-and-trade system may be scrapped; UBC’s forestry dean says government’s social licence may be at risk with big trees; New Brunswick forests are in line for beetle attack; Oregon’s public forests are touted as carbon reserves; and Arizona’s forests are not bouncing back after wildfires.

Finally; Portugal goes low-tech to beat wildfires. Send in the goats!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Fresh from securing a new mandate, the Softwood Lumber Board announced its plans for the next 5 years as well as the pending retirement of CEO Steve Lovett and appointment of Cees de Jager to take his place. In post-G7 Business news: Maine’s senator offers soothing words; the New York Times says Trudeau’s challenge is managing Trump and domestic politics; and a feature story on how Trump’s lumber tariffs have helped increase US home prices. 

Companies making headlines today include:

• Conifex is raising money to finance their US mill purchases
• West Fraser declares a dividend and plans to purchase back some of its shares
• Canfor names former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts to its Board of Directors
• TimberWest celebrates safety, while others focus on their past pension fund sales

Elsewhere: APA on formaldehyde rules and shear walls; COFI on grading; the fire service on tall wood; and FPInnovations/NRCan on research. Finally; extreme fire danger forces another national forest to close—the San Juan National Forest officials in southwestern Colorado.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The G7 summit ended in acrimony with Trump and Trudeau exchanging barbs. After parsing through all the coverage, here’s a rundown of the exchanges that led to the unprecedented clash and a story on what’s at stake with NAFTA et al. In other Business news: lumber prices set a new record; the price of fibre for BC and US-West pulp mills is at a six-year high; and EACOM welcomes Premier-elect Ford.

In Forestry news: changes to BC’s caribou protection plan have Revelstoke city planners concerned; old Alberta seismic lines are planted to restore caribou habitat;  BC Timber Sales is reviewing how it deals with legacy trees; Oregon reverses its decision to change the marbled murrelet from threatened to endangered; and climate change has the southern pine beetle marching north.

Finally; Washington State conservationist’s choose clearcuts over housing developments near Mount St. Helens; and the practice of Silvopasture [trees & cows]  makes headway in Michigan.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Tough talk and trade quarrels are expected at the G7 meetings that kick off in Quebec tomorrow. In other Business news: BC Forest Practice Board audits identified problems with Gwa’Nak Resources‘ bridge construction and Canfor‘s bridge maintenance; while Kruger celebrates its Best 50 Corporate Citizen ranking.

In other news: forests across the Southwest are closing due to wildfire danger; the Columbus fire chief speaks out on the wildfire urban interface, CLT is featured in Sudbury’s School of Architecture; passive house and mass timber team up in Victoria; and pollution is changing the fungi that provide mineral nutrients to tree roots in Europe.

Finally, cantankerous crows are dive bombing unwary pedestrians in Vancouver’s treed areas.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

President Trump’s trade practices are giving economists hives and Republicans the shakes, according to a former auto-industry czar. Meanwhile, Unifor’s Jerry Dias says its time for Canada to bolster it’s newsprint industry, as it did earlier with softwood lumber. 

Companies in the headlines include:

• EACOM’s CEO is pleased with PC’s plans to keep Huron Central Railway running
• Tolko gets burned timber harvest permits on BC Crown land
• Mercer announces expansion plans for its lumber mill in Germany
• Domtar to face Alberta appeal board in effort to avoid mill site cleanup costs
• Port Hawkesbury Paper receives notice that it can keep its special power rate 
• Columbia Pulp tax breaks catch Columbia Country officials by surprise

In other news: U of New Hampshire researchers are improving our ability to measure CO2 by satellite, the U of Delaware has discovered how to make tape from lignin; and the U of Melbourne is using advanced microsope technology to see how wood is formed in real-time.

Finally, a Dutch company plans to build the world’s first habitable 3D printed houses.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Prime Minister of Canada is encouraging everyone to beat plastic pollution – the theme of this years’ United Nations World Environment Day. Coincidentally, the June 2018 issue of National Geographic is titled ‘Planet or Plastic’; while Two Sides’ Phil Riebel suggests paper and related packaging is part of the answer.

In Business news: the historic rise in lumber costs is rippling through the US economy (Wall Street Journal – subscribers only); West Fraser and Norbord stocks are soaring despite the tariff trade war (Globe and Mail); and Ottawa may support its steel industry as it did softwood lumber (The Canadian Press). 

In other news: the BC government announced more protection for wildlife habitat in advance of its species-at-risk legislation; George Heissler is appointed State Forester in Washington; and a new app may help with trucking wait times and timber theft.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum, President Donald Trump took aim at Canada’s softwood lumber and agriculture policies, describing them as examples of how America is being treated poorly. According to Susan Yurkovich, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council, these types of “disputes aren’t about fact, subsidy or national security. They’re about protectionism.” In other Trade news: US hardwood lumber exports continue to rise; while Brexit is making timber less competitive relative to concrete in the UK.

In Forestry news: 

• The BC government is blamed for failing to save old-growth giants from logging
• BC’s community forest leaders are positive about the govt’s expansion plans
• Logging truck safety is called a “colossal problem” in Power River, BC
• A US Forest Service researcher says Oregon’s overgrown forests are a ticking time bomb
• New Mexico and Colorado wildfires force hundreds to evacuate their homes

Finally, BC’s Coulson Aviation has scored a first in aerial firefighting worldwide: official approval to suppress wildfires at night using night vision goggles.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

IT’S A TRADE WAR! Canada, Mexico and the EU hit back at the US announcement they will be subject to steel and aluminum tariffs, and NAFTA is in limbo. Re: the latter, Trudeau rejected a US precondition to face-to-face talks with Trump (a five-year NAFTA sunset clause) who responded with “it must be a fair deal, or there will be no deal at all“. Discouraging news but take solace, Random Lengths reports that lumber prices are up for the seventh consecutive week; and Wyoming senators join the fight against newsprint tariffs.

In other news: FPAC touts competitiveness to Canadian municipal reps; erosion is an issue for forestry in Squamish BC; a land swap could benefit all interests in Idaho; and logging is big business in South Carolina.

Finally, a cause all Tree Frog readers can get behind. BC MLA Nicholas Simons is pitching CBC for online access to all 360 episodes of the Beachcombers. You remember log-salvager Bruno Gerussi don’t you! 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor