Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

After six under-construction residential complex fires in Oakland over two years, evidence points to a serial arsonist; unless of course you’re the concrete industry and the problem is the combustible materials. In related news: the USDA announces a grant program to expand wood product use and wood energy markets.

In Business news: Northern Pulp’s stand-off at sea makes the Washington Post, but the company is committed to staying, and the forest industry watches and worries. Other company news includes: Canfor’s solid third quarter; West Fraser’s beaten up stock; White River’s resurgence; Resolute’s Thunder Bay investment; the cause of Western Forest Products’ train derailment in Woss; and Weyerhaeuser’s truck driver shortage.

Finally, a US study says burning more biomass for energy is required to suck CO2 out of the air; but the Dogwood Alliance and others say it’s a dangerous delusion.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A famous Canadian wildlife painter is calling on government to stop issuing logging permits in BC mountain caribou habitat; a fisherman in Nova Scotia used his boat to stop Northern Pulp from mapping a new effluent outfall; and a California research team has invented a process to turn wood into drinkable water!

The good news stories today include an announced Phase 2 in the San Group sawmill development in Port Alberni BC; a successful new forestry venture for a Northern Ontario First Nation; and the University of Winnipeg launches a new section of their Climate Atlas of Canada with a focus on forests.

Lastly, I can’t help but brag just a little about the 2018 summer Festival of Forestry Teachers’ Tour. After 51 years, this group of volunteers continues to successfully introduce BC teachers the wonderful world of forestry!

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

The BC government introduced legislation to tighten oversight of resource projects, create whistleblower protection and oversee the professional associations. Is it a means to restore public trust (BC Gov’t) or a lost opportunity (ABCFP)? In other Business news, more on: the San Group expansion, Irving’s plea deal; and Random Lengths lumber and panel report.

In Wood Product news: the US Forest Service celebrates CLT; DeckExpo promotes Southern Pine and Western Red Cedar; but the concrete, cement and steel industries say the US Code Council’s advocacy guidelines are suppressing information on the devastating consequences of allowing wooden high-rise buildings.

Finally, Prince Harry’s environmental message; a survey of US family forest owners; and an online map of the impact of climate change on Canada’s boreal forest.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US wood importers say Chinese tariff dodgers exist but the recent Wall Street Journal article is one-sided and overstates the significance. In other Business news: southern BC mill workers may join their northern neighbours in strike vote; the Tolko and Soda Creek mills are back up and running after BC’s pipeline explosion; and Northern Pulp faces an effluent leak in Nova Scotia.

In other news: Alberta wolves restore the natural balance in Yellowstone National Park; a botanist’s view on how forests and wildfires are linked; how wildfires may reverse Montana’s declining timber sales; and the tallest mass-timber building in the Western Hemisphere will soon reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Finally, a presidential proclamation on National Forest Products Week.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The San Group announced plans to build a new sawmill in BC; GP will expand its OSB plant in South Carolina; Mercer buys a sandalwood company in Australia and Kenora FP will increase production in previously shuttered plant. In other Business news: US housing starts fall, Canada helps two BC First Nations participate in the forest sector; and  Canada’s Ambassador to the US talks pot and [softwood] trade.

In other news: a Canadian fisheries expert says climate change is on a disaster path for fish; a US ecologist urges 3-step solution to mega wildfires; the USDA and Domtar develop carbon foam from lignin; and UC San Diego to receives upgrade for earthquake simulation and first up is a 10-story CLT building.

Finally, Quebec’s forests appear to breath in a video; and award announcements for: US custom woodworkers; SFI leaders; and Scottish structural timber designers.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Is your workplace ready for legalized marijuana? WorkSafeBC launches campaign to raise awareness about impairment in the workplace.

Elsewhere: strike action ends at Tolko; the San Group adds a shift in Port Alberni; Burns Lake looks to mill poplar; two sawmills expand in Ontario; Weyerhaeuser opens mill in Arkansas; Irving’s plea deal is questioned; and Resolute wins award for reducing its carbon emissions.

Meanwhile: BC seeks better buildings; NJ considers wood safety reforms; controlled burns are promoted in BC; Utah’s trembling aspen giant is collapsing; Michigan’s history of forest clearing is panned; and the future of the Amazon lies in Brazil’s election.

Finally, US builder confidence rises and SFI awards go to Brian Kernohan (Conservation Leadership) and Bettina Ring (President’s Award).

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

British Columbia’s interior forest sector has yet another hurdle to contend with. After summer fires and political face-offs, interior workers are on strike. Vice president of the Steelworkers union, Paul French said they are sending a “message to negotiators that employees are serious about their demands”. At Tolko’s Lakeview mill the strike affects about 50 employees. 

In the eastern US – forest workers are facing a very different challenge. A rare frog is the force behind a court case involving Weyerhaeuser and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

But the news isn’t all doom and gloom, in Ontario an outdoor education teacher is responsible for planting 8,000 trees, as part of the Ontario government’s 50 Million Tree program; and Canfor is pleased to share their recent company and employee awards – congratulations!

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change is implicated in the loss of insect abundance in some tropical forests, and is hyperalarming—given its impact on the broader ecosystem. In related news: climate change may also threaten the availability and economic accessibility of beer; Canadian MPs debate the recent UN report; and more investment is sought for Ontario’s Biomass Innovation Cluster.  

In other news: Paper Excellence targets Asia with its Catalyst purchase; Tolko curtails production at its Quest Wood mill in BC; prescribed burning takes hold in Washington state, hurricane Michael may have implications for Florida’s forest sector and its building code; and California utilities shut off power amid wildfire concerns.

Finally, the US National Forest Week starts next week and the American Forest and Paper Association has plans to celebrate.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Interfor plans to cut production in the BC Interior due to declining lumber prices and rising log costs; Santa Fe construction costs keep rising; timber theft is a growing problem on Vancouver Island; and cross laminated timber use is allowed in the UK despite combustible cladding ban.

In Forestry news: BC Woodlot awards go to the Thompson family, Charles Bloom Secondary School and Saulteau First Nations; a UBC conference touts the climate change credentials of urban forests; an Ontario forest is at risk due to the departure of a single bald eagle; a new Council is formed to help address Canada’s plant health risks; and forestry practices are good for Washington state.

Finally, Pakistan’s 10 billing tree tsunami is already taking root.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Hurricane Michael’s path of destruction decimated areas with older houses and mobile homes with insured loses estimated at eight billion. Elsewhere, BC’s pipeline explosion takes down a Tolko mill; Western Forest Products suspends its Ladysmith operation due to a log shortage; Boise Cascade purchases Arling Lumber; and Catalyst Paper’s sale to Paper Excellence gets union endorsement.

In Forestry news: a new documentary pans old growth logging in BC; the Sierra Club endorses proportional representation in BC referendum; salvage logging in Quesnel is deemed bad news for the endangered fisher; forest thinning is helping with Oregon’s wildfires; and Southern timber prices are more complicated than just “too many trees“.

Finally, Bill Dumont says Green MLA attacks on BC natural resource professionals are not in the public’s interest.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The most powerful hurricane on record to hit Florida’s Panhandle left wide destruction and at least two people dead. In related news: Forbes Magazine asks – what kind of architecture best withstands hurricanes [wood of course], while flooding in North Carolina renews the debate over logging and wood pellets. Elsewhere: BC’s natural gas explosion closes three Canfor mills; Irving pleads guilty to three pollution charges in New Brunswick; and ND Paper plans to reopen the Old Town mill in Maine.

In other news: mass timber is hyped in New York City and Hamilton, while Charlottetown adopts new code to allow taller wood structures; BC and Washington pledge habitat protection; Ireland’s forestry boom is panned; and Europe’s forests may not help fight climate change.

Finally, Vicki Christiansen, the US Forest Service Chief, took the interim off her title; and an acornucopia erupts in Washington DC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

BC leaders welcome Paper Excellence’s purchase of Catalyst Paper’s three remaining mills, notwithstanding its aging workforce. In other Business news: the Steelworkers start job action with an overtime ban in northern BC; softwood lumber exports are up in Europe but down in Canada; and Russia is expanding its role in China’s lumber industry.

In Forestry/Climate news: an Ontario First Nation bans clear-cut logging; roadless advocates dominate Alaska hearings; Oregon loggers say wood products are part of the climate solution; US south plantation forests are causing timber prices to fall; and the loss of forests worldwide is ten-fold less [or more], depending on your data source.

Finally, the largest cross laminated timber building in the world takes the spotlight in London.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

UN report says climate change worse than expected; forest restoration and long-lived wood products touted as part of the actions required. The headlines include: 

• Climate change impacts worse than expected (National Geographic)
• No change to Canada’s climate plans with UN report (Canadian Press)
• Save trees, restore forests to curb climate change (The Straight Times)
• The world has just over a decade to get climate change under control (Washington Post)
• Climate refugia crucial to saving bird species from global warming (Globe and Mail)

In Business news: the Woodworking Network on lumber production trends; the low-down on hardwood lumber by Merchant Magazine; and a Wall Street Journal expose on plywood tariff-dodges due to the US/China trade battle. Elsewhere: fire risk labels proposed for wood joists in Ontario; part 2 of a series on wildfires in Oregon; and common ground among fire scientists in the US West.

Finally; the first woman receives Society of American Foresters award for outstanding forestry education.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor
 

Scientists say forests are the ‘unsung hero’ of climate action in advance of Monday’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. In related news: NRCan’s chief scientist uses LiDAR to assess forest change; a Georgia professor is measuring the pros and cons of increased CO2 on tree growth; the World Resource Institute has a new report on the value of tropical forests; and a Chinese researcher says mixed forests can absorb twice as much carbon.

In other news: Mercer International is acquiring two Daishowa-Marubeni’s mills; BC signed a reconciliation agreement with the Sechelt First Nation; BC’s movie industry goes green with FSC; the construction revolution goes modular with CLT; and the US is not invited to Canada’s 13-nation meeting on the WTO.

Finally, a death cap mushroom advisory is put out in BC; and can legalization of cannabis save our forests?

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian Forest Industries top 10 forestry leaders under 40, and the Business Intelligence Group’s 50 global business awards were announced yesterday. In other business news: the Steelworkers issued 72 hour strike notice in BC; and more commentary on the new NAFTA et al:

• Dissecting the new USMCA deal (Nova Scotia)
• Canada can claim partial success in USMCA (Canadian Press)
• New trade agreement would hinge on cooperation (Ohio)
• Tariffs may lead to costly headaches for home builders and remodelers (Washington Post)
• The price of The Donald: The president’s tariffs undercut his progress on trade (Dallas)
• Quarterly lumber prices level but energy costs are going up (Engineering News)

In Forestry news: virtual reality is being use to engender empathy for old growth forests in BC; an off-duty border agent is fined for causing a wildfire in Arizona; forest carbon offsets are opposed in Oregon; and Montana’s forests could adapt to pine beetles if we let them.

Finally, a wooden laptop made from recycled wood and paper will last three times longer and patina with age!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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