Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey,Tree Frog Editor 

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

In Forestry and Fire news:

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloske, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

Here are the notables:

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

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

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

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

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

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

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

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

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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