Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Billion-dollar construction startup Katerra’s acquisition of Michael Green Architecture suggests “intriguing possibilities for tall timber“, according to Curbed Magazine. In related news, Steve Cavanaugh of DLR Group, tells the story behind the US’s largest mass timber building—T3 in Minneapolis.

Companies making headlines today include:

• Interfor signs an MOU with the Penticton Indian Band
• Catalysts sells it US assets to focus on Canadian operations
• Kalesnikoff Lumber takes care of its people and forests
• Aspen Planers passes a BC Forest Practices Board audit
• CP Rail settles with Teamsters, ending one day strike
• The Resolute / Greenpeace lawsuit is now in court
• Canfor wins an NRCan energy efficiency award
• TimberWest releases its 2017 sustainability progress report
• Tolko supplies log booms for beachfront protection

Finally, a few forestry stories of note: Manitoba seeks to resurrect Pineland Forest Nursery; the USFS says “fire seasons” have become “fire years” due to climate change; and tree rings are helping measure Arizona’s mega drought.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Design/build giant Katerra is growing with its announced purchase of renowned architectural firm Michael Green Architecture. Katerra also plans to open a CLT plant in Spokane Washington. In related news: a video by Seeker makes the case for skyscrapers made of wood and covered with plants.

In other Business news: CP Rail has reached a tentative agreement with its union; an Edmonton energy company plans to build a torrefied pellet plant in McBride BC; Weyerhaeuser is taking heat from community leaders; and the Alabama Forestry Association announced their picks for the 2018 election.

In Forestry news: critics speak out on old growth logging in BC; professional reliance (also in BC); over-logging in Nova Scotia and forest certification in Indonesia. Elsewhere: Nova Scotia promises to reduce old growth logging and Syracuse is using biotech to bring back the American chestnut tree.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A potential strike at CP Rail adds to industry’s rail capacity woes; while the closure of the Huron Central Railway would be particularly traumatic for EACOM. In other Business news: industry leaders in Ontario want a better natural resources strategy; and the Lesprom Network reveals who’s up (Russia) and who’s down (Canada) when it comes to softwood lumber shipments to China.

In Forestry news; the Ancient Forest Alliance is working hard to generate news coverage about old growth logging on Vancouver Island; the Montreal Economic Institute raises cost concerns of protecting the caribou; the U of New Hampshire says reduced harvesting in Maine can increase carbon uptake; a Vancouver lumberjack wins a world title in France and new research finds tall Amazon forests are three-times less sensitive to drought than short forests. 

Finally, Chinese researchers make supercapacitors—touted as the future of batteries—from wood.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

HGTV personality Mike Homes makes the case for the use of engineered wood (in the National Post), while Australia’s Lendlease Group provides a first look inside the world’s largest engineered timber office building (by gross floor area).

Companies in the news include: Mercer delisting from the Toronto Stock Exchange; EACOM appoints Wade Zammit as VP and COO; Catalyst Paper sells its US mills to a Chinese paper group; and Port Hawkesbury Paper’s stumpage rates are panned.

Elsewhere: BC Minister Donaldson plans to grow BC’s Community Forests; the Ancient Forest Alliance is targeting Port Alberni forests; BC First Nations struggle with development/protection tradeoffs; and fires are a burning in or near Kananaskis; Kamloops; Calgary; Fort St. John; as well as in New Mexico and Norway.

Finally, our condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of William Pye, a sawmill employee with Rayonier Advanced Materials (Tembec) in Chapleau, Ontario, who died in an accident Friday.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With summer temperatures on the rise, weather, wildfires and public safety dominate the news headlines:

• Weather co-operating with evacuation in Manitoba
• Hot, dry weather in forecast increases BC wildfire risk
• Public safety plays second fiddle in Jasper, Alberta
• Safety concerns dominate Prince George road change meeting
• Gov. Brown’s wildfire plan may make things worse in California

Other forest newsmakers include: Pete Erickson (Nak’azdli First Nation) on the need for balance in BC; Rhys Andrews, (Selkirk College) on their new high-tech research program; Adam Ford (UBC-Okanagan) re: fire’s impact on mule deer; and Jeff Bishop (Forest Nova Scotia) on why forestry workers are a “misunderstood bunch”.

Finally, a prelude to delisting the Grizzley in Montana and a reprise on yesterday’s good-news Softwood Lumber Board story (along with our Tree Frog commentary).

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite trade differences, US & Canadian lumber companies voted overwhelmingly to continue the softwood lumber check-off program—a nation-wide promotion program—which is great news and music to the ears of this Tree Frog. In related news: the House passed a third-party bill requiring the Canadian government to consider wood in federal infrastructure projects; Canada’s newest architecture school features CLT; and modular CLT may help address the UK’s dire need for housing.

Elsewhere, awards abound: a sampling includes: FPAC’s Lifetime Achievement to  Michael Jordan (posthumously) of Canfor; FPAC’s Women in Forestry Award of Excellence to Tanya Wick of Tolko; FPAC’s Rising Star Award to Matthew Buxton of Canfor; and FPAC’s Forest Community Champion Award to Richard Cannings, MP South Okanagan-West Kootenay. And here are a few awards courtesy of the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities.

Finally; an Alberta drone test may offer cheaper reforestation; an Oregon online tool raises wildfire awareness; and the pellet industry seeks to bridge biomass’s ideological divide.

–Kelly Mccloskey, Tree Frog Editor

DEMO International 2020—the “all live and in action, in-woods” equipment show—is officially set for the Ottawa/Gatineau area Sept 24-26, 2020. In other news: BC seeks input to update its wildlife management strategy; some old growth defies urbanization in the US; China log and lumber imports are up three-fold in 10 years; and New Zealand log exports just hit record levels.

Elsewhere: Huron Central Railway threatens to drop its service in northeastern Ontario; US Senators are urging support for the Timber Innovation Act; and Toronto’s iconic skyline gets a wooden makeover. Here’s why?

Finally, a Montana wildlife worker who recently landed her dream job researching grizzly bears is recovering from a bear attack.

–Kelly Mccloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Speaking to more than 600 wildfire professionals, Interim US fire chief Vicki Christiansen says last year’s wildfires set records on acreage burned, money spent and manpower employed. If that’s not enough, she’s also fighting for “prescribed burns” and against “workplace cruelty“. In related wildfire news: BC Minister Donaldson toured areas devastated by fires in the Cariboo Region; while the benefits of post-fire logging are being debated in California and Oregon.

In other news: BC expanded its logging contractor relief fund to include silviculture companies; Alaska Airlines is switching from plastic to white birch and bamboo utensils; and tall wood towers are being pitched in Auckland and the Big Apple.

Finally, Tom Fletcher tries to make sense of BC’s climate policy noting that “if weather and climate were as predictable as gravity, making policy choices would be less risky”.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Climate change, the boreal forest, carbon emissions and more. Here are the headlines:

• Canada’s parks are being ‘loved to death’ (Canadian Press)
• CO2 emissions estimate from 2014 fires in Canada’s boreal forest (Arizona U)
• World’s largest boreal forest park the product of cooperation (Edmonton Journal)
• Dr. Suzuki, here’s some boreal forest to chew on (Calgary Herald)
• New fund to help reduce the impacts of climate change (Government of Canada)
• BC public supports forest rehab to address climate change (U of Victoria)
• Climate change broadens threat of emerald ash borer (U of Waterloo)
• ‘Shocking’ human impact reported on world’s protected areas (BBC News)

In other news: the lack of agreement on NAFTA may have an upside; BC’s contractor sustainability review is expected to make a difference; an Oregon teenager who started a wildfire could owe more than he will earn in a lifetime; and allergy sufferers should watch this video.

In celebration of Queen Victoria’s B-day, the frogs will be off on Monday.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US housing starts fell for the second time in April, adding to the woes of tight supply and rising prices. But does the downfall matter? According to Zacks, “no” – as the larger picture is still overwhelming. In other Business news: a Georgian Senator joins the effort to halt newsprint tariffs; Madisons joins Forest2Market on their cloud-based platform; and Vancouver forestry reporter Gord Hoekstra is up for another award.

In Forestry news: Canadian wildfire experts forecast a long, hot wildfire season; Michigan researchers say whole-tree logging does not hinder biodiversity;  a Maryland researcher questions studies that say natural regeneration is more effective; and Indiana climate experts say the state’s forests will likely benefit from longer growing seasons while facing increased floods and droughts.

Finally, APA – the Engineered Wood Association recognized safety excellence of more than two dozen structural panel and engineered wood companies.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Conifex Timber is expanding its US assets in Arkansas and Florida, increasing its US lumber capacity to 550 million board feet. In other Business news: lumber prices continue to soar (Bloomberg); US builder confidence is up again (Washington Post); a bipartisan effort to halt US newsprint tariffs gains support (St. Louis Dispatch); and the cost of climate change is rising for Canadian insurers (Globe and Mail).

Alberta has designated four new provincial parks, creating the world’s largest contiguous protected boreal forest. In other Forestry news: a US research group says higher-resolution remote sensing can reveal more about forest fire recovery; a US fire ecologist says the Southwest needs to burn 5 million acres per year; and EACOM’s 1st female chief forester is encouraging women to join the profession.

Finally, a stark sidebar to a story on US law enforcement fatalities—according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics—the most dangerous occupation by far in 2016 was logging. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With forest fire season in full bloom, the way we prepare for and fight wildfires is making news across the continent. The headlines include:

• Above normal fire risk is forecast across Canada (NRCan)
• The way we prepare for fires must change (BC’s George Abbott)
• Nova Scotia’s largest controlled burn planned for Highlands (Parks Canada)
• Senators look to expand thinning for forest health and fire resistance (Oregon)
• Fire experts warn we have to change our way of thinking (Missoula’s Rob Chaney)

In Business news: US Homebuilders highlight the folly of Trump’s protectionism (in The Hill); the Ontario Alliance questions who will stand up for forestry across the province; an Austrian jet interior maker opens a wood-veneer plant in Quebec; and the Southern Forest Products Association honours Canfor and Weyerhaeuser for their outstanding safety records.

Finally, Ontario receives federal assistance for mass timber demonstration projects; US WoodWorks highlights its blast tests on mass timber’s strength; and Denver gets a wake-up call on the dangers of construction fires.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Are mass timber buildings effectively tinderboxes on steroids? The Architect’s Newspaper questions a campaign by the concrete industry to “ostensibly highlight wood’s shortcomings“. Maybe they just read today’s “spider-topping super wood” story; or watched our video on “fashion and forest fibres” or perhaps they’re just scared of losing market share.

In Forestry news: BC uses pheromone pods to take on the Douglas fir beetle; Pennsylvania consumers are paying to address the emerald ash borer; and New Jersey is using controlled burns to reduce wildfire risk.

Finally, Marketwatch says the current duty-driven lumber prices “aren’t built to last“; while a North Carolina journalist says the main beneficiaries of theses trade spats are “the owners of the land“.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Former cabinet minister George Abbott says BC is unprepared and under-resourced for future wildfire threats and he recommends more prescribed burns. Forest Minister Donaldson says 19 of Abbott’s 108 recommendations are already being implemented. In related news: Governor Brown signs an order to reduce wildfire danger in California.

In Forestry news: Fort St. John’s AAC is affirmed; a hard limit on cedar logging is coming to Haida Gwaii; the oil sands development is having a profound impact on Alberta’s forest fauna; and using fibre for electricity in Europe is harming forests in the US South.

In other news: the US homebuilders association seeks to reverse softwood tariffs;  a broker says the lumber market has “all the hallmarks of an unsustainable bubble“; and the Concrete Association is “flaming the fires” on wood construction in Denver.

Finally, BC protestors fail to convince a judge that civil disobedience is a necessity; while a new documentary blames Greenpeace for the Inuit’s high suicide rate.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

Will an intentional ‘cooling’ of the BC housing market hurt the forest industry? Victor Godin asks the question, adding that 80-plus First Nations in BC depend on the logging sector. Meanwhile, in the US, the cost of goods used in construction continue to climb—lumber and plywood have jumped 11% in the last year. 

From the world of Wood: an entrepreneur is processing trees downed in Ontario’s recent storms in his family sawmill; the Canadian Wood Council says timber bridges showcase the strength and durability of wood; and StructureCraft’s Lucas Epp says of the proposed Toronto timber tower “it’s safe, it’s reliable, it’s cost-efficient”. 

The Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy predicts that fire intensity and frequency will increase due to climate change; The Trump administration has “quietly killed” NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System; while experts in Oregon agree that climates are changing—warmer winters, and hotter, drier summers.

Finally, make way for a new super hero – the American Chemical Society introduces Superman – Man of Cellulose!

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

With Wildfire Awareness Week being kicked-off in California and fire warnings being made across North America, it’s time for the Tree Frog News to open its Forest Fire section. Here are the initial headlines:

• Kootenay BC landowners are urged to prepare for the wildfire season
• Wildfires are a concern in Alberta with conditions worse than last year
• Northwestern Ontario’s forest fire hazard rating is already high to extremely high
• Idaho’s wildfire forecast is above normal due to environmental and climate factors

Canada’s overwhelmed railroads are making news again; a BC Think Tank looks for new opportunities in the Cariboo; kids in the Peace Region learn about science and forestry; Pennsylvanian students hear about how forestry is cool; and Asia Pulp and Paper gets rare accolades for its forest conservation policies. 

Finally, the rise of mass timber buildings is being celebrated in Toronto and Sydney Australia.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The EPA says burning wood to generate power is ‘carbon-neutral.’ Is that true? Tufts Professor Emeritus William Moomaw says “biomass does not introduce new carbon into the system… but it does transfer carbon from forests to the atmosphere”. In related news, Nova Scotia woodlot owners are encouraged to sell carbon credits rather than carbon logs; while California researchers find a way to predict shifts in water and forest carbon levels due to climate change.

In other news: BC urges Ottawa to help with US paper tariffs; BC appoints three new members to its Forestry Practices Board; Canfor announces plans to upgrade it Camden SC mill, the U of Toronto is set to build a 14-storey wood tower; and Canada’s best new buildings receive Governor-General’s Medals.

Finally, Olympic National Park plans to eradicate non-native mountain goats; while Oregon sets aside resources to create a new endangered species plan.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

The Canadian government is one step away from issuing an emergency protection order to protect dwindling caribou herds in Alberta and BC after finding them under imminent threat. In other Forestry news: BC adds firefighters for the upcoming season; Alberta plans to monitor its forest fires by satellite; Nova Scotia approves a pesticide to fight the beech leaf weevil; and Arizona fires have already destroyed 33 homes. 

In Business news: the lumber supercycle means share gains for Canadian forestry companies; while builders in New Mexico and developers in Minnesota blame Trump’s duties for the higher lumber costs. Elsewhere, China ups its quarantine checks on US log imports only days after meetings to ease trade tensions.

Finally, Alberta’s Jason Kenny declares war on the “green left”, BC’s Andrew Weaver says we must “internalize externalities”; and Vancouver’s ‘wood whisperer’ (Brent Comber) provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his studio.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Must be an election brewing—as Ontario Premier Wynne announces an agreement to share forestry revenue with First Nations, while her Natural Resource Minister extends its forestry exemption under the Endangered Species Act. In other Forestry news, Alberta secures caribou protection money from Ottawa, Quesnel hosts future of forestry think tank; Pruitt is criticized in the New York Times for enabling forests to be burned for energy; and a Washington State scientist says future massive fires are inevitable.

In Wood news: the town of Banff is offering rebates to replace shingle roofs; Arizona house fires are down but they’re burning hotter and faster; and in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in London, cladding safety is being tested by BRE (Building Research Establishment Group).

Finally, meet the paramedics that train with helicopters to save BC’s resource workers. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In light of the 2017 wildfire season, the BC government has declared May 5th as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and launched a FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual. In related news: Ontario declares forest fires to be a No Drone Zone; and there’s a sense of relief in Idaho now that the Forest Service has more cash.

In the US, it’s Air Quality Awareness Week and the USDA Forest Service is highlighting the threat wildfire smoke poses to health and safety. In other safety news: a study on the mill shooting in Nanaimo BC focuses on how to prevent mill-workplace violence.

Elsewhere: CN Rail purchases 350 new lumber cars; Universal Forest Products acquires four companies; and SFI elects four new board members.

Finally, FPInnovations speaks to the climate change benefits of timber bridges; and the Softwood Lumber Board highlights the “trickledown effect” of pursuing 18-storey mass timber buildings.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

In Business news: It looks like the pulp and paper sector in Canada has a new bargaining agreement, both Unifor and Resolute have press releases out today; and Skeena Sawmills in Terrace has announced a week long shut down due to log shortages.

Wood innovation and research has arrived in Prince George with the opening of the new state-of-the-art laboratory at the University of Northern BC. Additional funding for tools and research will come from a grant announced by Advanced Education, Skills & Training Minister, Melanie Mark. Where will the students come from? Thanks to a donation from Canfor, the Prince George school district has a new carpentry/trades centre – where youngsters can get excited about hands-on trades. 

Also speaking to staffing and trades, Wood Business has a feature story by David Elstone of the BC Truck Loggers Association discussing the forest industry labour shortfall. 

We leave you with true Froggy Foible this morning – a wood frog who has to cross his legs all winter – for his own survival!

Sandy McKellar — Tree Frog Editor

With just hours remaining before the steel exemptions expired, President Trump extended the deadline to give the NAFTA participants another month to cut a deal. In related news: Unifor boss Dias says it’s time to fight back on US newsprint duties; and Maine’s Governor is under fire again for his so-called “Canada-first trade policy“. 

In Wood product news: construction on Saskatoon’s first six-storey, wood framed building resumes after a fire; a six-storey wood building is going up in tandem with BC’s Site C Dam; Portland’s first high-rise wood building prefabrication includes the electrical system; and the first and largest CLT plant in the eastern US is nearly operational.

Forestry topics of note include concerns about: Canada’s species at risk policies; overwintering fires in BC; community efforts to build wildfire resistance; and severe fires in Oregon’s plantation forests.

Finally, discerning drinkers may soon be able tipple some cedar, birch and cherry beverages.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Has the long awaited lumber cycle finally arrived? Speaking at last week’s NAWLA meeting in Vancouver, Russ Taylor (FEA/Wood Markets) says “maybe/probably” due to the interaction of an almost perfect storm of factors. In other Business news: Hakan Ekstrom (Wood Resources Int.) says US softwood demand will peak in 2030; and Paul Whittaker (AFPA) says problems with rail service are hurting Alberta’s lumber industry.

In other news: Climate change-induced forest fires are threatening conifers in western US; climate models are predicting large scale changes in rainfall in the Amazon and across Asia; and an outbreak of toxic caterpillars is causing havoc in the UK.

Finally, the oak tree planted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump is gone – at least temporarily. It was quarantined.

If there was any doubt about the optimism for softwood lumber, it was allayed at NAWLA’s 2018 Regional Meeting in Vancouver yesterday. In other Business news: NAFTA negotiations are at a critical point as officials seek a deal by Tuesday; the 13 biggest lumber companies increased production by 2.3% in 2017; and the rail crunch is adding to the cost of lumber at a time of record highs.

In other news: Caribou protection policies in Alberta threaten the “northern way of life“; new conservation officers in BC will “lessen human-wildlife conflicts“; and the humble wood pellet has been gaining momentum in Canada while being criticized for contributing to air pollution in Georgia and Louisiana. 

Finally, have you ever wanted to ride along with a log through a saw mill? Well, here’s your chance!

–Kelly McCloskey Tree Frog Editor

One year after the US imposed duties on softwood lumber—per the Canadian Press—”American consumers and not Canadian producers are feeling the pinch”. In related news: FEA/Wood Markets released its global “billion board foot club”; West Fraser announced its Q1 results; and new Alabama Senator Doug Jones calls for an end to “harmful newspaper tariffs.”

In Wood news: Ontario’s mass timber program seeks to allow wood frame up to 14 storeys, supported by new monies for timber research and education. Philadelphia may get its first timber skyscraper, and the Softwood Lumber Board reports that “the future of the industry is in offsite construction”.

Finally, EPA’s declaration that wood is carbon neutral is “a lot more complicated than that“; the US Forest Service has a new website for “wildfire updates“; and workplace safety is top of mind in more than 100 countries as this Saturday is officially a “National Day of Mourning“.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor