Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

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

Just over a month away, the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference and Exhibition (the largest event of its kind in Canada) is showcasing an impressive list of presenters and exhibitors. The BC Community Forest Association is hosting their 2018 AGM at the site of BC’s first community forest – Burns Lake; and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative says “Forests are the Answer” – find out why at their annual conference in Colorado. 

Headline highlights:

• The first mass-timber building on Vancouver Island is coming to Esquimalt;
• The Alberta forestry sector fears labour disruption at CP Rail will make a “tough situation even worse”;
• Snow loads in Terrace expose poor building conditions at Skeena Sawmills impacting modernization plans;
• and an activist for the forest industry and Whitecourt Alberta city councillor, Ray Hilts, speaks up about woodland caribou, the forest sector and support for his community. 

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Controversial EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt declared that burning trees is carbon neutral “when used for energy production at stationary sources”. Perspectives include:

• Reflects long-standing scientific principles and Congressional Direction (AF&PA)
• Encourages  landowners to keep their land in trees (Georgia Forestry Assoc.)
• The notion is contentious among scientists (Washington Post)
• Burning trees will exacerbate climate change and harm public health (Sierra Club)

In other news: CN Rail’s new boss is moving quickly to ease congestion; Halifax is considering restricting flyer delivery; and Treehugger has Michael Green’s presentation at the opening of StructureCraft’s new Dowel Laminated Timber plant in BC. 

Finally, flashback to Caddyshack! An attempt to burn a woodchuck out of a hole leads to a forest fire in Maine. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Happy Earth Day 2018! The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Treehugger celebrated by promoting the benefits of well-managed forests. Elsewhere: Oregon highlighted the potential of forests to make them the first carbon-neutral state; the EU is making moves to boost the emissions absorbed by their forests; and the Dailer Caller says “we need to chop down more trees“. 

Companies in the news include:

• BC Premier calls a meeting to protect Catalyst Paper and the paper export industry
• Mackenzie Pulp Mill is fined $900,000 for leaking effluent into a BC lake
• The Nova Scotia pulp and paper industry continues to flourish
• Resolute Forest Products celebrated 250,000 hours without an injury

Finally, while BC is seeking input on their Caribou recovery program; two BC First Nations are already using calf maternity programs to reverse the decline.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After nearly half century, Earth Day (this Sunday)—celebrated by more than 192 countries—is considered the world’s largest secular holiday. In related news: the USDA says urban America is losing 36 million trees a year; and the New York Times features the importance of intact forest landscapes in the Amazon.

Companies in the news include:

• West Fraser CEO Ted Seraphim to retire in 2019, Ray Ferris to take the helm
• Pinnacle pellets secures longterm contract with a Japanese conglomerate
• Unifor calls for federal action on behalf of five Canadian paper mills
• Corner Brook Pulp and Paper re: US tariffs and changing contractors

In Wood Product news: a manufacturing glitch is blamed for the CLT panel failure in Oregon; a six-storey wood frame construction fire burns in Saskatchewan; and the University of Northern BC is recognized for heating its building with wood pellets.  

Finally, Penn State forestry and nursing students team up for a real-world forest trauma exercise.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s economy is benefiting from US growth and the forest sector is doing well despite American tariffs and constraints on timber supply. In other Business news: BC leaders are meeting to discuss the impact of tariffs on Catalyst Paper; CN is addressing its transportation woes by increasing boxcar capacity; and an Alberta economist is refusing to share the stage with David Suzuki.

In other news: the USDA promotes awareness of fire challenges in the wildland urban interface; a Wisconsin fire chief says he didn’t have the facts when he criticized heavy timber; an Earth Day founder supports building with CLT; prefabricated mass-timber construction is touted as the model for the future; and the first full CLT building opens in California.

Finally, here’s your guide to the best wine wood and food pairings for this grilling season.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

With fire season upon us in BC, ecologist Bob Gray is working to fireproof the community of Cranbrook with increased logging. In the post-wildfire areas of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, officials reduced salvage-log volumes—timber interests warn this will increase carbon release while conservation groups accuse industry of an “old-growth grab“. 

Drought in a rainforest? According to the Weather Network it’s happening in Alaska. And climate change might be helping speed natural regrowth in eastern US forests where a new study suggests increased temperatures increase the pace of reforestation.

Did you know that fitting your new car with real wood trim can boost the price tag and the weight of your vehicle? Korea suggests you put a cork in it – literally! 

—Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

US builder confidence index—which foreshadowed the last housing bust—fell for the fourth straight month as lumber tariffs and lot availablability weighed on builder confidence (cup half empty?); but the ratings are still strong and reflect confidence in housing demand (cup half full?). Elsewhere: CN Rail apologizes and seeks solutions for Prince George’s shipping backlog; and Resolute and Unifor reach a tentative four year labour deal. 

In other news: Skeena Sawmills plans to build a pellet plant in Terrace BC; a Lakeview Oregon plant plans to convert wood waste into aviation fuel; the Canadian wood recycling sector is positioned for growth; and forests and forest products are touted as part of the climate change solution.

Finally, Vancouver has its first certified forest therapy guide: “The forest is the therapist – the guide opens the door“.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Forest Minister Doug Donaldson announced funding to protect and increase BC’s caribou population last Friday. Meanwhile, a Vancouver Island coalition is calling on his government to protect drinking water; and a retired forester counsels AAC caution due to uncertainty of climate change’s impact on BC’s second growth forests.

Companies in the news include:

• No tax relief for Domtar and Tolko due to the closure of Lafarge’s cement plant in Kamloops
• EACOM calls attention to nationwide skilled worker shortage in forestry
• Ontario fines Domtar’s Espanola pulp and paper mill for 2016 spill
• Idaho Forest Group acquires Merritt Brothers’ finger joint mill in Idaho
• Kane Hardwood dimension mill is closing in northern Pennsylvania

Finally, the newest threat to California’s redwoods is… the cannabis industry; and the BC Forest Safety Council raises awareness of the hazards posed by wildfires and beetle-kill stands.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forestry and other business groups are urging the BC government to save the Trans Mountain pipeline for reasons that include concern for investor confidence. Meanwhile: Megan Thomas (CBC) compares the dispute to BC’s 1993 War in the Woods; and Tristan Hopper (National Post) notes the hypocracy—given that Vancouver is North America’s largest exporter of coal (and a bargaining chip in the softwood lumber dispute). 

In company news: West Fraser and Western Forest Products stocks get high ratings; a one-in-100-year rainfall leads to a culvert lawsuit against Weyerhaeuser; and the BC Court of Appeal orders a new trial on Canfor’s forest fire watch obligations.

Finally, a new census shows dire situation for BC’s caribou; and a mélange of algae, eucalyptus and bioenergy could help make CO2 vanish from thin air.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

According to EDC Canada, the value of Canadian forestry exports will grow 16 per cent this year despite uncertainty about trade protectionism and NAFTA. Meanwhile, Unifor released a video on the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on Canada paper mills. 

In other news: Domtar plans to reduce emissions in Kamloops; Ontario provides an extension for forest management related to species at risk; Desmog Canada promotes their video on logging’s impact on Caribou; and fire funding changes passed by Congress are lauded in Oregon and Washington.

Finally, a Wisconsin fire chief lumps CLT in with “lightweight laminates“; and cob structures use six times less energy than regular wood-frame construction.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Softwood lumber dominates today’s headlines: Don Kayne (Canfor) says the Softwood Lumber Board has created a billion board feet of demand; Andrew Hecht (Seeking Alpha) says lumber prices are at record levels; and Dave Elstone (TLA) says the “increased cash flow isn’t making its way to truck loggers”.

In other news: Jon Moore (WD Moore Logging) sees changes in Winter Harbour; Frank Dottori (White River Forest Products) is modernizing his mill; Steve Zika (Hampton Lumber) is positive on 2018; and WTO’s creation of two dispute settlement panels is now official.

Finally, Alaska transitions to second growth logging in the Tongass and Vermont passes a bill with the “rebuttable presumption” that logging is not a nuisance.

Show your support for anti-bullying – get your pink-on!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite US opposition, two WTO dispute settlement panels were established yesterday in Geneva to review the softwood lumber dispute [a free temporary subscription is available to read the whole story]. In related news: the National Association of Home Builders said [on Fox News] that the lumber tariffs are “killing the US construction industry”; transportation shortages have dramatically reduced Canadian lumber exports to the US; and NAFTA talks are now being fast-tracked.

In other news: the Public and Private Workers of Canada [formerly the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers union] criticize the BC government for not supporting rural communities and for continuing log exports; high snowpack may lead to floods in wildfire-ravaged BC; and California’s cap-and-trade program is being used “to keep trees in the ground” in Alaska.

Finally who knew soiling your undies could be so much fun? …the Soil Conservation Council of Canada suggests you test your soil’s health!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Council of Forest Industries conference wrapped up last week with: Premier Horgan’s vision for the BC forest sector; CEO’s urging cooperation in the face of challenges and—not surprisingly—a focus on access to fibre. In other Business news:

• Colin Robertson says it’s “lets make a deal” time for NAFTA
• Marc Brinkmeyer says lumber prices will fall 20% as Canadian imports rise
• North Carolina builder Matt Neil says lumber tariffs are raising home prices.

In Forestry news: ENGOs raise alarm over BC logging near critical whale habitat; BC adds funds to restore wildfire damaged forests; there’s no offseason for wildfire prevention in South Dakota; and a US report by a team of fire ecologies titled “everything you wanted to know about wildland fires”.

Finally, Oregon is betting that the skyscrapers of the future will be wooden, not the steel-boned towers seen today.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Ministers Donaldson and Ralston announced the recipients of monies totalling $7.8 million to promote the use of BC wood overseas, advance wood building systems and products, and expand global markets. Also at COFI: federal Minister Marc Garneau is bullish on NAFTA and softwood lumber; Duncan Davies (Interfor) says it “will boil down to goodwill between Trump and Trudeau”; and columnist Neil Godbout says despite its problems, the sector continues to turn “bitter lemons into sweet lemonade.” 

In other news: ERA’s Kevin Mason explains why lumber prices are at 5-year highs (video); BC Premier Horgan speaks to the importance of social licence in Merritt; Wildfire forecasters predict trouble for BC this year; and biomass plant openings are celebrated in California and New Mexico.

Finally, giving millennials what they want (tons of wood) in Austin, and timber makes its debut in Europe’s first eco-mosque.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

More than 500 forest industry leaders have gathered in Prince George for COFI’s annual conference to talk turkey and tariffs (and supply shortages, and pest threats and labour force turnover…). In related news: the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement is hailed by the Business Council of BC, COFI and others; and FEA Canada (Wood Markets) released its annual survey of the “top 20” Canadian and US lumber producers.

In Forestry news: The BC Forest Practices Board is on the lookout for a new chair; Tolko is retooling for burnt timber; Cowichan Valley is reducing the danger of fires in “interface areas”; and Iceland is reforesting lands cleared by the Vikings a millennia ago. 

In Wood news; an engineer explains how tall wood can meet Ontario’s Building Code; mass timber is celebrated in Montreal; Toronto; and Sudbury; while the US concrete industry says this type of construction is “fueling fires nationwide“.

Finally, a back-to-the-future moment as paper straws are reintroduced as the solution to plastic straws in our landfills; and cell towers are disguised as… pine trees!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite lumber tariffs, forest companies in Western Canada are booming according to The Motley Fool. Strengthening demand from China, a recovering US housing market and improving efficiencies are behind soaring stock prices for Canfor, West Fraser and Interfor. Meanwhile, the union that represents forest sector workers across Canada is crafting an agreement with Resolute Forest Products that Unifor rep Stephen Boon says will form a template for the rest of the country and “reflect workers’ priorities”. 

In Wood news, insurers are being advised to “take a second look” when writing risks for tall wood structures; and manufacturers of MDF and hardwood plywood face new formaldehyde standards – the president of the Composite Panel Association explains. 

Community forests are in the news:

• Haida Gwaii Community Forest –  locals expectations differ from what government is suggesting;
• Logan Lake Community Forest turned a profit this year and they were “happy to give it back to the District of Logan Lake”;
• Valemount Community Forest is restructuring, transferring assets to a new Limited Partnership.

The Council of Forest Industries opens their annual convention today in Prince George. We wish COFI and conference delegates a successful event.

–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Although high lumber demand and prices have “turned down the volume on the softwood dispute“, it exposes the US industry claim of injury as “preposterous”, according to Susan Yurkovich of the BC Lumber Trade Council. In related news: The high cost of low-grade lumber is creating havoc for pallet manufacturers; and a western publisher speaks to the “weak argument for newsprint tariffs“.

In Health & Safety news: how Canada’s national public alert system will work for wildfire and biological threats; how noisy forestry jobs impact hearing loss in the US; and how forest safety certification is working in New Zealand. 

Finally: Arbor Day celebrations (America’s oldest environmental holiday) are announced; Project Learning Tree is creating green jobs in Canada; and a new App for invasive species is tested in Illinois.

If you were off searching for eggs yesterday, you may also want to check out yesterday’s full-house of news.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Forestry commentators and critics dominate the Easter weekend headlines. In Mongabay, an article on the effectiveness (or not) of advocacy campaigns on forest conservation (with a focus on the Great Bear Rainforest). Elsewhere: It’s time to press BC’s NDP/Green government to take our forests back; Community-run forests could reverse depressing news about Nova Scotia’s forests; and NY State logging results in damaged roads, concerned residents.

On a more positive note: White pine blister rust-resistant trees are making headway in Idaho; Climate trends and forest impacts are being tracked in Nova Scotia; researchers in Minnesota are trying to replace coal with torrefied biomass; and a “wildfire whodunit that will make your head spin“.

In Business news: more push back from small US publishers on newsprint tariffs; an Ontario wood pellet mill is expanding; and Westervelt plans to build a new lumber mill in Tuscaloosa.

Finally, Canfor gets high praise for its efforts to improve air quality in Prince George, BC.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A US media alliance formed to fight tariffs on Canadian newsprint is making progress in raising awareness of the risks to publishers—with the help of Superman. Related stories appeared in Florida and Michigan. In other Trade news: Canada’s ambassador to the US is promoting trade in Virginia; the US trade representative has little faith that softwood lumber will be resolved soon; and Jack Mintz opines about today’s “dumbed-down” trade deals.

In Forestry news: West Fraser gets high marks on its TFL 52 audit; Newfoundland is increasing its harvest levels; and NRCan is exploring the use of wood has as a forest fertilizer. On the campaigner front: the Sierra Club says BC’s rainforests are as rare as white rhinos; and Biofuelwatch says the use of biotechnology in forests is another ill-conceived human intervention likely to add to our crises. 

Finally, a gaggle of stories in support of wood, wood pellets, mass timber and climate change, including Christ’s “crown of thorns” tree.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC’s Southern Caribou herd continues to decline in numbers; herbicides are being blamed for Moose deaths in the Prince George area; logging threatens a Tennessee trout stream; and the southern pine beetle is expanding its range northward towards Albany New York. In other news: New York’s Governor want to provide tax incentives to keep trees standing; and a comparison of the Finnish and Swedish forestry machine market.

Companies in the news include:

• Tolko reopens shuttered OSB plant (after 8 years) in High Prairie
• DLA Piper named one of BC’s Top Employers (again)
• Fortress adds 5th digester, pulp production ramps up
• EACOM supports families of workforce injuries

Finally, a Maine company has found a new way to combine two of the Frog’s passions – forest products and craft beer, in the form of beer coasters!

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Greenpeace International is withdrawing from the Forest Stewardship Council saying it is “failing to protect natural forests from exploitation“, however each national branch will make their own decisions about continuing with FSC. In other news: the Nova Scotia forestry review isn’t broad enough for some; Minnesota’s logging industry is in limbo due to energy plant closures; and South Dakota appears to have turned the corner on its pine beetle epidemic.

In Business news: BC firms revolt over government plans to shift medical costs to them; the US News Media Alliance says Canadian newsprint is not the enemy – tariffs are; and the Bangor Daily News says Governor LePage “may have opened up a Pandora’s box”. Companies in the news include:

• Provincial tax relief helped Tolko re-open its High Prairie mill
• Rail car shortages have created a backlog at Canfor and other BC mills
• Settlement in a US paper tariff may see duties refunded to Irving et al
• A lumber and chip truck collision results in a fatality near Dunkley mill
• Backcountry access through Island Timberlands‘ lands is multi-faceted

Finally, Al Thorlakson is recognized for his business leadership, and a smoking elephant seeks charcoal for its toxin-binding and laxative properties. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

To highlight climate change, in countries around the world, people were switching off their lights for Earth Hour, except perhaps in BC where an uptick in power usage was reported. In related news: a study suggests half of Alberta’s boreal forest could disappear due to wildfires and climate change; while an EU report points to how the forest sector helps address climate change. 

In Wood product news: Portland is considering CLT for its airport expansion; while the CLT panel failure at Oregon State University spurs critics of mass timber. Elsewhere, recycled cardboard pallets are introduced in Germany; and the challenge of implementing a Wood First policy is discussed in New Zealand.

Finally, BC Minister Donaldson says the level of raw log exports is not acceptable; Alberta’s caribou recovery plan won’t occur without federal funds; Maine’s Governor is to be investigated over a possible timber diversion, and the US Federal spending bill is described as a “shift in the right direction” for wildfire funding.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Although the US-China trade war has the Globe and Mail’s Barrie McKenna seeing good and bad; global trade of softwood lumber is reported at an all-time-high; and US consumption is forecast to reach record-highs by 2030. Interestingly, non-residential construction is forecast to grow at the fastest rate; Ontario’s tall wood bill is back on the table; and Portland is considering CLT for its International Airport expansion.

The US Congress passed a Bill that includes a major overhaul for wildfire funding. The massive spending Bill also revives funding for rural communities whose economies relied on federal timber harvesting; and upholds protections for the Tongass National Forest.

Finally: the neutrality of wood pellets; the carbon benefits of forest management; the impact of climate change on forests; the carbon footprint of paper; and how many trees does it take to cool the planet?

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The way firefighting is funded in the US will change dramatically following the introduction of “must-pass” legislation—a $1.3 trillion federal spending plan—which includes funding wildfires similarly to other natural disasters.

In other Forestry news:

• Ken Wu is in New Zealand warning about old-growth cedar imports
• The USFS Chief launches review of sexual misconduct in the agency
• An Alberta caribou specialist says protecting caribou doesn’t jeopardize jobs

In Business news: US lumber tariffs remain controversial in Maine; state newspaper organizations gathered in Florida to discuss newsprint tariffs; and the Swanson Group petitions for relief caused by Canadian lumber imports. On mass timber: more on BC and Washington State’s respective code leadership efforts; the CLT failure in Oregon; and an op-ed noting that CLT-wood “is only as good as the forest from which it came“.

Finally, emergency alerts will be mandatory on Canadian cell phones and it turns out elephant dung is an excellent source of cellulose for paper manufacturing.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor