Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

Pulp and paper mill closures making headlines today include BC’s Port Alice (mill demolition) and Power River (future of mill site), and Ontario’s Espanola mill (pending shutdown). In other Business news: the Softwood Lumber Board reports positive Q2 results; more on Oregon’s mass timber Tech Hub; the compelling case for biophic design; New Hampshire upholds Burgess BioPower veto; and a BC project turns low-grade fibre into densified engineered wood.

In Forestry/Climate news: Ontario’s forests are besieged by numerous stressors; Wisconsin proposes heavier truck loads on more routes; despite critics of carbon credits—a new study says participating companies are leaders, not laggards; researchers examine the impact of climate change on glaciers; and a EU study focuses on glyphosate’s cancer link. 

Finally, Houston’s Jon Seinen receives award for Excellence in Woodlot Management.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC introduced a crowd-sourcing mechanism to protect more old-growth forests. In response: industry calls the fund an innovative approach; the Sierra Club says its a huge shift forward; and the Narwhal says the fund is poised to grow. In other Forestry news: US financial security laws may enable Amazon exploitation; how AI can help prevent the spread of tree diseases; and fire’s impact on California’s prized forests.

In Business news: Canada will not repeal its Impact Assessment Act despite court ruling; the US economy grew by 3.5% in the third quarter as mortgage rates edged up; Weyerhaeuser reported positive Q3 earnings on lower sales; Billerud plans to reduce 350 positions globally; ResourceWise opines on the Smurfit Westrock merger; and Boise Cascade announced four executive promotions.

Finally, here’s how smoky it was in BC and Canada compared to previous years.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser and International Paper reported positive Q3 earnings. In related news: Perry, Florida seeks new buyer for GP’s Foley mill; Masonite acquires Fleetwood Aluminum; the Bank of Canada says interest rates may fall before inflation target is reached; the TD says Canadian homebuilding is holding up ‘pretty well’; and US new home sales rose as prices dropped.

In Forestry/Climate news: a study by Forest Declaration Assessment says deforestation worsened in 2022 despite pledges to restore them; Jennifer Skene, one the report’s authors, says Canada failed to prevent forest degradation; a new study on how American’s view the harms of climate change; and a EU study assesses volumes of tree coverage outside of traditional forests.

Finally, Rob Keen heads up the new Canadian Tree Nursery Association;  Interfor appoints Geoffrey Evans director; and Lynn MacKinlay succeeds Richard Lipman as president of the Wood Manufacturing Council.

Kelly McCloskey

The news is interrupted today as the Frogs do not have power this morning!  When it returns we will finish the news but there are a few stories to read in the meantime.   Stay safe and warm out there. 

Alberta looks to harness AI, while BC considers a new research institute and improving wildfire prediction models. In related news: the USDA on prescribed fire vs wildfires; a Bloomberg report on preventing forest fires by building with wood; two US Reps. say California is preventing good wildfire practices; and Rayonier on why forest products are good for the environment.

In Business news: BC invests in Creston’s J.H. Huscroft expansion; First Nations petition Canfor to stop logging near Chetwynd; Tolko and Vernon Chamber secure support for a national forestry strategy; Western Forest Products/First Nations partnership called the ‘future of forestry‘ in BC; Huber Engineered breaks ground on its Mississippi OSB plant; and Maine is designated a federal hub for forest products. Meanwhile: an RBC report on the future of mass timber in Canada; and US new home sales jumps 12% in September.

Finally, today’s new was interrupted by an early winter storm. Thanks for your patience!

Kelly McCloskey

First Nations reach agreement to acquire 34% interest in Western Forest Products’ TFL 39, in forestry partnership. In other Business news: Atco Wood Products contained a small fire in Fruitvale, BC; Highland Pellets plans to expand into Grenada, Mississippi; the Port of Prince Rupert launches $750,000 expansion project; UPM-Kymmene has a new CEO; and US spending on remodelling is expected to decline 7.7% in 2024. 

In Forestry news: US to create a mass timber hub at Oregon State University, USDA releases report in support of Forest Carbon Markets; a Northern Ontario workshop seeks to resolve caribou protection challenges; ENGOs say the world is off track to end deforestation by 2030; and Australia’s industry releases three new forest position statements.

Finally, can you guess which US state has the most old-growth forests?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper operations at the Paper Excellence Catalyst Crofton mill are being curtailed another month. In related news: Paper Excellence’s CEO may receive a summons from Canada’s Natural Resources committee; Domtar’s Espanola mill is set to close November 30th; and Drax failed to submit an emissions report for its Alberta biomass plant. On the Market front: RBC’s Paul Quinn expects “mixed” Q3 financial results; Canada’s residential construction rose in August; and US homebuyer interest ticked up in Q3.

In Forestry news: BC and Washington collaborate on flood risk; BC data may understate priority old-growth areas; Nova Scotia has a new insecticide for the hemlock woolly adelgid; and California researchers say tree migration is lagging climate zone changes.

Finally, care to test yourself… here’s the 1908 Forest Service Ranger exam.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A new report says US forests are a critical component of the US strategy to mitigate climate change. In related news: BC funds Quatsino First Nation and Western Forest project to measure fertilization’s CO2 impact; and younger trees are found to excell in carbon capture in Europe. In other Forestry news: Canada tables legislation to increase protected park lands; a federal judge probes the delay in minister Guilbeault’s spotted owl order; and Saskatchewan reports a record high fire season, while Oregon experienced a quiet one.

In Business news: Mercer wins court appeal for employee dismissal; Europe may benefit from Canada’s dwindling lumber supply; and inflation is fading in the US, Canada and Europe. Meanwhile: Richard Cannings’ on the truth about Canada’s carbon tax; and David Elstone on why the status quo on wildfire management is no longer a viable path for BC.

Finally, the Softwood Lumber Board announces it’s Mass Timber Competition winners.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

International Paper is closing its containerboard mill in Texas and ceasing two pulp machines (in North Carolina & Florida). In other Business news: Canfor tackles a fire at its Radium Hot Springs mill; BC Institute of Technology presents its vision for a new Trades & Technology Complex; and APA names Doug Asian chair of its Board of Trustees. On the Market front: US single-family housing starts jumped 7% in September, matching Canada’s unexpected rise rise reported yesterday.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: overviews of Canada’s astonishing and record breaking fire season; leveraging indigenous-led forest restoration in BC; a wildfire research centre is proposed for Kamloops, BC; the fundraising potential of Canada’s Mini-Forests; and drought is imperilling the CO2 upside of Europe’s forests. 

Finally, Anne of Green Gables author commemorated with P.E.I. mass timber centre.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Rayonier Advanced Materials is exploring the sale of its pulp and paperboard assets in Temiscaming, Quebec. In other Business news: US lumber dealers elect a new leadership team; the Engineered Wood Association honours John Murphy; and Forest Professional BC seeks a new Deputy Director. On the Market front: Canada’s housing starts jumped 8% in September, the country’s inflation rate slowed to 3.8%; and construction prices no longer driving US inflation.

In Forestry news: a BC First Nation and ENGO’s head to court to save the spotted owl; Dalhousie University will study Nova Scotia’s shift to ecological forestry; Colorado plans to burn slash to reduce wildfire fuels; and New Mexico’s planting program is adjusting for climate impacts.

Finally, Alabama and Virginia debate the impact of biomass’s carbon footprint.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

President Biden recognized the import of US forests and forest products during National Forest Products Week, as did the USDA’s Cynthia West and Brian Brashaw, and the U of Wisconsin. In other Business news: ENGO’s accuse Weyerhaeuser of illegal wastewater release; BC’s Forest Practices Board to audit Tolko’s Revelstoke operations; and Weyerhaeuser wins a worker discrimination claim. Meanwhile: mortgage rates push US builder confidence down again; and recovered paper prices stabilize.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Ontario secures fed funding for tree planting; Nova Scotia defers some herbicide treatments; insurers unite to support BC wildfire victims; what extreme fires seasons of the past can tell us; and new research on the fire resilience of subalpine forests. Meanwhile: tomorrow is National Bioenergy Day which promotes wood-waste energy; and wildfires and drought threaten climate-crucial gains in the Amazon.

Finally, DEMO International 2024 comes to Gatineau and Vancouver to host Woodrise International Congress 2025.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the fed’s environmental impact legislation is largely unconstitutional. In response: Canada’s premiers are pleased, ENGOs raise concerns and Minister Guilbeault plans to ‘course correct’. In other Business news: the staggering impact of Georgia Pacific’s Florida mill closure; and the shuttered Port Alberni mill is hit with a fire. Meanwhile: Jennifer Gunter on BC’s Community Forests; Seth Cassell is Pennsylvania’s new state forester; and Bob Barker, U of Georgia professor and GIS pioneer, dies at 94.

In Forestry news: New York State announces funds for community forestry; Ontario bolsters monies for fire fighting; Alberta’s short window to salvage fire-killed trees; wildfire investigations are launched in BC and the Northwest Territories; and thinking about conservation on a paleontologist’s timescale.

Finally, celebrating the life of Dr. John Worrall via a slideshow, video and event images.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC launched three ‘accelerator tables’ to increase fibre flow between primary and value-added wood manufacturers. In related news: Mercer Mass Timber helps reduce forest waste; and Michigan’s mass timber momentum spurs carpenter training programs. In other Business news: Kamloops Kruger pulp mill looks to utilize burnt wood; the EPA fines DR Johnson Lumber; and certain Louisiana Pacific product claims are found to be ‘uncertain’.

In Forestry news: Ontario adds funding to fight future wildfires; BC’s forest watchdog to investigate massive Shuswap wildfire; an Oregon judge rules ‘large tree’ logging rule is unlawful in Malhuer National Forest; the US Securities Commission looks at climate rules for financial reporting; and a new US study says emerging tree diseases are on the rise.

Finally, yesterday was National Loggers Day in the US. Here’s how some celebrated it. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian government rejected an emergency order request—from its own minister—to prevent logging in two BC watersheds (to protect spotted owls). In related news: BC conservationists say grizzly bears need more habitat protection; the good and bad uses of California biomass; and Indonesia launches a new carbon trading scheme. 

In Business news: BC invests in Woodtone Specialties, and Stuwix Resources; Fastmarkets forecasts growth for Southern Yellow Pine; Russia places restrictions on forest product exporters; Dick’s Lumber acquires Zytech Building Systems; and JPI agrees to a purchase offer by Sumitomo Forestry. 

Finally, 51 days that gripped BC—a look back the fire that jumped Lake Okanagan.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The 2023 Marcus Wallenberg Prize was awarded to Drs Darius Adams, Joseph Buongiorno and Richard Haynes for their forest economic models. In related news: International Paper Grande Prairie receives Alberta Forest Products Association President’s Award; and COFI’s Shawn Lawlor is honoured with a Japanese Housing award. In other Business news: European pulp prices remain fragile; as Sappi closes its Stockstadt mill in Germany and starts consultations on its Belgium pulp mill closure.

In other news: Canada invests in Nova Scotia nature conservation; the US Endowment explores forest carbon market growth; the US government plan seeks to repopulate the Cascades’ grizzlies; Swedish researchers study forest fire’s impact on the ozone layer; and the World Economic Forum speaks to why planting trees matters in the fight against climate change.

Finally, Japan seeks to convert some of its cedar forests to counter hay fever.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC Lumber Trade Council, Ontario and New Brunswick add their voices to last week’s US lumber duty ruling. In other Business news: Rayonier AM to idle its Témiscaming paperboard mill; the ripple-effects of Georgia-Pacific’s Florida mill closure; Resolute’s Wisconsin mill bounce back; ENGO’s want to block Enviva’s energy tax credit; and Paper Excellence owner declines to speak to Canadian committee again. Meanwhile; a sobering View from the Stump forecast on the future of BC’s forest industry.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canadian health associations said climate change is a ‘health emergency‘; a new study says restoring degraded forests may be key for climate; BC encouraged to take bold action on wildfires; and how to stop barred owls from killing spotted owls.  

Finally, what lichens can tell us about climate change and pollution.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A NAFTA Panel says anti-dumping duties applied to Canadian lumber are inconsistent with US law. In related news: Canada’s federal minister Ng and BC Forest Minister Ralston applaud the panel’s ruling. In other Business news: West Fraser is expanding its Newberry, South Carolina sawmill; Ontario invests in two forest projects in the Northwest; Asset Management Group acquires Forico in Australia; and ENGO’s pan Tasmania’s VicForests despite positive audit results.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s wildfires take a toll on wildlife; US embraces logging to reduce fire risk; BC is on verge of declaring end of fire season; Vancouver police expect environmental protests to rise; a Kananaskis logging bridge is in hot water again; and Prince George’s urban forest are threatened by edge effect.

Finally, Two Sides pushes back on plastic industry’s claims about paper-based packaging.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A California study says improving the health of forests reduces wildfire risks and benefits human health. In related news: Revelstoke, BC to feature its energy system at bio-heat summit; and biomass electricity production fell in the UK in 2022. In other news: Canfor is challenging the US softwood duty test; Canada announced $2.9 million for Ontario’s wood manufacturers; Canadian wood treaters say chemical ban could shut them down; and the BC government named 14 members of its Task Force on Emergencies.

In Forestry news: the Natural Resources Defence Council released its 5th report on North American tissue manufacturers; the ‘Bachelorette star’ panned Ontario’s loss of caribou habitat; and the Sierra Club say BC’s old-growth logging is understated.

Finally, half of the world’s amphibian species are said to be threatened, and BC’s mule deer are stressed.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A report credits the US Endowment and Softwood Lumber Board for mass timber’s growing appeal. In related news: three wood projects lead the way in Canadian innovation; Weyerhaeuser makes the case for forest carbon credits; a study on using proactive forest management to prevent carbon loss; new research on young forests as growing carbon sinks; and Russ Taylor’s not-so-optimistic look ahead at 2024’s lumber market.

In other News: BC is eliminating single-use plastics from tree planting, and boosting its emergency preparedness for climate-fueled disasters; environmental protesters target Procter & Gamble’s AGM meeting; the Forest Stewardship Council is revising its complaint and appeals process; and Mosaic’s shares its in-house learning event on Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Finally, the Forest History Society recognizes historian Jamie Lewis and author Mark Kuhlberg.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Western Australia has joined Victoria state in banning commercial logging of native forests. In related news: BC Premier Eby touts old-growth protections amid weekend protests; US senators introduce bill to promote active forest management; Stimson Lumber voices displeasure with US Forest Service; Arizona doubles area treated with prescribed fires; and Montana appeals climate change ruling that says the state isn’t doing enough to protect youth.

In other news: Nelson Bennett writes that reconciliation with First Nations needs to includes economics; Michael Green says its time to move away from steel and concrete; Andrew Waugh creates a warranty-approved timber frame system in the UK; Pallet Enterprise points to new innovations with wood; the BBC says despite the digital trend—paper still rules the waves; and Bloomberg says a US recession is still likely and its coming soon.

Finally, the Prince George helicopter deaths are disclosed; and more on Dr. Worrall’s memorial hike.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A Senate bill encouraging wood use in public buildings passed unanimously in the House of Commons. In related news: Chicago showcases why future cities should be built with wood; the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower is approved in Perth; mass timber is on the rise but what about insurance costs; and a new report on buildings and embodied carbon. Meanwhile: Canada’s GDP was essentially unchanged, while the US reported a 2.1% increase. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the US government released a report on addressing its wildfire crisis; the US Endowment responds to a report on wildfire smoke mitigation; BC’s 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive and costly on record; and researcher say temporary carbon storage in forest has climate value. Meanwhile: reimagining or ruining iconic stories—Winnie, poo and deforestation.

Finally, Sept 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and Orange Shirt Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s GHG emissions rose 2.1% in 2022 but are still 6.4% below 2005 levels. In related news: Minister Wilkinson released Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy; and Jesse Kline makes the case for leveraging free markets to create GHG change. In other Business news: Weyerhaeuser downgraded its 3rd quarter outlook; West Fraser contributed to indigenous housing; updates on the Catalyst Crofton and Skeena Sawmill situations; and no names yet on helicopter that crashed, killing two near Prince George.

In Forestry/Climate news: EU forest degradation regulations in Canada’s crosshairs; court order preventing logging protests at Fairy Creek expires; windows smashed at World Forestry Center conference; new efforts launched to save the Whitebark Pines on US national park lands; and what’s in store for 2024 after Canada’s record wildfire season. 

Finally, the Canadian Institute of Forestry announced it 2023 award winners; and the Canadian Wood Council has a new-look brand.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence announced the resumption of pulp operations at its Catalyst Crofton mill, but paper operations remain curtailed. In other Business news: two die in a helicopter crash involving forestry surveyors in Prince George; Microsoft signs a carbon capture deal for biochar; McDonald’s uses mass timber in Brazil, opens Lead Zero Carbon restaurant in Hong Kong; and Structurlam, LP, Boise and Tolko win APA Safety and Health Awards.

In Forestry/Climate news: FSC Canada launched a new standard for smaller forest holders; Arizona’s timber industry faces near collapse; Brazil declares emergency as drought hits Amazon forests; the Pacific Logging Congress features high-tech advancements; and ENGOs plan forestry protests in British Columbia and Oregon. 

Finally, state-of-the-art robotic dog employed by Drax UK will enhance safety.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The BC Supreme Court has appointed a receiver for Skeena Sawmills and its affiliates. In other Business news: Canfor’s VIDA signs deal to buy a sawmill in Ingar, Sweden; a fire broke out at Weyerhaeuser’s Buckhannon sawmill in West Virgina; and hurricane Idalia reaked havoc on Florida’s timber resource. Meanwhile: Brazil risks losing sales over the new European deforestation law, and SFPA explains how its lumber manufacturers can comply with the pending regulation. 

In other news: France’s new climate commitments include more biomass energy; US firefighters face a looming pay cut; Canadian firefighters struggle to get compensated for health risks; Montana employs AI to slow future wildfires; and most evacuation orders and alerts are lifted in BC’s Okanagan valley.

Finally, its Truth and Reconciliation Week in Canada. Read Percy Guichon’s forest inspired journey.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The threat of wildfires is rising. Artificial intelligence, robots and satellite sensors are helping to fight them. In related news: severe wildfires are said to have a longterm impact on Canada’s boreal forests; experts say fire impacts on wildlife vary by season and species; and climate change is having an impact on Fall’s colours. Meanwhile: the Canadian Wood Pellet Industry celebrated 25 years; BC released two spotted owls into the wild; and tree seeds that orbited the moon on Apollo 14, are now growing on earth. 

In other news: West Fraser Timber’s pulp mill sale marks realignment of BC forest industry; Maine Forest Products Council recognizes Don Keliner; Robert Mavsar is appointed new head of European Forest Institute; and the Columbia River Treaty negotiations are a critical test for both the US and Canada.

Finally, Maui’s banyan tree shows signs of life after devastating Lahaina fire.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser is selling its Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills to Atlas Holdings; Millar Western will operate them. In other Business news: relief available for some of Skeena Sawmill’s laid off workers; EPA to assess Smurfit-Stone’s Frenchtown mill site; and Weyerhaeuser pursues two more carbon offset projects. Meanwhile: Nelson Bennett on BC’s rare blip of good forestry news; BC Wood wraps its 2023 Global Buyers Mission; BCIT celebrates Mosaic’s Molly Hudson; and UBC hosts Celebration of Life for Dr. John Worrall.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canadian fire chiefs deliver climate change message to the United Nations; Canada’s wildfire emissions said to exceed the country’s annual carbon footprint by 3x; a new satellite system to help monitor wildfires; and a UK study undercuts California’s cap and trade program.

Finally, the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s 2023 AGM opens this weekend in Nanaimo, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

New York City launched a technical assistance program; aims to be a national leader in mass timber use. In related news: Canadian Wood Council fire tests validate tall wood building applications; Georgia-Pacific’s Fritz Mason concurs on the potentiality; but stone construction advocates beg to differ. In other Business news: Weyerhaeuser’s first carbon removal project is approved; and Houston Town Council is pleased with Canfor’s mill build decision.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Indigenous participation in Canada’s forest management is on the rise; communities say BC needs to step up its wildfire mitigation work, BC Wildlife Fed says the new wildfire normal is anything but normal; Oregon researchers seek to predict wildfire behaviour; and wildfire smoke in the US is eroding decades of air quality improvement. Meanwhile, for those of you who owe your forest acumen to Dr. John Worrall, his Celebration of Life will take place October 14th at UBC.

Finally, and tragically, four wildfire fighters died in a car crash near Kamloops, BC.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A Spar Tree Group survey confirms job losses associated with BC’s old growth policy. In other Business news: Hood Industries closes its Metcalfe, Georgia mill; Metsä starts up new mills in Kemi, Finland; and Stora Enso appoints Hans Sohlström CEO. Meanwhile, on the market front: US housing starts declines 11.3% in August; and Canada’s inflation rate is on the rise again.

In other news: NASA imagery shows scale of logging in Oregon; a UK study says most forest carbon credits are junk; Wisconsin Senator Baldwin secures money to fight climate change; the University of Arkansas Monticello hires new forest/climate expert; Wood Solutions Australia has new leadership; and more evacuation alerts for BC’s southern Interior.

Finally, an economist on why market incentives should be used to mitigate wildfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Georgia-Pacific announced the permanent closure of its Perry, Florida Cellulose mill, impacting 525 jobs. In other Business news: a Prince George activist says Canfor owes us; Lowe’s gifts $750k to Seattle’s Wood Technology Center; and a Nebraska researcher converts lignin into antimicrobials. Meanwhile: Pino Pucci is appointed Tolko COO and eventual CEO successor to Brad Thorlakson; Jeremy Jones is West Virginia’s new State Forester; and the CIF has extended the registration deadline for its National Conference.

In other news: Steven Guilbeault takes Canada’s climate policy to the UN; New Brunswick’s woodlot owners say they are on the verge of collapse; Christine Gelowitz says its time for a proactive approach to BC’s wildfire situation; the Tyee Climate Project says wildfire smoke is threatening tree planters; and Giorgia Giove makes the environmental case for virgin paper fibers.

Finally, a European start-up that seeks to solve food scarcity with sawdust.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US homebuilders and Canada’s Housing Corporation’s outlook for housing has weakened. In other Business news: West Fraser reaches agreement with Montana First Nation, as its Spray Lakes Sawmills purchase makes news; International Paper sells its Russian joint venture, opens corrugated packaging mill in Pennsylvania; Pratt Industries opens a recycled paper mill in Kentucky; California’s  proposed paper receipts ban is defeated; and Marks & Spencers ditches plastic for paper bags. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC issued three new evacuation orders in Central BC, as Interior Logging Association said its ready to lend a hand and an entomologist warns of the infestations that may follow. Meanwhile; a Northwest Territories First Nation sees fire protection a biofuel opportunity.

Finally, its National Forest Week with a focus on Canada’s Forests & Biological Diversity.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor announced its plan to build a state-of-the-art sawmill in Houston BC—to the delight of Houston’s Mayor and the BC Forest Minister. In other Business news: RISI sees upside to the Smurfit WestRock merger; a shuttered Michigan paper mill fire is declared safe and under control; Jason Trips says sustainable forestry in Alberta’s Kananaskis is ‘business as usual’; and BC Timber Sales is panned for allowing road building and logging prior to First Nation consent.

In other news: UNESCO outlines threats to Alberta’s Wood Buffalo National Park; the US invest $1 billion in Urban and Community Forestry Programs; the US wildfire fighter exodus could get worse; an Alaska coalition files suite against reimposition of the Roadless Rule; and a new report says achieving net zero will cost trillions. 

Finally, BC is ending its state of emergency as wildfire risks wind down.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The major creditor for Skeena Sawmills and Skeena Bioenergy is seeking a sale of assets. In other Company news: Western Forest Products supports Port McNeill development; Ontario’s Szeder Sunset Cedar Mill secures a fibre agreement and Espanola says the town’s future could still include a pulp mill. Meanwhile: the US revised its softwood duty rates slightly; the US remodelling sector is set to decline in 2024; and US inflation ticks up again. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC announces 42 projects to utilize waste-wood use and mitigate wildfires—which are expected to continue through the Fall; the US House passed a bill to improve wildfire prevention; and most carbon offset credits in the US are for forest management not tree planting. Elsewhere: former Canadian ambassador to the US, Gary Doer may return to the trade file; and longtime MP Richard Cannings says he will not seek re-election.

Finally, 1,200 still on evacuation order in BC, close to 400 wildfires still burning.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Smurfit Kappa / WestRock merger will create the world’s largest paper and packaging company. In related news: the merger’s rational and why analysts say it’s a good deal. In other Business news: anxiety grips Espanola, Ontario with Domtar’s mill closure; Vermont’s Mill River Lumber catches fire; and Russia’s war is driving mill closures in Finland. Meanwhile: mass timber construction is celebrated in Portland, Oregon; Osaka, Japan; and London, England; makes its case for use at Ontario’s minesites.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Jim Petersen slams Montana court’s rejection of forest restoration; ENGOs says BC hasn’t fulfilled its old-growth promise; Elliott State Forests to become the largest research forest in the US; and California researchers say they can predict when drought will kill a forest; while a UBC hydrologist warns of the flood risks that follow them.

Finally, another very special 100th birthday party for Gerry Burch!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Lumber Coalition says ‘Canadian softwood duties are too low’, in a complaint filed Friday with the US Court of International Trade. In other Business news: the US Southeast is emerging as a timber leader; Northwest Hardwoods acquires Post Hardwood in West Michigan; US homebuyers shift their focus to new homes; and Natural Resources Canada invests in an asphalt-with-wood fibre innovation project.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Alaska sues Biden over USDA’s Roadless Rule; BC Premier Eby visits wildfire-impacted towns—announces task force on related emergencies; the European Commission seeks increased resources to fight wildfires; and ENGO groups express frustration with the BC Government in new push for old-growth protections.

Finally, the frogs are off to Gerry Burch’s 100th Van Island B-day party. See you there?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Smurfit Kappa and WestRock are in discussions to create a paper and packaging giant. In other Business news: Espanola’s mayor and Union Local 74 respond to Domtar’s announced one-year mill shutdown; Canadian forestry capacity-utilization rates lag industry averages; Germany’s new heating law embraces role for wood pellets; and UK researchers boosts the potential for engineered wood biomass conversion.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Alaska sues the US gov’t to contest forest protections; Tim O’Hara speaks to the US Jobs in the Woods Act; the gov’t of Canada announced $65 million for wildfire equipment; BC’s wildfire crisis arrived decades earlier than forecast; invasive earthworms are changing Canada’s boreal forest soils; and Huw-ay-aht First Nations completes old-growth interim report.

Finally, Coastland Wood Industries mill tour wows International Hoo-Hoo delegation.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Skeena Sawmills in Terrace, BC laid off its staff amid operational challenges. In related news: Unifor and local leaders respond to Domtar’s Espanola shutdown; Drax may get more support for biomass energy; and a Wisconsin hardwood mill agrees to stop hiring teenagers. Meanwhile, Bob Brash says BC’s industry is plagued by misinformation and uncertainty;  Drax announces a new Chief Sustainability Officer; and the American Wood Protection Association has a new Executive VP. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Canada spurred to look at disaster response options; BC hasn’t followed recommendations to mandate fire-resistant buildings; a Washington State bill to address forestry labour shortage; Arizona forest thinning restores forest resilience; and Alaska experiments with fighting fire to save carbon.

Finally, some sad news. Industry trailblazer Diana Blenkhorn—of Maritime Lumber Bureau fame—has died at 67. And Roy Nagel, former leader of the BC Central Interior Logging Association, has died at 81.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser announced that it is acquiring Spray Lake Sawmills in Cochrane, Alberta. In related news: Domtar is shuttering its Espanola pulp and paper mill; Smurfit Kappa and WestRock are in merger discussions; and Myno Carbon is opening a biochar plant in Kettle Falls, Washington. Other company headlines include: Teal Jones seeks compensation over logging rights on Haida Gwaii; Catalyst Crofton to manage Cowichan River’s water flow; Howe Sound Pulp & Paper wants to consolidate their tenures; and International Paper’s Mark Sutton is stepping down as CEO.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: the NY Times says forests are no longer a reliable climate partner; altered fuels and warming climate said to drive BC’s wildfire surge; thinning is improving forest robustness in Oregon; BC plans to review the 2023 fire season; the BC Forest Practices Board denies an appeal of a BC Timber Sale; and the Vernon Seed Orchard opens a new seed extraction facility.

Finally, the World Forestry Center’s newest exhibit explores life in the smoke.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The effectiveness of Canada’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets is going up in smoke, says Werner Kurz. In related news: Bruce Blackwell says wildfire protection plans should be mandatory to build in fire-hazard zones; Nick Smith says forestry can be a solution for carbon reductions; and new research on how nature can help prevent extreme wildfires. Meanwhile: Canada invests to protect species at risk in Quebec; the US Endowment examines the needs of tree nurseries; and the USDA announces funds for conservation and climate action.

In Business news: two US Northwest building material dealer associations are merging; an Alabama safety citation against Louisiana-Pacific is vacated; Finland’s Metsä Group is set to open its new pulp mill; and the UK and Chinese markets may get worse before they get better.

Finally, Gerry Burch — a very special 100th birthday party indeed!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Lumber Coalition welcomes Canada’s lumber duty appeal to the US Court of International Trade. In other Business news: New Brunswick’s new forest plan ignores US duties; Catalyst Crofton faces extended shutdown; Stora Enso restructure will impact 1,115 jobs; two Maine companies secure grants despite violations; why today’s furniture isn’t what it used to be; and new coatings combat the spread of house fires.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: a US call for Canada to have a dedicated disaster force; how wildfires are reshaping BC’s forests, why BC lacks wildfire-risk reduction plans; modelling Quebec forest management’s impact on carbon stocks; US scientists debate how to save the sequoias; and an Australian debate on the effectiveness of prescribed burning.

Finally, the frogs are off to Gerry Burch’s 100th B-Day party. Hope to see some of you there!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada is broadening its softwood duty challenge under the free-trade deal to include the US Court of International Trade. In other Political news: British Columbia and the Northwest Territories extend their state of emergency by 2-weeks; BC’s Premier Eby asks the Bank of Canada to freeze interest rates; and Joe Biden proclaims September as National Wilderness Month.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: New Brunswick’s forest strategy gets mixed reviews; a BC Forest Practices Board audit reports mixed results; climate activists want BC to up its building standards;  a judge says Trump-era rule on logging should be vacated; Nick Smith says active forest management could have prevented the Oregon Camp Creek fire; and carbon market confidence ebbs as experts debate carbon credits’ credibility.

Finally, persistent bears force 160 firefighters to pull out of BC camp. Also – enjoy the long weekend and see you Tuesday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor