Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

A report in Nature Ecology & Evolution says forests are more resilient to climate change than previously thought. In related news: Reuters says the world’s forests appear to be struggling; Wagner Forest Management considers sale of Ontario timberlands for carbon offsets; and New Hampshire’s carbon credit program seeks to quantify uncut forests. In other Forestry news: an Oregon ENGO encourages old growth protection; a new film on fire’s role in BC’s Interior; and MP Kevin Holland speaks out on Ontario’s forestry future. 

In Business news: Trudeau’s resignation spurs tariff talk on both sides of the border; a South Carolina professor says US consumers will pay for lumber tariffs; Russ Taylor’s mixed-blessing on the 2025 lumber market; Builders FirstSource acquires Alpine Lumber; Rona agrees to sell truss plant for All-Fab Group acquisition; and Snavely promotes Bill Georgelis to VP, Eastern Operations. 

Finally, North America’s first all mass timber acute care hospital breaks ground in Ontario.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Reuters reports that Trump is denying a Washington Post story that his team is eyeing pared-back tariffs. In other Business news: the American Bar Association focuses on lumber mill closures; Ontario allows 18-storey timber towers; and unsold new single-family homes skyrocket in the US. Meanwhile: the BC Institute of Technology offers new programs to advance lumber careers.

In Forestry news: Biden to designate national monument near Mt. Shasta, California; US Rep Doug LaMalfa introduces wildfire risk reduction bill; Maine looks to New Brunswick in battle with spruce budworm; 2024 was BC’s fourth worst wildfire season; BC extends its marbled murrelet monitoring program; and PEI plans to plant 2 billion trees.

Finally, for 40 million years, this tree species has been switching genders every season.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Irving Forest Products acquires Masardis sawmill in Maine, and Conifex Timber moves to a two-shift operation. In related news: Allegheny Wood Products is still selling its assets; Twin Rivers Paper appoints Tyler Rajeski CEO; and US mortgage rates tick up, as Trump’s agenda is feared to be bad for growth. In Wood Product news: mass timber shines in Ottawa, Los Angeles, and Paris, forest-based biomass is promoted in Ireland; and bamboo and poppy-straw make inroads. 

In Forestry/Climate news news: President Biden plans to designate two new national monuments in California; a new study says Canada is primed for more wildfires; and ENGOs say politicians are spreading climate misinformation.

Finally, why is the self-proclaimed “First US Carbon-Positive Hotel” built out of concrete.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Trump’s tariffs said to threaten energy exports on both sides of the border. In related news: US softwood lumber duties are expected to double in late 2025; BC’s Minister of Forests toured Western Forest Products’ Ladysmith mill; Mercer Peace River reaches safety milestone, and Rayonier announced a carbon capture and storage agreement. Meanwhile: the USDA unveils support for wood processors, appoints new Paper and Packaging board members; Coburg Tree Farm is named US Tree Farmer of the Year; and the Calforests appoints Liz Berger VP of Climate and Energy.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s NDP government isn’t the climate leader its cracked up to be; Washington can safeguard its forests and advance renewable energy; BC reflects on its 2024’s wildfire season; Oregon’s funding doesn’t support today’s wildfire needs; and Australia’s heat wave leads to wildfire warnings.

Finally, how to build more homes quicker, and reduce construction waste in landfills.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor