Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

First-quarter company earnings by Western Forest Products, Acadian Timber, Rayonier, Louisiana Pacific and Enviva reflect challenging times. In related news: what’s behind Canfor’s mill closures; New Brunswick clarifies timber royalty cuts; Brazil’s wood-fiber costs skyrocket; and another Australian sawmill is closing. In Product news: the pros and cons of ditching plastic for paper; and keeping recyclable wood out of landfills.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Canadian watchdog calls for more transparency on forestry emissions; Ontario to support caribou habitat restoration; Manitoba ENGO’s call for end to logging in Duck Mountain Park; and Brazil aims to unlock carbon credits. 

Finally, Russian soldiers who camped in Chernobyl’s Red Forest are falling sick.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

WestRock announced it will permanently close its paper mill in Charleston, effecting 500 people. In related news: Vanderhoof’s Mayor on the Sinclar Group curtailments; Canfor Corp. and Canfor Pulp report Q1, 2023 loss; Clearwater Paper reports positive Q1, and Bluelinx reports reduced earnings. In other Business news: Canadian lawmakers’ questioning of Paper Excellence is postponed; CP Rail is under the gun after Maine derailment; and the latest on North American lumber supply and demand by ERA’s Kevin Mason. 

In Forestry/Climate news: a New Brunswick judge says professor not fired for glyphosate views; ENGOs says Smithers’ pellet mill should close; Vancouver Island University restores Garry Oak ecosystem; logging near Yellowstone Park called a threat to grizzlies; and a new paper on how increasing forest productivity requires species richness and abundance.

Finally, new mass timber showcases (and award winners) from Ontario, Vancouver, BC, Connecticut and Sweden.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre and price challenges, Sinclar Group’s Greg Stewart announced curtailments at three BC sawmills. In related news: BC United asks government to show leadership; Resource Works says a return to balance is required; and David Elstone dares to dream of a new path forward. In other Business news: Nova Scotia is “mum” on talks with Northern Pulp; Cascades’ recycled containerboard mill starts in Virginia; Enviva announces Conservation Fund’s grant recipients; and CHAR Technologies‘ plans to build a biocarbon facility in Ontario. 

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study on Ontario’s forestry workforce gap; the role of forest soils in climate mitigation; conserving US forests with a sustainable timber economy; questions on US wildfire management strategies; and forest fire updates from BC, Alberta, and Newfoundland.

Finally, Canada’s cement and concrete industry release 2050 Net-Zero Action Plan.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

After more than a decade of continuous growth, US home remodelling is projected to contract in 2024. In other Business news: New Brunswick plans to cut its timber royalties; Northern Pulp ponders a new location; Structurlam’s acquisition to conclude in June; Unifor ratifies contract with CN Rail; and Weyerhaeuser and Billerud report positive Q1, 2023 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: a Quebec caribou herd is expecting a baby boom; Washington lawmakers vote to support biomass energy; the US Forest Service is told to do more to fight wildfires; Idaho trains loggers to fight forest fires; and France’s wildfire season starts a month early. Meanwhile, conference news courtesy of the Interior Logging Association; the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation; and the BC Forest Innovation and Bioeconomy. 

Finally, Christine Leduc joins SFI’s senior leadership team as VP Communications.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Lumber markets fall toward multi-year lows as markets seek a balance in supply and demand. In related news: EU instability changes up global markets; Arbec Forest Products buys Forex OSB mill; Northern Pulp looks to produce energy from Fiona damaged trees; and Allegheny Wood Products log treatment plant faces pushback.

In Forestry/Climate news: Minister Ralston on the future of forestry in BC; how forest management can build healthy wildfire cycles; climate change and megafires impact on regeneration; and why corporate sustainability initiatives fail to reduce deforestation.

Finally, attitudes on paper products show improvement; and CWC launches Woodworks Innovation Network in Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Founded in 1962, the future of Stucturlam is unclear as potential new owner waits in the wings. In related news: Gorman’s Nick Arkle on the solution to BC’s fibre shortage; an update on Western Forest Products’ Alberni Division review; Oregon’s wood industry still important; why Wisconsin’s paper industry looks promising; and New Zealand looks to onshore wood processing. Meanwhile, International Paper and Canadian Pacific Kansas City report Q1 results.

In Forestry/Climate news: new research on how tree diversity can increase carbon storage; Fairy Creek protesters look to the marbled murrelet to stop logging; US perspectives on how much old-growth protection is enough; Vermont gives thumbs up to biomass energy; and how pruning tropical vines can slow climate change. Elsewhere: Vancouver and New York City’s latest mass timber showcases.

Finally, solving a climate puzzle one tree ring at a time.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

West Fraser Timber’s Q1, 2023 sales ticked up, earnings (loss) improved over Q4, 2022. In related news: CN Rail has record Q1 revenues despite lumber’s sag; Drax announces share buyback plan amid record profits; Kronospan is building a new OSB plant in Alabama; and Oregon’s Sundance Lumber and the Swanson Group are hit with EPA fines. Meanwhile, Canadian housing starts are mixed; US new home sales rise, and US consumer confidence declines.

In other news: the source of the fungal infection at Billerud’s Wisconsin paper mill remains a mystery; the positive ‘ripple effects’ of California’s fire-resilient forests; a rare glimpse into Afghanistan’s spectacular, vanishing forests; and New Zealand’s carbon trading scheme said to be over-reliant on forests.

Finally, US WoodWorks 2023 Wood Design Awards embrace timber’s potential.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Cascades plans to close its underperforming tissue plants in Oregon and South Carolina. In other Company news: a Hood Industries sawmill burns in Louisiana; Resolute opens a filament plant in Quebec; Resolute’s Thunder Bay mill is fined; Drax ends coal-fired power generation; and Q1, 2023 earnings for PotlatchDeltic and Stora Enso. Meanwhile, BC polluter penalties are questioned; CN Rail and Canadian Pacific Kansas City competition gears up, and more on Stucturlam’s recent bankruptcy filing.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study says US forests adaptation lags behind climate change 10-fold; BC releases its 2021/22 forest research report; a Missoula judge ponders wildfire retardants; a biomass energy primer courtesy of Thomasnet; and poor planting outcomes follow good intentions in Germany.

Finally, the 2023 Montreal Wood Convention attracted over 1,100 participants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Structurlam Mass Timber filed for Chapter 11 and entered into an ‘initial bid’ agreement with Mercer for its BC and Arkansas assets. In related news: Greenpeace prevails in defamation suit by Resolute Forest Products; and the rising risk of cyberattacks on woodworking firms. Meanwhile: Conifex’s CFO transition; Georgia Pacific’s two business leader promotions; Twin Rivers Paper’s new President & CFO; and the latest on softwood production, packaging trends; biofuel mandates; housing markets and recession forecasts.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s tree-planting promise ‘flounders’; Canopy receives $60 million to decarbonize the clothing industry; a US lawsuit could curb the use of aerial fire retardant; and urban forestry news from Hartford; Boise; and Phoenix.

Finally, key takeaways from the 2023 COFI Conference by MP Richard Cannings.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The government of Canada has approved the Port of Vancouver’s proposal to build a second container ship terminal in Delta, BC. In related news: despite strict rules, ENGOs and labour groups oppose the doubling of the Port’s footprint. In other Business news: LP acquires Forex’s Wawa OSB mill; New Brunswick rejects JD Irving’s energy request; Atco Wood Products is challenged by BC’s shrinking timber base; Stora Enso’s guidance points to paper woes; and an obit on end of paper in Jay, Maine. 

In Forestry/Climate News: Canada’s legacy as a forestry leader; US takes steps for climate resilience and forest conservation—pledges $500 million to stop deforestation in Brazil; space-based instruments inventory America’s forests; and the pros and cons of drones and forest management.

Finally, the Softwood Lumber Board generated a record 2 billion board feet of incremental demand in 2022.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US released an inventory of public-land old-growth forests, and announced plans for a new rule to better protect them. In related news: BC’s nature economy and the fight to save big trees; caribou habitat secured near BC’s Tweedsmuir Park; billions are needed to protect tropical forests; and a positive future for Ukraine’s war-ravaged forests. Meanwhile: Canada says the cost of GHG emissions is understated; making the case for carbon in renovations; and Australia recognizes forestry’s role in fighting climate change.

In Business news: Hampton Lumber’s newly built Fort St. James mill is running; Georgia Pacific upgrades its Port Hudson mill; PotlatchDeltic announces CFO transition; Laura Garner joins the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities; and Hakan Ekstrom on the US South’s lumber production growth.

Finally, Bloomberg launches climate show, says planting trees won’t solve the problem.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Washington State researchers infused cement with biochar to create carbon-negative concrete. In related news: how to build net-zero homes with CLT; a report on biomass going mainstream – Learnings for Canada; US see green in forest offsets; and carbon-only forestry perspectives courtesy of the Washington Post and New Zealand Forest Owners. In other news: Fairy Creek protesters celebrate reprieve; On the Brink with Dave Peterson, Russ Taylor, David Elstone and Jim Girvan; and the states with the highest tree cover loss.

In Business news: fixing Canada’s historic Treaty 8 issue is expensive; Stoltze Timber Systems secures grant; and LP’s Michigan mill upgrade. Meanwhile, single-family starts are up in Canada and the US, the myth of massive underbuilding; and Southern Pine lumber shipments hit 107-year record high.

Finally, SFPA’s 37th EXPO is open for registration, as BC Wood’s Global Buyers Mission prepares to celebrate 20 years.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing fibre and market challenges, Tolko is moving to single-shifts at its Armstrong and Soda Creek mills. In other Business news: Weyerhaeuser recasts itself as carbon positive; a Boreal Carbon Corporation buys Ontario timberland; Canada marks progress with it latest GHG emissions report – with a focus on wildfires; and US housing starts decline on multifamily starts.

In other news: the future of wood buildings involves thinking bigger; Mississauga achieves FSC certification; what Irish spruce tells us about climate adaptation; the BC treaty settlements are often slow and painful; and more on whether Mother Trees actually act like mothers. 

Finally, Premier Eby & COFI’s Linda Coady sit down for a fireside chat.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

“The vital message I’ve heard from the BC forest sector is predictability. Our goal is to help deliver that,” says BC Premier Eby. In related news from the 2023 COFI Conference: instability keeps Canadians in ‘permacrisis‘; BC takes systems approach to permitting delays; sustainable jobs in forestry despite downturn; First Nations partnerships keep industry healthy; changes in forest practices are underway; and BC plans to LiDAR scan the whole province. Meanwhile: Vancouver Island’s elected officials vote against protecting all of BC’s old-growth forests.

In other news: Billerud idles Michigan pulp mill as a worker dies from fungal infection; Roseburg to invest $700 million in Oregon mills; Drax’s positive climate contributions; Anthony Timberlands Center wins award; Senator Daines launches wildfire caucus; and notwithstanding market concerns, US builder sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. 

Finally, Linda Coady’s “everything, everywhere, all at once moment“ question for BC Premier Eby. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog news

On Day 2 of the COFI conference, BC Ministers Bruce Ralston and Nathen Cullan spoke on key forestry transitions and land use planning changes. In related news: Greg Stewart, Chief Terry Teegee kick-offed the conference; BC announced new monies for LiDAR mapping; BC First Nations keen to partner on forestry; jobs in forestry despite downturn; and a pictorial recap of Day 2’s events. 

In other news: North America’s top 10 lumber producers in 2022; Virginia Governor’s biomass initiative is put on hold; the sale of three Sappi paper mills to Aurelius Group fails; and Stora Enso is shutting down one of its Finish paper lines.

Finally, after 21 years Forests Ontario’s Rob Keen is stepping down and will be succeeded by Jess Kaknevicius.

More on the COFI conference to come on Monday!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

COFI’s Conference kick-off in Prince George was the scene of a forest sector reunion of sorts. In Business news: Trudeau pushes back on western premier’s natural resource criticism; US-Canada softwood dispute left unaddressed at summit; West Fraser remains North America’s top lumber producer; and Rottneros to cut 24 jobs at Vallvik pulp mill in Sweden. Meanwhile: US inflation cools, US mortgage activity rises and Canadian construction is up.

In other news: a Smithsonian exhibition examines the importance of the boreal forest; Forest Service wins Stillaguamish logging suit over conservation group; the benefits of biomass energy; and a new report on the linkages between forests and human health.

Finally, 109-year old shipwreck found in Lake Superior is a dark day in lumber’s history.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

BC logging truck drivers report big risks, long hours, low pay, and falsified hours, reports Ben Parfitt in the Tyee. In other Forest Safety news: what you need to know about the rare fungal outbreak at a Michigan paper mill; US EPA funds wildfire smoke research; insurance woes increase Virginia wildfire risks; the wildfire season commences in New Hampshire; and a South Korea wildfire forces 500 to evacuate.

In other news: Canada’s Western provinces push back on minister’s comment re: control of natural resources; Conifex files claim against BC and BC Hydro; West Fraser adjusts curtailment schedule at Cariboo pulp mill; David Elstone says trees are not an endangered species in BC; a Toronto company makes major strides with mass timber; the rising chorus of renewable energy skeptics; and the Forest Products Association of Canada promotes three of its staff.

Finally, the Frogs are in Prince George this week reporting live from the Council of Forest Industries Conference floor. Watch us here and on our social media accounts for live updates.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

100 people have contracted blastomycosis in an outbreak at the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba, Michigan. In Business news: Nine Dragons takes downtime at two US mills; Tolko temporarily reduces its Armstrong mill to one shift; a West Fraser Quesnel pulp mill fire is out; Binderholz celebrates its North Carolina mill opening; and Roseburg’s Pembroke MDF mill is recognized for safety.

In other news: the 2023 International Biomass Conference wraps in Atlanta, a Virginia bill seeks to retain biomass generated electricity; New Brunswick’s Port of Belledune is Eastern Canada’s largest biomass exporter; EarthDay.com 2023 announces Invest in Our Planet theme; and the BC Council of Forest Industries conference kicks off Wednesday in Prince George.

Finally, a message to the BC Forest Sector from the new Chair of the BC Forest Practices Board – Keith Atkinson.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ontario abandoned its plan to allow logging in the Grassy Narrows First Nation traditional lands. In related news: Nova Scotia and Mi’kmaq discuss new forestry agreement; BC judge rejects logging company request for ENGO social media info;  and logging plans are deferred on BC’s Sunshine Coast. Meanwhile, an Alberta researcher refutes fungal network claims; and wildfire/prescribed burning news from Aspen, Colorado, Sante Fe, New Mexico, Alberta, and Kamloops and Osoyoos, BC.

In other news: Drax applauds Canada’s commitment to biomass energy; EU’s biomass compromise called an ‘impressive feat’; a Colorado biochar company secures climate grant; Interfor is upping its Board diversity; US provides update on hardwood plywood tariffs; and Hardwood Manufacturers elect new officers.

Finally, with mill closures, will Prince George still be marked by the smell of money?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A UK regulator’s review of Drax’s biomass sourcing could have implications for UK’s net-zero strategy. In other Business news: despite job-loss mitigation Canfor’s mill closures beget uncertainty; PRT Growing Services acquires Georgia-based International Forest Co.; Kalesnikoff named Nelson’s Business of the Year; and Will Gardiner steps down from biomass certification body.

In Forest Product news: the US invests to strengthen its wood products economy; BC adds a carbon standard to its building code; San Diego earthquake-tests a 10-storey CLT building; and New Hampshire tests Northeast timber’s CLT suitability. In Forestry/Climate news: David Elstone updates the rise in BC’s First Nations’ forest tenure; and WWF-Canada releases its priority biodiversity restoration areas.

Finally, registration opens for the BC First Nations Forestry Council Conference, and the SFPA’s Forest Products EXPO. The Frogs are off for Easter, back on Monday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Bruce Lipke — Life Cycle Assessment pioneer, CORRIM founder and Professor Emeritus University of Washington — dies at 89. In Business/Market news: Domtar celebrates 175 years; R-Y Timber secures buyer interest; International Wood Industries loses sawmill licence bid; US housing turnaround forecast for 2023; BC announces plan to build more homes; less-restrictive zoning found to increase housing supply; and Russ Taylor’s latest lumber forecast — not good news for BC’s sawmills. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Steven Guilbault defends woodland caribou policy; BC First Nations secure monies for training initiative; Massachusetts leans into a tree-cutting moratorium; New York loggers push for changes on biomass; and the benefits and dangers of carbon offsets in the EU.

Finally, “hope and restoration – saving the Whitebark Pine” film premier.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

EU Forest campaigners plan to shift their campaign against woody biomass to individual EU nations. In related news: Elaine O’Neil opines on why forests and wood products are part of the climate solution; the Washington Post on flushing away Canada’s virgin forests; Bob Brash’s solution to BC’s hollow paradigm shift; and Washington tree farmers push back on stream buffers. Meanwhile: the Royal Bank of Canada creates a Climate Action Institute; and a German study shows insect decline in forests.

In Business news: Resolute’s Quebec cellulose plant nears completion; Taiga‘s Building Products’ Covid savior; ABC Supply completes US LBM Wallboard acquisition; and IKEA’s Russia factory sale is not reversible. On the Market front: US residential construction spending falls, US and Canadian material costs ease; and Random Lengths makes changes to its plywood and moulding price guides.

Finally, a sleep aid that proves how sleep-inducing Canada’s roads can be.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A Canadian Parliamentary Committee will hold hearings on Paper Excellence’s ownership structure. In related news: New Brunswick’s property tax said to favour forest companies; Canfor’s Prince George mill set to shutter permanently; Blueprint Robotics will open a CLT plant in Connecticut; Finish firm UPM sells its Russian business; and Russian Segezha Group sells all of its EU paper plants. Elsewhere: Kalesnikoff Lumber wins Nelson Business of the Year award.

In Forestry/Climate news: Andrew Weaver says alarmist-framing of climate doom raises anxiety; Indigenous partnerships target deforestation-free supply chains; Victoria protesters seek halt to RCMP resource task force; EU’s biomass exception raises ENGO eyebrows; Ontario forest sector is seeking more forestry workers; and a new study says deforestation means less rain in the tropics.

Finally, plants do make sounds, particularly when injured or stressed.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Enviva reports that under RED III, woody biomass is set to remain a renewable energy source in the UK. In related news: John Mullinder says the ‘investigative case’ against Paper Excellence is full of innuendo; climate activists continue to question the sustainability of biomass; and the hidden carbon impacts of getting mass timber wrong.

In other news: FSC decides not to pursue its ‘genetic engineering learning process’; BC’s first Carbon Management Blueprint is released; West Virginia’s Clay lumber mill is engulfed by fire; Ohio’s Taylor Lumber is up for auction; and forestry investment updates from the UK and Australia.

Finally, and sadly, Riverside Forest Products pioneer Gerald Raboch died at 94.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Drax’s biomass carbon-capture program may still move forward despite not making UK’s initial shortlist. In other Business news: SFI applauds Canada’s budget, as Railways warn of supply chain woes; Enviva secures permit for Alabama biomass plant; Skeena Sawmills seeks provincial aid; Stella-Jones releases 2022 Annual Report; and mass-timber project updates from Kelowna, Prince George, Toronto, Bellingham, and Ireland.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada’s first wildfire risk map; Ontario readies for 2023 wildfire season; aerial fire retardant is under the microscope; landslide and stream temperature challenges in the BC Interior; the truth about paper and deforestation; and the history of old growth loss in America.

Finally, FSC certification in Russia is ending due to loss of Assurance Services.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s federal budget is pouring billions into clean energy development, and recognizes benefits of forest sector. In other Business news: Prince Rupert port to provide BC some supply chain relief; Drax Group asked to drop BC Timber Sales; Hoover Treated Wood breaks ground in Texas; ND Paper is curtailing Old Town Maine pulp mill; Maine’s top polluters include four paper mills; and New York’s Pallets Inc. is sold to Quebec’s Damabois Group.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study says conserving wildlife can help mitigate climate change; BC First Nation declares a large protected area; Washington employs prescribed burns ahead of fire season; Montana timber management mimics natural processes; and Alice Palmer asks—can we log our forest and conserve it too?

Finally, the Canadian Wood Council’s 39th annual Wood Design Award Winners.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

US WoodWorks announced its 2023 Wood Design Award winners at the Portand mass timber conference. In Business news: FPAC hopes Canada’s federal budget supports forestry workers; John Rustad seeks BC Conservative leadership; Russia approves International Paper’s mill sale; John Keppler rejoins Enviva as Chair; and Billerud North America appoints Kevin Kuznicki president. On the Market front: housing cools, reno-madness subsides, and Deloitte says a recession is coming.

In Forestry/Climate news: NASA extends life of 3D forest scanner; BC Sunshine Coast Regional District director wants cutblock options deferred; BC vets’ fire mitigation program; and the era of mega-forest fires has begun in Spain. 

Finally, Canadian icon Tim Hortons makes the plastic to wood-fibre switch.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada must keep pace with changing US policy or face the consequences of falling behind. In related news: Biden’s visit doesn’t change protectionist trade policies; and Canada’s lack of understanding of natural resources trade.  In other Business news: Envivia suspends Amory, Mississippi plant due to tornado damage; IKEA completes sale of Russian factory; and banking turmoil doesn’t alter US recession forecast. In Forest Product news: the Portland Mass Timber Conference kicks-off today, and timber updates from Seattle; Detroit; and Minneapolis. 

In Forestry/Climate news: US regulators and landowners form habitat partnership; Canada’s caribou policy could devastate Northern Ontario forest industry; Oregon lawsuit results in larger stream buffers; Arizona researchers on the effect of forest thinning; and virtual reality is coming to Australia’s forest plantations.

Finally, paper was invented two centuries ago in China. So were 9 other inventions.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

President Joe Biden visits Canada today – here are the top agenda topics. In other Business news: the US upholds hardwood tariffs on China; and Georgia-Pacific funds pulp research at Auburn University. In Product news: why mass timber is an architectural star (and why it is not); mass timber’s CO2 benefits; projects updates from Missouri and the Czech Republic; unique woodworking projects; see-though windows from paper; and Tolko, Gorman and Interfor ‘women in wood‘.

In Forestry/Climate news: Minister Steven Guilbeault criticizes Ontario’s caribou plan; scientist Justine Karst misconceptions about the wood wide web; the BC Forest Practices Board gives BC First Nation a passing audit; and US ENGOs say Gopher tortoises deserve endangered species status. Meanwhile: the lastest from BC Community Forests; a virtual BC old-growth update; and FSC Canada’s upcoming AGM.

Finally, hundreds evacuated courtesy of an early start to Spain’s forest fire season. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence welcomed the opportunity to answer questions raised by Canadian lawmakers and a CBC investigative report. In related news: Canada’s environmental assessment laws are at stake in a Supreme Court case; US takes new action to conserve lands and waters; and New Brunswick delays save forest companies millions. Meanwhile: Tolko cuts shifts at Heffley Creek mill; Canfor mitigates some job losses; JD Irving tissue achieves carbon neutrality; Weyerhaeuser conserves 1600 acres; Drax pauses carbon capture plans; and CP Rail’s merger is questioned.

In Forestry/Climate news: new studies on logging’s impact on BC’s  salmon-spawning rivers, and ancient landslides; California’s sequoias need fire to survive; the US East’s growing-season is lengthening; Europe’s forests require action on climate change; New Zealand’s carbon trading scheme may change; and the Amazon needs more capitalism to survive. 

Finally, the deadliest jobs in America and a solution to ‘forever chemicals‘ in water.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Joe Biden’s visit to Canada is unlikely to result in resolution of softwood dispute. In other Business news: the District of Houston is looking for support, as Canfor is set to wrap-up mill operations; Twin Rivers Paper finalizes mill sale to Group Lebel; WestRock breaks ground on box plant in Washington; MaineFlame expands pellet production; Teal Jones is suing Hampton Lumber; and BlueLinx appoints Shyam Reddy as CEO. Meanwhile, some good news on the lumber price, housing and inflation fronts.

In Product news: a Dezeen feature on mass timber buildings’ fire risk, amidst timber building updates from Finland, the UK, and Australia. In Forestry news: a US lawsuit on liability of unaddressed wildfire; the US Forest Service continues to invest in risk reduction; Arizona forests struggle to regrow after fire; and the University of Alberta launches wildfire monitoring satellite. 

Finally, SFPA’s 2023 (Nashville-based) Forest Products Expo approaches exhibitor sellout.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Today is the UN declared International Day of Forests with the theme of Forests and Health. In related news: a report on the worldwide benefit of forests on human health; a look at the role of REDD+, Canada is planting more trees; and the EU’s sizeable forest-based workforce. Elsewhere: Indigenous communities lead Canada’s clean energy boom; the US invests to reduce wildfire risks; and the Chair of the first-ever Forestry Subcommittee of Congress wants to break away from the status quo.

In Business news: San Group gets Conservative-leader endorsement; JD Irving gets property tax relief; International Paper and Weyerhaeuser receive ethical companies nod; and Enviva oversight sought on pellet plant permit. On the Market front: lumber demand falls; cardboard box prices stop falling; and perspectives on the Fed’s rate hikes’ housing impact.

Finally, snoring Dusky gopher frogs and Longleaf Pine restoration.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A UN report released today calls for urgent action to reduce GHGs, says climate-related effects are worse than previously projected. In related news: Canada overshoots its fair share of Earth’s resources; Alaska hears testimony on forest carbon credits; and an oil company CEO calls for more carbon capture and storage. In other Forestry news: Parks Canada’s whitebark pine project; BC’s wildfire reduction efforts; Maine’s Spruce Budworm report; and North Carolina’s growing deer problem.

In Business news: inside the never-ending softwood lumber trade war; Sodra inaugurates its Värö CLT plant; North Carolina’s Canton paper mill closure; Quebec’s Créations Verbois gets fed support; and the US Conference Board Index still points to risk of recession.

Finally, how fluent are you in ‘logger-speak‘ and the wooden spoon boiling-debate.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian and Ontario governments announced separate initiatives in support of boreal caribou. In related news: a New Brunswick title claim puts forest companies at risk; and ENGO’s give low grades for BC old-growth protection. Elsewhere: the UN says we’re losing forests; New Zealand looks to climate-proof its forests; Australia’s native-logging phase-out has problems; and Ireland’s afforestation rate is in decline.

In Business news: a new freight rail proposal for Vancouver Island; federal Conservative leader tours San Group’s Alberni plant; Ontario’s Woodland Mills expands to Texas; South Korea converts coal plants to biomass; and a redux on Cam Brown’s recent recognition.

Finally, the future of mobility in timber; and Fredericton is the Forest Capital of Canada.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

A US regulator approved CP Rail’s merger despite safety concerns—the new company name is Canadian Pacific Kansas City. In other Business news: Canadian CEOs urge Ottawa to appoint a softwood lumber envoy; Drax touts its carbon capture potential; and Aspen Planers is still waiting on cutting permits. In other news: more from Dezeen on the rise of mass timber, US single-family starts remain lacklustre despite rise in builder confidence; and higher building material costs.

In Forestry/Climate news: US lawmaker promotes bill in support of forest restoration; support expressed for forest thinning and whitebark pine restoration; concern for BC private land forestry and spotted owl protection; and a new study on tropical carbon recovery after logging or wildfire.

Finally, Forsite’s Cam Brown is recognized as a ‘Top 20 Over 40’ outstanding entrepreneur. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Despite ENGO pushback, the European Union gave its final approval to CO2-cutting targets and expanding forest carbon sinks. In other Forestry news: US rescinded deal allowing a road through Alaskan refuge; and Argentina forests burn amid heat wave and drought. Meanwhile: BC Forest Professionals launch a new website; Southern Forest Products Association’s latest newsletter; SFI’s community grant deadline approaches; and FSC renews Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s certificate.

In Business news: GreenFirst reports loss, completes sale of Quebec assets; Conifex strikes deal with Greenidge Generation; Houston BC mayor seeks help after mill closure; US Dept. of Commerce initiates softwood lumber review; Home Depot has a new VP merchandising; and US inflation eased, while Canadian housing starts rose. 

Finally, this sky seeding forest drone includes a self-burying payload carrier.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canadian mass-timber pioneer Michael Green says steel and concrete are industrial-age materials. In related news: University of Alberta helps builders adopt timber; Portland developers deliver on affordable housing; Maine’s Bar Harbor college embraces wood; Taylor Guitars give trees a second life; and Cal Poly students earn sustainable packaging award.

In Business news: Paper Excellence defends recent acquisitions, pushes back on negative reports, and JD Irving and Twin River Paper secure property tax refunds. Meanwhile: a northeastern Ontario treaty dispute nears resolution, caribou habitat tracking in the Northwest Territories; heat and drought impacts on Pacific Northwest forests; and Pennsylvania combats invasive species impact.

Finally, Arbor Day foundation names Katie Loos as its new president.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

APOLOGIES for the delay and intermittent connectivity, our server provider is experiencing technical difficulties. 

Paper Excellence ties to Asia Pulp & Paper may have a forest certification downside. In other Business news: US to approve drilling project in Alaska; BC lags but resource firms move ahead with UNDRIP; wood pellet production falls in Russia; and UK timber imports declined in 2022.

In Forestry/Climate news: RCMP face class action lawsuit over Fairy Creek protests; Arizona and California face forest decline; Colorado to receive monies for fire recovery; and Oregon pursues plan for farm and forest carbon capture.

Finally, a timber projects, fabrication and manufacturing tour in Sweden and Norway courtesy of WoodSolutions Australia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s RCMP watchdog launches probe into complaints over police tactics in resource standoffs in BC. In related news: a US ENGO pans Canada’s pushback on US anti-deforestation bills; and CBC’s investigation into Paper Excellence spurs call for more transparency. Other Companies making news include: Centurion Lumber’s First Nations benefit agreement; Resolute’s newest Ukrainian employees; Drax’s biomass export milestone; Hunt Forest Products’ pledge to Louisiana’s Forest Products Innovation Center; and Doman Building Materials’ 2022 financial results.

In other news: raising the timber roof on Portland’s airport; shifting the US recycling burden onto manufacturers; a book on managing boreal forests in the face of climate change; an industry veteran on the forest/forest products disconnect; and a recap on our Wildfire Resilience and Awareness week.

Finally, upcycling coffee grounds can add energy to your wood pellet stove.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s top lumber CEOs are in Ottawa to spur talks with US on softwood lumber. In other Business news: Canfor looks at repurposing options for its Taylor mill site; CBC et al investigate who’s behind Paper Excellence; and Martin Fairbanks opines on the changing future of kraft pulp. Meanwhile: Conifex and KP Tissue report positive Q4, full year 2022 results; and the UK 2023 Confor Awards recognize forestry and wood product leaders.

In Wildfire Resilience Week news: how FireSmart BC supports wildfire preparedness; Oregon’s nighttime-aviation early detection work; and an FPInnovations report on wildfire impacts on resource roads. In other news: ENGO’s push to stop logging in Canada’s boreal; Oregon’s forest plan faces pushback from rural lawmakers and loggers; and a workshop on the human factor in workplace safety.

Finally, UBC Research Forest’s Stephanie Ewen celebrates International Women’s Day.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor