Category Archives: Today’s Takeaway

COP 28—the UN Conference on Climate Change—kicks off tomorrow with the goal of assessing progress made since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Here are a few stories of note:

• Voice of America: Scientists Warn of Irreversible, Catastrophic Change
• CBC News: Canada looks for breakthrough on ‘loss and damage fund’ 
• National Observer: Less future warming projected, yet there’s more current pain
• National Observer: The UN climate conference doesn’t matter — and that’s OK
• WWF: High-stakes COP28 Climate Summit ignites at end of hottest year ever
• Ecosystem Marketplace: What to Watch for re: Forests and Markets

In Business news: Marc Busch opines on how to solve the softwood lumber dispute; Nova Scotia—Northern Pulp mediation should wrap up by Christmas; the Espanola Domtar mill is set to close its doors; and the latest on US and Canadian GDP. In other news: a Dovetail report on old-growth forests; a new report on managing combustible dust; and the lastest from the BC Forest Safety Council.

Finally, which is better: new forests or solar farms? How about real or fake Xmas trees?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says, to thrive, Canada needs to put more of a rural lens on the impacts of policy. In related news: Houston, BC, pellet plant to undergo extended Christmas shutdown; the untimely loss of 1000 Canadian Christmas tree farms; softer sales and prices in the US and Canadian housing markets; and the ‘jarring’ difference between BC and Canada’s job market. 

In Forestry/Climate news: First Nation’s salmon parks aim to spare BC old-growth forests; David Wear on counting carbon in US forests; Amazon deforestation is down in 2023; Australia will produce carbon-neutral car fuel; and carbon credit certifier Verra updates its accounting method.

Finally, the sad story of the death of a 16-year old working in a Wisconsin lumber mill.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing profitability concerns, Boise Cascade is curtailing lumber operations in Chapman, Alabama. In related news: Home Depot acquires design firm focused on servicing professional contractors; and Atlas Engineering reports lower Q3, 2023 earnings. On the Market front: RBC forecasts lumber prices to edge up; US new home sales fell 5.6% in October; and multifamily construction remains muddled.

In Forestry/Climate news: ENGOs sue the US National Park Service to prevent tree planting; Washington state’s cap-and-trade system is in jeopardy; US forest expert says managed forests are critical to fighting climate change; New Brunswick researchers are teaching artificial intelligence how to find wildfires faster; Australia is focused on embodied carbon emissions; and Greenpeace pans Chinese-based forest carbon offsets. 

Finally, snow squalls to wallop Ontario as Alberta is still monitoring 19 forest fires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Paper Excellence announced a 3-month extension to its curtailment of paper operations at Catalyst Crofton. In related news: Maine’s Woodland Pulp mill strikers accept new deal; food packaging boosts Maine’s struggling forest industries; Drax applauds Canada’s inclusion of biomass-using technologies in Clean Tech tax credits; and the WPAC pays tribute to John Swaan—godfather of the pellet sector. Meanwhile, FSC International launches search for its next Director General.

In Forestry/Climate news: protesters expand opposition to logging in Kananaskis, Alberta; ENGOs say BC biodiversity policy could be a game changer; BC foresters return from Finland with ideas for better forest management; RCMP watchdog says police are delaying probe of BC protest unit; the UK announces new forest research funding; and Brazil pitches forest conservation fund at COP28.

Finally, the surprising reappearance of a rare marsupial frog has scientist’s leaping.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s Standing Committee on International Trade released a report with recommendations for government on US duties on Canadian softwood lumber. In other news: Canada plans to build water bombers for the European market; US and Canadian housing markets get some good news for a change; recovered paper markets remain depressed; and UK forestry assets fall for the first time in 10 years.

In Forestry/Climate news: Brazil proposes financing plan to protect Amazon forests; the pros and cons of Portugal’s eucalyptus trees; the GHG gap between scientific models and national inventories; and WorkSafeBC approves new regulations on less-accessible workplaces and emergency transportation.

Finally, a 6-meter heavy duty drone that can thin forests from above.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The Canadian forest sector mourns the loss of John Dunford, RPF who passed away October 26th. 

In Business news; Jock Finlayson and Ken Peacock unpack the CleanBC plan while BC United leader says he wants to scrap it; UPM may see temporary layoffs; and a study demonstrates the value of apprentices.

In Forestry news: European environmental groups worry new packaging regulations will threaten forests; satellite tracking could save forests; and Parks Canada resumes wildfire risk reduction.

Wood construction shines in the tallest building, an entire neighbourhood, and myth busting. 

Finally, we wish all of our US readers a Happy Thanksgiving long weekend. 

By Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s fiscal update sees higher deficits and debt. In related news: despite Canada’s gloomy outlook and fiscal restraint goals, FPAC finds silver lining in recognition of biomass technologies. In other Business news: Meadow Lake Pulp mill ordered to pay fine; Enviva is at a crossroads due to a wrong-way bet on pellets; US home size trends down again; UPM announces first ever wood-based fleece jacket; and Australia is building a new paper recycling plant.

In Forestry/Climate news: Minister Heyman defends CleanBC climate plan; drought causes die-offs of Pacific Northwest red cedars; timber wars redux comes to Montana’s Yaak Valley; European wildfires called a climate change warning; and Sweden branches out with bioeconomy startups.

Finally, Christmas Tree Syndrome sends Ohio woman to the hospital.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor 

US growth is expected to decline in Q4, 2023 and remain tepid in 2024. In related news: Canada’s inflation rate cools to 3.1%; US custom home building slows; and offshore log and lumber markets may be worse than you think. Meanwhile: Canadian wildfires caused millions in insured damage; five striking workers at Woodland Pulp mill are arrested; an Eastern Oregon timber antitrust lawsuit is revived; and the Wood Products Manufacturers Association has a new board of directors.

In other news: Canada will appeal the court ruling on single-use plastics; wildfire smoke is said to impact First Nations the most; wildfires bring wolves back to California after 150 years; Washington State to increase wildfire awareness with Smokey Bear license plates; the US Endowment seeks to improve forest revitalization measurements; and an Australian study says plants may absorb more CO2 in a changing climate.

Finally, and sadly, a fatality at Weyerhaeuser Grande Prairie, Alberta lumber mill. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Following US lead, Canada will start paying subsidies to spur low-carbon technologies. In related news: a UN report says global CO2 emissions have reached a record high; Parks Canada says forests are integral to fighting climate change; efforts are underway to bring back California’s redwoods; and Nova Scotia is importing BC beetles to protect its hemlocks.

In other news: BC is helping PowerWood and Western Wood Preservers expand; West Fraser completes its acquisition of Spray Lake Sawmills; US Senator Angus King calls for mass timber in federal projects; the US EPA invests in a Seattle wood-salvage company; BC Wood celebrates a successful Global Buyers Mission; and the latest update from the Softwood Lumber Board. 

Finally, the world’s first wooden satellite seeks to make space junk biodegradable.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada’s ban on single-use plastics overstepped its bounds—a Federal Court ruled. In other Business news: La Crete Sawmills pleads guilty under Alberta’s OH&S Act in death of worker; Ingenuity is closing its Louisiana pine chemicals plant; Paper Excellence contributes to Nature Trust of BC; AF&PA elects four new Board members; and the US Endowment announces three new directors. On the Market front: US single-family starts held steady in October; as Canada’s Product Price Index fell 1%.

In Forestry news: Canada establishes Research Chair in Global Change Ecology of Northern Ecosystems; ENGO’s welcome BC’s draft biodiversity plan; Oregon State University walks away from Elliot Forest research plan; US wildland firefighters avert pending pay cut; and Michigan battles the invasive woolly adelgid.

Finally, HGTV Timber King founder Bryan Reid reflects on 50 years of log home building.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

ENGOs call for an end to burning biomass to generate energy, as bio-heat facilities are reviewed in PEI, and gain favour in BC. In related news: a global prize for bio-based construction materials; and Vermont sees potential in pellets. In other Business news: Canfor’s Polar mill curtailment generates concerns; Canadian housing starts trend upward; US homebuilder sentiment is down again; and building material prices are lower. 

In Forestry/Climate news: Alberta’s minister of forests on logging in Kananaskis Country; a BC ecologist stresses the import of prescribed burns; the National Observer on Canada’s unreachable GHG challenge; and New Hampshire looks to carbon credits to address climate change. 

Finally, early bird pricing ends Friday for the 79th annual TLA convention—Solutions from Our Forests. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canfor announced an extended curtailment of its Bear Lake, BC mill; and Kruger’s Corner Brook, NL mill is shutting down for a week. In related news: Clearwater Paper’s Idaho mill faces a natural gas incident; Roseburg is selling its Simsboro particleboard plant; and Skeena Sawmills is now officially for sale. Meanwhile: US inflation cools; and construction input prices fall.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canada launches an Indigenous leadership fund; the US released its fifth National Climate Assessment report; a US report says sustainable timber harvests reduce GHG emissions; BC forest residue projects secure clean energy funding; Quebec plans to improve its forest fire adaptation; and ENGO’s seek more forest conservation in Western Oregon.

Finally, building the future with wood: a focus on British Columbia and the UK.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Home Depot, GreenFirst Forest Products, and Taiga Building Products all reported lower Q3, 2023 earnings. In other Business news: Alberta invests in Fort Macloud truss plant; Manulife secures $225 million in commitments for its Forest Climate fund; the American Forest & Paper Association announces its 2023 Sustainability Award winners; the UK is sued for saying biomass is carbon neutral; and Germany’s rise as a forest powerhouse.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new study says trees can help tackle climate change; low-intensity wildfires can reduce fire risk; how wildfires threaten the global supply of wood, as well as damage US West timberlands; and what drought in the Amazon means for the planet. Meanwhile; the National Parks Conservation Association adds 11 conservation areas; and renewed advocacy for Canada’s endangered spotted owl.

Finally, a Bill Gates startup sterilizes and buries biomass to prevent GHG emissions. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Enviva, America’s biggest wood pellet exporter, says its future is in jeopardy. In related news: US infrastructure spending is driving a ‘pole-boom’; downbeat forecasts are reported at UK timber conference; and Billerud reported positive Q3 earnings. In other Business news: Andrew Coyne opines on Canada’s carbon taxes and GHG reductions; and Cam Brown speaks to what British Columbia can learn from forest management in Finland.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new report says FSC certified forests in Canada and the US store more carbon; concerns rise over Canada’s carbon emissions, as Canada’s wildfire season reverberates around the world; four US agencies sign an MOU on wildfire risk and smoke management; US grassland fires are more destructive than forest fires; and California’s seed banks and nurseries need attention – ‘desperately‘. 

Finally, the Sierra Club’s boss is at war with his staff. He blames them.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

FPAC’s Derek Nighbor says ENGO call to restrict forest management is wrong-headed and would make future fire seasons worse. In related news: Two Sides calls Citigroup’s decision to go paperless ‘greenwashing’; Stand.earth says BC is understating its old-growth harvests; Greenpeace is protesting logging in Czechia; how best to save California’s sequoias; and a cross-country mission to save Nova Scotia’s hemlocks.

In Business news: Teal-Jones’ Louisiana sawmill is on-target to open in 2024; a biomass dome is set to open in Panama City, Florida; Northwest Forest Link will export logs from the Port of Astoria; and a new report on biomass use in the European Union. Meanwhile: Cascades reported positive Q3 earnings, while Sappi and Enviva reported net loses.

Finally, Cascades announced the death of its cofounder Bernard Lemaire at age 87.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Frustrated with inflation, a record 85% of US consumers say it’s a ‘bad time’ to buy a home. In related news: politicians spar over funding to address Canada’s housing crisis;  home building falls to new lows in the UK; and the end is nigh for Australia’s home-building boom. In other Business news: Canada’s Supreme Court hears Ontario’s appeal of landmark ‘treaties annuities case‘; the US announced $2B for low-embodied carbon materials; Drax enhances its carbon credit offering; and Western Forest Products, Conifex Timber, and Rayonier AM reported Q3, 2023 net loses.

In Forestry/Climate news: Greenpeace says Paper Excellence should lose its sustainability credentials—despite FSC’s approval; 100 scientists call on Canada to stop the degradation of undisturbed forests; Alaska’s national forests said to be key to meeting US climate goals; experts predict ecosystem collapse of UK forests; and BC acquires 109 hectares to expand five provincial parks.

Finally, wood-based protective foam packaging options are on the rise.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Kentucky and North Carolina counties declared state of emergencies due to multiple forest fires. In related news: dry conditions and wildfires bedevil Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama; Whitehorse, Yukon is building Canada’s first permanent firebreak; and Colorado researchers study the frequency of large fires given climate change trends. 

In Business news: the US invests $653 million in ports to improve supply chains; BC invests $1.2 million in value-added manufacturing companies; Conner joins forces with Anderson Pallet and Crate; Stella-Jones reports positive Q3 earnings; two Peace Region mills win Canfor President’s Safety Award; and GreenFirst appoints Joel Fournier as CEO.

Finally, ERA’s Kevin Mason opines on US housing and the stuck-in-the-mud lumber prices.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Canada, BC and First Nations Leadership Council sign $1 billion conservation agreement — aim is to protect 30% of land by 2030. In related news: activists applaud BC’s new agreement; and Andrew Petter on BC’s shift from to value-extraction to value-addition. Meanwhile: Alabama invests in a timber-related DNA tool; mass timber breakthroughs in Milwaukee and Boston; and the US economy is booming while Canada stalls.

In other news: Canada defends its law to protect species at risk; RCMP rejects most complaints from Fairy Creek protestors; NRDC on paper products from Canada’s boreal forest; ENGOs oppose old-growth logging in Colorado; Arizona employs prescribed burns to protect its forest; Alberta’s wildfire season was 10x worse than average; and Louisiana wildfires top 50,000 acres to date.

Finally, the weather conditions are magic for mushrooms but be careful what you eat.

Correction: In our first message, the Tree Frog News incorrectly attributed the Indigenous participation in today’s “tripartite nature conservation agreement” story to the BC First Nations Forestry Council rather than the First Nations Leadership Council. Our apologies for the confusion. It has been corrected. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Citing market conditions, Canfor, Interfor and Mercer reported negative third quarter, 2023 earnings. In related news: Doman reported positive earnings, Rayonier’s CEO David Nunes is retiring; and more Canadian lumber producers file anti-dumping complaints with the US Trade Court. Meanwhile: Lytton finally issues its first building permit 2+ years after a wildfire decimated the village.

In Forestry/Climate news: the boreal forest may be shrinking as it migrates northward; scientists fail to agree on whether global warming is accelerating; and Climate Proof Canada calls for funding to reduce climate-related risks.

Finally, the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower breaks ground in Sydney, Australia.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

The US Federal Reserve paused its interest rates again, following last week’s rate freeze in Canada. In related news: the National Bank calls Canada’s housing outlook ‘moribund‘, Europe’s housing crisis is just starting; US lumber prices should rise in 2024; and tropical hardwood demand remains firm. Meanwhile: Lake Nipigon Ontario’s proposed biochar plant is on hold; and Acadian Timber reported positive Q3 earnings.

In Forestry/Climate news: a new report says a climate warming threshold nears; the good and bad of wood-based fabrics; sustaining wildlife in the face of fire; Drax at the centre of the UK’s push for net zero; a new book says conservation and forestry can coexist; and a WoodWorks Summit on the future of sustainable construction.

Finally, UBC Forestry to ensure students’ immersion in environmental problems prior to selection of major. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Unifor is seeking a meeting with RYAM over the potential sale of its Temiscaming, Ontario mill. In other Business news: Gorman Bros. prioritizes Indigenous relationships; US lumber companies see no reason for a duty reprieve; Nelson Bennett says lumber is no longer king in BC; and Jim Stirling says it time for a different approach to BC’s wildfire problem. In Market news: Canada’s GDP is unchanged; US consumer confidence falls; US containerboard production is down and Q3 earnings declined at Louisiana-Pacific, BlueLinx and UPM. 

In Forestry news: BC to give legal standing to prescribed burns; drought conditions increase the risk of hazardous trees; fire threatens California’s redwoods; illegal Indonesia palm plantations will be converted back into forests; and a Zimbabwean forest carbon credit scheme is under investigation.

Finally, event registrations open at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) and Forest Professionals BC (FPBC).

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

Ships start moving again as Unifor reaches tentative agreement with St. Lawrence Seaway. In other Business news: PotlatchDeltic and Clearwater Paper report positive Q3 earnings; the homebuilding slump is weighing down lumber prices; and global sawlog prices fell in 2022. In Product news: Derek Nighbor celebrates Canada’s pro-wood legislation; and the Washington Post and the Royal Bank of Canada embrace mass timber’s future.

In Forestry news: BC introduces changes to how its forests are managed; Nova Scotia reports 2023 record for area impacted by wildfire; NRCan supports Ontario effort to plant 31 million trees; a California wildfire prompts new evacuation order; Oregon’s research forest to manage for old-growth; the Narwal on closing backcountry forest roads; and ENGO’s on clearcut logging and the spotted owl.

Finally, Celtic Ireland and the history of the jack-o’-lantern. Oh… and Happy Halloween!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor

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