China’s demand for logs and lumber grew in 2018, but most of the gains were earlier in the year, according to FEA Wood Markets. In other Business news: more on Canadian lumber profitability amid declining US shipments; BC Hydro will continue to purchase power from independent power producers despite reduced demand; a new study on the US hardwood industry’s contribution to the economy; and the world’s largest pulp mill opens in Sweden.

In other news: Prince George’s winter is not cold enough to kill the beetle; and Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce speaks out on Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. In wildfire news: California looks to insure against losses; a new weather tool helps predict fire risk; studies abound on the effect of logging and land use planning as a solution; and a new additive provides fire protection for wood.

Finally, a gallery of BC forester photos and congratulations to Donna Harman, AF&PA’s CEO, on her pending retirement.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor