US consumer confidence fell to a 4-month low in December, but housing, tissue and lumber market prices are expected to remain strong in 2021, and industry CEOs are cautiously optimistic. In other Business news: Conifex will resume power pant operations by month end; Ponderay Newsprint may have a second suitor; and the LBM features one of its Dealers of the Year Ganahl Lumber.

In Forestry News: a research paper says Canada needs more protected areas; scientists track clouds of budworm on radar; Ontario announces funding for species at risk; BC’s Roosevelt elk are a nuisance and threatened; and a group is suing to protect the spotted owl as the US administration ends protections for gray wolves. 

Finally, the 17th annual Global Buyers Mission is set to kick-off January 25.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor