COVID-19 erodes budgets, wildfire season approaches

June 8, 2020
Category: Today's Takeaway

COVID-19 is eroding budgets, raising concerns as the wildfire season approaches. Here are some of the headlines:

  • Smoke, forest fires continue in Northwestern Ontario
  • Fire suppression measures can increase risks in northern Canada
  • California was set to spend big to prevent wildfires, then came COVID-19
  • Oregon officials predict severe and complex wildfire season amid COVID-19
  • Nevada prepares for bad fire season amidst coronavirus concern
  • Logging and severe fire both make Australian forests more flammable

In other news: Mosaic Forest Management says it can’t restart operations without log export relief; BC wood product exports fell 20.5% in Q1 2020, although value-added exports were up 7.1%; New Brunswick’s environment oversight appointment called a conflict of interest; Canada’s housing starts trend down in May; and US wood pellet exports fell 11% in April. 

Finally, we’re relieved that our friend and fellow RPF Stan Coleman escaped serious injury after a logging road accident.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News

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