Domtar’s indefinite curtailment of its Howe Sound pulp mill raises fresh concerns about BC forestry. BC’s Forest Minister called it an “immensely difficult day,” while the Truck Loggers Association, Council of Forest Industries and Unifor called for action to improve fibre access and competitiveness. In other Business news: Canada and the US are close to a trade deal, although the treatment of  wood products remains uncertain; BC Premier Eby’s position is being watched for its implication for lumber; BC First Nations are exploring a new sawmill; Ontario invests $1M in support of biomass markets; and Canada launched subsidy investigations into Chinese paperboard products.

In Forestry news: the US homebuilding industry backs Trump’s Roadless Rule repeal, while concerns mount in California and Michigan; Domtar partners to protect biodiversity in Mississippi; and Australia launches a new forest-sector research archive. In Wildfire news: BC’s wildfire-fighting costs have more than doubled; Quebec researchers are testing balloon-based technology to identify forests at risk; and Canadian and US crews battle a cross-border wildfire near Hope.

Finally: UBC launches a wood-foam plastic alternative, and US WoodWorks’ webinar on mass timber’s acoustic performance.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor