Of all the factors pushing lumber prices up, the historic 2017 wildfire season tops beetles and tariffs—according to Ben Foldy (Financial Times). And while most lumber stocks have enjoyed a good run, Stephen Simpson (Seeking Alpha) says the under-performers suggest prices may weaken significantly. In related news: housing sales rebound in the US South; BC Premier Horgan says US consumers are bearing the brunt of softwood tariffs; and NZ log prices to China hit a 25 year high.

In other news: UNESCO says Canada’s Wood Buffalo national park is being threatened by development; a new book examines the closure of Sturgeon Falls paper mill in 2002; timber sales in Washington may be a good thing, and UK city parks are significant carbon stores.

Finally, an Ontario firefighter and international instructor says the trend in mid-rise wood construction increases firefighter danger.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor