Continued increases in the price of North American lumber has importers chasing European wood, and social media truthers claiming the shortage is contrived. In related news: how much higher can building materials go; why haven’t UK housing prices collapsed; and CIBC’s perplexed view of New Brunswick’s timber royalty rates. Meanwhile: Conifex reports improved Q1; Structurlam’s Arkansas plant set to open; and more on Paper Excellence’s purchase of Domtar.

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s auditor general says the province is failing to protect wildlife habitat; a new study on the benefits of thinning and fire in ponderosa forests; SFI kicks-off its 2021 Annual Conference today, FSC opens registration for its May 26 AGM; and the BC First Nations Forestry Council announces keynote for its June conference.

Finally, police trace stolen lumber to bucktooth bandits. No charges will be laid.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor