Third quarter financials by Mercer, Acadian Timber and International Paper reflect difficult market conditions. In related news from the Global Wood Summit: China’s pulp & paper growth triggers mill closures in North America; and the US perspective on Canadian softwood lumber duties. Elsewhere: a partial labour strike breaks out at the Port of Montreal; Microsoft builds with wood to reduce emissions; more on IP’s mill closures; and the latest on the True Value / Do It Right agreement.

In Forestry news: ENGOs urge rejection of biomass energy at UN biodiversity conference; a new study on climate change’s impact on permafrost forests; wildfire depressants dump toxic metals on US West forests; Washington timber sales are back on the chopping block; BC’s Sea to Sky forest fertilization project is underway; and forest fire season wrap-ups from Ontario and Alberta.

Finally, despite monsoon conditions, BC’s Sooke Potholes fire is only just declared to be out!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor