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The Tree Frog Forestry News
November 13, 2026
Category: Today's Takeaway
Hello early bird! We just want you to know that the news team is busy adding stories to this page. Be sure to check back at 9:00 am (PST) for the full line up of articles.
BCIT highlights training opportunities in sawmilling and mass timber construction
British Columbia Institute of Technology
November 13, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada West
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is highlighting two programs designed to strengthen workforce skills in wood products manufacturing and mass timber construction. BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing, launched in 2018, provides flexible technical training for sawmill employees, focusing on production efficiency, quality and safety. Its success led to the introduction of the Associate Certificate in Business of Sawmilling in 2021, providing an additional pathway for leadership development. Meanwhile, BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Construction of Mass Timber Structuresprepares experienced trades professionals for the specialized demands of mass timber construction. The six-month, part-time program combines online learning with a two-week hands-on practicum, where students assemble a full-scale, two-storey mass timber structure. Applications are currently being accepted for the January 2027 intake. Click the links in this story to visit program pages.
Canada, U.S. have spoken ‘within the past few days’ about potential trade deal: Greer
By Kayla Thompson
CTV News
November 12, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States
Canada and the U.S. have spoken “within the past few days,” in an effort to work towards a mutually beneficial trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney speak regularly. However, he declined to share a timeline on negotiations, saying “the substance of the deal is more important than a timeline.” Greer’s comments follow recent predictions from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra that a trade deal could be reached before the end of 2026. Greer said though Canada “would love to go back to how things used to be, where there’s just unfettered free trade between our two countries,” the U.S. is working on a deal to protect the country’s supply chains. “But we certainly are working on it,” he confirmed.
NAFTA panel upholds US Commerce ruling on Canadian softwood lumber
By International Trade Administration
US Department of Commerce
November 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States
A NAFTA binational panel has affirmed the US Department of Commerce’s second redetermination in its antidumping investigation of certain Canadian softwood lumber products. The panel issued its decision November 6, 2026, in the case concerning Commerce’s final determination that Canadian softwood lumber was sold in the United States at less than fair value. The decision follows a review conducted under NAFTA’s Article 1904 dispute settlement provisions, which provide for binational panel review of trade remedy determinations.
[Editor’s Note: According to Global Affairs Canada, the decision effectively concludes Canada’s challenge to the original US antidumping determination.]
We are excited to announce that registration for the 17th Annual Global Softwood Log & Lumber Conference is officially open! Join us on May 26–27, 2027, at The Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, for this premier industry event. Bringing together industry leaders and professionals from around the world, the conference will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the latest trends and developments in the global softwood log and lumber market, gain valuable industry insights, and connect with key players across the sector. Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rates! Secure your spot today! Register now!
Ohio lumber leaders warn of sawmill closures and job losses
By Travis Hicks
Spectrum News 1
November 12, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States
DAYTON, Ohio — Lumber industry leaders say the industry is facing a severe downturn, with depressed prices, sawmill closures and job losses tied to sluggish housing construction, trade barriers and rising operating costs. “The lumber industry is at a crossroads. There’s a lot of threats facing the business,” said Robert Kaednick, CEO of Hartzell Hardwoods. Kaednick said that pressure is being felt across small businesses and rural communities. He said, “almost a sawmill a day is going out of business.” “Over the last 10 years, we have lost 40,000 jobs from these small businesses and rural communities, unable to compete against subsidized foreign companies,” Kaednick said. According to Kaednick, the crisis is being driven by low construction, high operating costs, millage closures and shifting land-use priorities. Nick Bohlke, president of Mbohlkeveneer Corporation, said government action could help address some of the industry’s challenges.
French court orders shutdown of Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens pulp mill
Fordaq
November 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International
FRANCE – Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens faces the end of its operating reprieve after a decision announced on 12 November 2026 by the Toulouse commercial court. The latest ruling affects the remaining operation of the pulp mill in southwestern France, rather than marking the first opening of liquidation proceedings. …The court’s 30 July judgment records that the Fibre Excellence business was converted from judicial restructuring into liquidation, initially with temporary continuation of activity. The new development is the end of the subsequent operating extension, following the absence of a finalised takeover agreement by the latest deadline. The Occitanie regional government said affected employees would be offered professional transition support. The region is seeking to preserve the industrial site while a possible new project is prepared. …The region expects around 30 people to remain involved in plant maintenance. That work is intended to preserve the possibility of a restart.
Metsä Wood begins strategic review of its operations in the UK
By Metsä Group
Metsä Wood
November 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International
Metsä Wood, part of Metsä Group, will begin a strategic review of its UK operations due to significant changes in market conditions. The review is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. “The UK continues to be one of the key European growth markets for Metsä Wood’s engineered wood products. In the strategic review we will explore possibilities to continue on a growth trajectory in engineered wood products, while addressing the profitability challenges of Metsä Wood UK”, says Jussi Noponen, Executive Vice President of Metsä Wood.
Value of Canadian Building Permits Fell 4.1% in September
Statistics Canada
November 12, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada
Statistics Canada reported that the total value of building permits issued in Canada declined 4.1% in September to CA$12.9 billion, a decrease of $552.8 million from August. On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value fell 4.5% month-over-month but was up 1.9% year-over-year. Residential construction intentions declined 5.8% ($475.7 million) to $7.8 billion in September. The multifamily component led the decline, falling $529.3 million to $5.1 billion, while single-family construction intentions increased $53.6 million to $2.7 billion. The value of nonresidential building permits declined $77.1 million to $5.1 billion in September. …Residential construction intentions were virtually unchanged at $21.0 billion in constant dollars. Nationwide, 71,300 single-family and multifamily units were authorized for construction in Q3 (not seasonally adjusted), down from 78,500 units during the same quarter in 2025.
After a brief rebound last month, existing home sales plummeted to a 16-year low in October. With mortgage rates back above 7% since mid-September and home prices still elevated, buyers continued to stay on the sidelines. Sales declined across all four regions, with the West hitting a record low while the Midwest and South fell to decade lows. As buyers wait for rate relief, homes are sitting on the market longer, resulting in for-sale inventory climbing close to pre-pandemic levels. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops, fell 5.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.75 million in October, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This marked the lowest level since August 2010. On a year-over-year basis, sales were 8.8% lower than a year ago.
Four key takeaways from International Softwood Conference 2026
By Tuomo Neuvonen and Cat Vitale
RISI Fastmarkets
November 13, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: International
Dublin hosted the softwood industry last week for the International Softwood Conference 2026, where producers, traders and industry professionals gathered to discuss trends across the softwood market. From freight and energy volatility to raw material availability concerns, our price reporters share key takeaways from the conference floor.
Higher energy and freight costs are increasing pressure across roundwood procurement, logistics, sawn timber transport and production.
European softwood consumption remains below 2022 levels, with low construction activity identified as the main reason.
Construction bottlenecks persist across Europe, while renovation provides a partial counterweight to weakness in new building activity.
The outlook toward 2027 remains stable, with weak construction demand and wider economic pressures weighing on market activity.
Raw material availability remains challenging, while rising Nordic log prices and difficult market conditions continue pressuring sawmills.
Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau launches new curriculum
By Dakota Smith
Woodworking Network
November 12, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, United States
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) has launched Structural Light Framing & Structural Joists and Planks. This fourth offering completes PLIB’s comprehensive grader training curriculum based on the National Grading Rule for Dimension Lumber (NGR). “We’re pretty stoked about having completed our NGR-based curriculum,” said PLIB executive vice president Erik Wilson. “We will now begin translating these courses into different languages and focus efforts on additional grader training and other industry-focused topics as directed by PLIB members.” Structural Light Framing & Structural Joists and Planks is based on the in-mill grader training PLIB has offered for decades. PLIB’s online courses offer a wide range of learning activities, making extensive use of hundreds of close-up images, video captured from in-mill scanners and instructional videos led by PLIB’s experienced grading supervisors. …Learn more about PLIB’s education and training offerings at plib.org/lumber-gradingmarking/education-and-training/. To enroll in a course visit education.plib.org/all-courses/.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Stackabl Homes BC Host First Nations Affordable Housing Engagement in Port Renfrew
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
November 12, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West
Port Renfrew, B.C. – On November 5, 2026, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Stackabl Homes BC co-hosted a First Nations Affordable Housing Engagement in Port Renfrew, bringing together First Nations representatives to explore innovative approaches to addressing housing challenges while creating long-term economic opportunities. The engagement provided an opportunity for participating Nations to learn about the Affordable Housing Initiative and Stackabl’s housing technology, share community housing priorities, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities. Discussions focused on affordable and workforce housing solutions, Indigenous participation in forestry supply chains, and opportunities related to regional manufacturing, employment, and skills training. …A completed demonstration home in Port Renfrew, built with Stackabl’s prefabricated, panelized wood frame technology, provides an opportunity for the First Nations to evaluate the housing system firsthand and explore its potential application in their communities.
Toronto’s Spring House pairs mass timber with round-the-clock care
By Don Procter
Daily Commercial News
November 13, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada East
An eight-storey housing project set to rise early next year in Toronto’s Parkdale is notable not just for its mass timber structure, energy efficiency and ambitious green standards, but also because it will provide health support staff onsite 24 hours a day. Spring House will feature 54 affordable studio apartments for seniors at risk, each unit with a private kitchen and bathroom and residents will have access to a host of onsite community activities. …The eight-storey mass timber design consists of CLT floor slabs point loaded on glulam columns and a concrete elevator/stairway core. He says the choice of materials has proven to be “one of most efficient and cost-effective ways” of construction and offers flexibility in ground floor planning. The use of mass timber in Toronto is up, with more engineers and builders familiar with its application while the supply capacity has risen, the architect points out.
Lenzing invests US$31 million in Alabama wood-based specialty fibre production
The Lenzing Group
November 12, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States, US East
ALABAMA — The Lenzing Group is investing €27 million (US$31 million) to expand specialty fibre capabilities at its lyocell production facility in Mobile, Alabama. The investment will increase production flexibility, including short-cut lyocell fibres, and support the development of customized wood-based fibre solutions for nonwoven applications. CEO Georg Kasperkovitz said nonwovens are a strategic growth area for the company, with the investment strengthening its presence in the Americas and globally. Lenzing says the expanded capabilities will support innovation and opportunities to replace fossil-based fibres in nonwoven products. The investment forms part of a €50 million program that includes €23 million previously announced for its Austrian operations.
The EcoDataCenter in Falun, Sweden, could lay claim to being the world’s greenest datacentre – although to many, that is a contradiction in terms. …this datacentre is made out of wood. Huge panels of cross-laminated timber arrived at the site pre-cut, and were assembled by crane according to instructions. Aesthetically, it’s more like an Ikea before the fit-out, a cavernous, echoey, immaculately clean hangar. The wood is not EcoDataCenter’s only claim to sustainability; it is more than just cosmetic, says John Wernvik, the company’s chief external relations and sustainability officer. “Compared with a traditional datacentre built with steel and concrete, we lower the embodied carbon of the full structure by three times.” With a complex the size of a football pitch, that is a lot of wood, but, says Wernvik, “the amount of timber one of our datacentres uses takes the Swedish forest about 10 to 15 minutes to grow back”.
For many Canadians, a forest is more than a landscape. …In a recent survey, nearly 90 per cent of people responded that forests are a vital part of our national identity. Meanwhile, threats to our forested landscapes are rising, as wildfires, extreme weather and invasive species take their toll. “We all have a connection to forests,“ says Jess Kaknevicius, chief executive officer of Forests Canada, a national charity focused on conserving, restoring and growing forested landscapes across the country. …To tackle the problems and challenges that forests face, Ms. Kaknevicius says, “collaboration is critical, and we are fortunate to work with a trusted network of partners across the country to achieve the impact required at the necessary scale. One of those partners, RBC Foundation, shares Forest Canada’s conviction that diverse, resilient and thriving forests are critical today and for future generations.
New videos challenge Canada’s claims of sustainable forestry
David Suzuki Foundation
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada
TORONTO — Canada promotes the corporate forestry sector as a leader in sustainability. But a new four-part video series from Awi’nakola Foundation, the David Suzuki Foundation, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), the RAD Network, Tinakiwin, and Wahkohtowin, is challenging that claim by revealing the hidden costs of industrial logging for forests and communities in Canada. …The videos look beyond the number of trees that grow after logging to ask two more important questions: Are these forests still able to support the biodiversity and cultures that once thrived there? And do Indigenous Peoples have a meaningful say in decisions about the future of forests in their territories? …“While Canada touts its leadership in sustainable forestry, these Indigenous leaders are telling a different story. They’re exposing the damage done to their lands and communities that they live with every day,” said Rachel Plotkin of the David Suzuki Foundation.
Protecting Old Growth, Fighting Fire with Fire and First Nations Forestry | Dan McMaster
By Anthony Robinson, ForestNet Media
You Tube
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West
Dan McMaster, forestry manager for the Osoyoos Indian Band, discusses why protecting old growth requires active management, how cultural burning reduces wildfire risk, and whether wildfire prevention is an excuse to log more. Plus, building First Nations forestry businesses and finding opportunity amid B.C.’s mill closures. Welcome to the Forestnet Media YouTube Channel, your voice for the forest sector. We share the stories, insights, and innovations shaping our industry. From new equipment and mill technology to leadership journeys and trade developments, our conversations aim to inform, inspire, and connect.
Build Connections: Attend the 2027 Forest Professionals BC Conference in Prince George
Forest Professionals British Columbia
November 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West
Attend the 2027 Forest Professionals BC Conference in person to hear directly from experts on the latest forestry practices, policy developments, research, and emerging issues affecting the stewardship and management of BC’s forests. Join colleagues from across the province in Prince George to connect face-to-face with forest professionals, forestry sector leaders, and other attendees throughout the conference. In-person attendees also have access to the tradeshow, where they can engage directly with sponsors and exhibitors, as well as networking opportunities, including the icebreaker reception, recognition banquet, and inductees’ luncheon. Register now to take advantage of early bird rates for the conference, February 3-5 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.
Woodlots BC highlights new forestry safety resources and woodlot stories
Woodlots BC
November 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West
The latest Woodlots Weekly newsletter highlights two new SAFEWOODS articles addressing worker safety in partial cutting and commercial thinning operations, and safety considerations when working in forests following wildfire. Developed by the Woodlot Licence and Community Forest Agreement Safety Committee, with support from the BC Forest Safety Council, the articles provide practical guidance tailored to small and medium-sized forestry operations. Established in 2015, the committee works to improve safety performance among woodlot and community forest operators. Other newsletter highlights include a photo gallery from the 2026 Woodlots BC Conference and AGM, and a profile of veteran woodlot operator Harold Macy of Headquarters Creek Woodlot, reflecting on his lifetime of forestry experience. Additional news features the Cariboo Chilcotin Forestry Forum, and upcoming BC Forest Safety Council training courses in Prince George and Kamloops.
Cariboo Chilcotin Forestry Forum looks to strengthen local industry
The City of Williams Lake
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West
Nearly 70 representatives from forestry, First Nations, local government, industry and community organizations gathered in Williams Lake on November 6 for a second Cariboo Chilcotin Forestry Forum, hosted by the City of Williams Lake. Building on the inaugural forum held in July, the event focused on showcasing local value-added wood manufacturing, strengthening industry connections and identifying practical actions to support the future of forestry in the Cariboo Chilcotin. “Forestry is a very important sector in our region, and we need to work together to find solutions that will help strengthen it,” City of Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “Seeing the technology investment, innovation and skilled people working right here in our backyard was inspiring. We have the expertise to make the best use of the trees in our region, and I look forward to bringing the ideas and solutions discussed forward to Victoria.”
Limited visibility into how USDA planned for its reorganization, watchdog says
By Drew Friedman
The Federal News Network
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States
It’s not clear whether or how much the Agriculture Department considered the impact of its sweeping reorganization plan before embarking on it, a government watchdog says. For months, USDA officials declined to share information with the Government Accountability Office. … In a report published Monday, GAO said the agency’s refusal to turn over information makes it unclear to what extent USDA evaluated how the reorganization would impact services to primary customers, economic factors, workforce attrition, or the protection of taxpayer dollars during the disposal of federal property. …Rollins argued that GAO’s report only included “select events” surrounding the reorganization, forgoing mention of financial issues at the Forest Service, staffing growth with no “sustainable way to pay for it,” and an underutilization of USDA building space. …USDA did provide some limited information to GAO, including raw employee attendance data in D.C.-area buildings and a report on Forest Service financial challenges.
National Hardwood Lumber Association Board takes official position on hardwood log exports
By Larry Adams
Woodworking Network
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States
MEMPHIS — Following extensive discussion and a survey of voting members, the NHLA Board of Directors has adopted an official position on hardwood log exports. “The decision marks an important step toward addressing concerns about the movement of North American hardwood resources and the future of the domestic hardwood lumber industry,” the association said. The Board approved the following official statement:
The NHLA opposes the unrestricted export of US hardwood logs.
The NHLA recognizes the immediate need to curtail the flow of our natural resource to countries that use predatory purchasing practices and do not support the North American hardwood lumber industry, which is vital to the United States and Canada.
The NHLA has formed the Hardwood Export Log Policy Task Force whose goal is to partner with our allied associations to lead the industry to help determine next steps and actions to protect our North American hardwood lumber industry and natural resource.
The Nature Conservancy, USDA Launch $2.1M Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Reduction Projects in Idaho and Wyoming
The Nature Conservancy
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West
The Nature Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service are pleased to announce the commitment of $2.1 million to expand forest restoration activities across national forests in Idaho and Wyoming. To accomplish this important work, TNC will provide additional workforce capacity to support prescribed fire, ecological thinning and other restoration activities that improve forest health and make communities safer by reducing hazardous overgrowth that fuels extreme wildfire. The work will focus on national forests within the wildland-urban interface (WUI) where the Forest Service and TNC have existing partnerships, including the Caribou-Targhee, Payette and Salmon-Challis National Forests in Idaho and the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Under mutual interest agreements, TNC fire crews will support prescribed fire prep work, such as thinning crowded trees and overgrown brush, burning slash piles and broadcast burning, and data collection/monitoring the effects of prescribed fire.
New York State Awarded $45M to Support Tree Nursery & Forest Products Markets
The New York Almanack
November 12, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced $45 million in grants to 44 projects promoting forest resilience and climate mitigation through sustainable forest management and reforestation while contributing to the State’s goal of planting 25 million trees. Through DEC’s Advancing Forest Markets (AFM) grant initiative, projects across the state are expected to help businesses expand tree seedling and forest product capacity, production, and markets; increase access to affordable native trees; and grow New York State’s forest products economy. “These projects will create new green jobs; provide field-based training across the various stages of the reforestation and forest product sectors; provide critical resources to tree nurseries, seed collection and reforestation operations, forest landowners, forestry businesses, and other organizations working to expand forest product markets and support wood as a renewable resource,” an announcement from DEC said.
A National Awards Program for Forest Regions Seeking New Industry
Ecostrat.com
November 3, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada
TORONTO – Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative launched the Canada Forest Innovation & Renewable Markets (FIRM) Challenge, a new national awards program for forest regions seeking new industry. Fifteen regions will each receive a fully funded Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Rating, worth approximately $150,000, and be actively connected with hundreds of global project developers through a new national Markets Acceleration Centre, with the goal of generating more than $1 billion in new plant announcements in less than two years. …The Challenge is a direct response to the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force’s call to support new markets for Canada’s wood products. It also launches the BDO Zone Markets Acceleration Centre (BDO-MAC), the network’s market-development arm. BDO-MAC will connect rated Canadian regions directly with bioeconomy developers around the world. The intent is to give Canada’s forest regions a high profile with the developers most likely to build new plants.
US industrial sector expected to consume more woody biomass in 2027
By Erin Krueger
Biomass Magazine
November 12, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States
Renewables are expected to account for nearly 26% of U.S. electricity generation this year, expanding to nearly 28% in 2027, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Nov. 10. Renewables accounted for 24% of U.S. electricity generation last year. Biomass is currently expected to account for 1.78% of U.S. renewable electricity generation in 2026, falling to 1.59% in 2027. Biomass accounted for 1.89% of U.S. renewable electricity generation in 2025. The EIA currently expects biomass to be used to generate 20.2 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity this year, falling to 19.6 billion kWh next year. Biomass generation was at 19.6 billion kWh in 2025.
It’s Pipin’ Hot! Mt. Bachelor’s New Wood Fuel Energy Facility Opened Thursday
By Peter Madsen
The Source – Bend’s Daily Independent Voice
November 12, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: US West
The five buildings at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village will feel comfy cozy this winter with heat is sourced through wood salvaged locally from the Deschutes National Forest. Mt. Bachelor officials cut the ribbon on its new Wood Fuel Energy Facility on Nov. 12. …That biomass consists of mix conifer wood chipped by contractors and is sourced from the Deschutes National Forest Restoration Thinning Project. A large commercial wood stove-like product — about the size of a Sprinter van standing on its grill — incinerates the wood chips at temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat travels to the various West Village buildings through underground, insulated piping. …Using this preexisting fuel source is an ecological win-win, says Andrew Haden, the president of Wisewood Energy, a Portland-based biomass company that contracted with Mt. Bachelor and Powdr Corp, the mountain resort’s parent company, to create the wood-burning facility.
Hello early bird! We just want you to know that the news team is busy adding stories to this page. Be sure to check back at 9:00 am (PST) for the full line up of articles.
Canada and the U.S. have spoken “within the past few days,” in an effort to work towards a mutually beneficial trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney speak regularly. However, he declined to share a timeline on negotiations, saying “the substance of the deal is more important than a timeline.” Greer’s comments follow recent predictions from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra that a trade deal could be reached before the end of 2026. Greer said though Canada “would love to go back to how things used to be, where there’s just unfettered free trade between our two countries,” the U.S. is working on a deal to protect the country’s supply chains. “But we certainly are working on it,” he confirmed.
We are excited to announce that registration for the 17th Annual Global Softwood Log & Lumber Conference is officially open! Join us on May 26–27, 2027, at The Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, for this premier industry event. Bringing together industry leaders and professionals from around the world, the conference will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the latest trends and developments in the global softwood log and lumber market, gain valuable industry insights, and connect with key players across the sector. Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rates! Secure your spot today! Register now!
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) has launched 
It’s not clear whether or how much the Agriculture Department considered the impact of its sweeping reorganization plan before embarking on it, a government watchdog says. For months, USDA officials declined to share information with the Government Accountability Office. … In a 
TORONTO – Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative launched the Canada Forest Innovation & Renewable Markets (FIRM) Challenge, a new national awards program for forest regions seeking new industry. Fifteen regions will each receive a fully funded Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Rating, worth approximately $150,000, and be actively connected with hundreds of global project developers through a new national Markets Acceleration Centre, with the goal of generating more than $1 billion in new plant announcements in less than two years. …The Challenge is a direct response to the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force’s call to support new markets for Canada’s wood products. It also launches the BDO Zone Markets Acceleration Centre (BDO-MAC), the network’s market-development arm. BDO-MAC will connect rated Canadian regions directly with bioeconomy developers around the world. The intent is to give Canada’s forest regions a high profile with the developers most likely to build new plants.
Renewables are expected to account for nearly 26% of U.S. electricity generation this year, expanding to nearly 28% in 2027, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Nov. 10. Renewables accounted for 24% of U.S. electricity generation last year. Biomass is currently expected to account for 1.78% of U.S. renewable electricity generation in 2026, falling to 1.59% in 2027. Biomass accounted for 1.89% of U.S. renewable electricity generation in 2025. The EIA currently expects biomass to be used to generate 20.2 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity this year, falling to 19.6 billion kWh next year. Biomass generation was at 19.6 billion kWh in 2025. 