Daily News for May 12, 2026

Today’s Takeaway

Thank you for visiting the Tree Frog Forestry News

The Tree Frog Forestry News
May 12, 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.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor

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Special Feature

International Pulp Week 2026: Optimizing Fibre, Elevating Performance: How Hardwood Is Helping Customers Compete

By Kelly McCloskey, Editor
Tree Frog Forestry News
May 11, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, United States, International

Rodrigo Marchi, Managing Director for the Americas at Suzano, framed his presentation around a central commercial argument: that eucalyptus-based hardwood pulp has moved well beyond its historical role as a cost-reduction tool and is now a performance fibre capable of helping customers compete on product quality.

Rodrigo Marchi

The presentation drew on Suzano’s experience working across tissue, packaging, and printing and writing grades, with a particular focus on substitution opportunities, the structural shift away from softwood, and what Marchi described as a deintegration strategy that is reshaping how some mills approach their fibre furnish. Marchi opened with the demand picture for hardwood pulp, noting the sustained growth trajectory that has characterized the segment over the past two decades, driven primarily by China.

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International Pulp Week 2026: A Macro View on Tariffs and Global Markets

By Kelly McCloskey, Editor
Tree Frog Forestry News
May 11, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, United States, International

Joaquín Kritz Lara, Chief Economist and Strategist with Numera Analytics, opened by noting that each year he focuses on a specific macro theme — tariffs the year prior, geopolitical risk the year before that. This year, he said, the answer was obvious: the conflict in the Middle East and its economic consequences, approached through two lenses — what it means for oil and gas markets, and how the broader economic fallout maps against the closest historical comparable, the stagflation episodes of the 1970s.

Joaquin Kritz Lara

On oil, Kritz Lara said the current situation is the worst energy crisis on record. He walked through the evolution of global oil production during previous major disruptions …before turning to the present. The current supply shortfall, depending on the estimates used, is running between 12% and 14% of global production. The only remotely comparable instance was the OPEC embargo of 1973, and even then it took close to two years for production to drop 10%. From a demand destruction perspective, he said, the current situation is comparable to COVID — and by his measure worse.

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International Pulp Week 2026 — The Shifting Landscape

By Kelly McCloskey, Editor
Tree Frog Forestry News
May 11, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, United States, International

International Pulp Week opened Monday morning in Vancouver with Tim Brown, vice president with PPPC, welcoming delegates to the 21st edition of the conference. …Brown acknowledged the conference’s platinum sponsor, the Shanghai Port Authorities, and gold sponsors Suzano, UPM, and Svante, before outlining the program built around a central theme of fibre selection. He then handed the session over to Kevin Mason, Managing Director of ERA Forest Products Research, who served as both opening speaker and moderator for the day.

Kevin Mason

Mason opened with a framing device drawn from classical history. The post-1945 international order, he argued, can be understood as a Pax Americana — a system analogous to the Roman Empire’s Pax Romana, in which the dominant power’s global projection underwrote open trade flows, resource access, and the primacy of the US dollar in international commerce. That system, he said, is now over. In its place, he described a retreat toward hemispheric consolidation, which commentators have dubbed the Donroe Doctrine, or the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. Whether by design or otherwise, the Trump administration’s actions represent a fundamental break from the institutions and norms established after 1945, with the UN, international courts, and a range of multilateral frameworks all, in Mason’s words, under attack. The operating logic, he suggested, is straightforward: the strong do what they want, and the weak suffer what they must.

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Business & Politics

The return of B.C. First Nations’ territory: Despite recent gains, less than 1 per cent is in their hands

By Gordon Hoekstra
Vancouver Sun
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

In 2008, the B.C. government agreed to provide the Musqueam First Nation with land and money to settle a dispute over the prospective sale of the University of B.C. golf course lands. …As part of a deal valued at $250 million, which involved several parcels of land, including the golf course, and cash, the Musqueam received nearly 14 hectares adjacent to their community south of Marine Drive along the north arm of the Fraser River. …The Musqueam have been in discussions with the province about adding more land, possibly from Pacific Spirit Regional Park, show communications disclosed through a freedom of information request. …Many First Nations in the Metro Vancouver-Fraser Valley-Squamish-Sunshine Coast region are using their existing and newly obtained land holdings for economic development, which can also provide economic benefits outside their communities. …The Squamish Nation has plans for 11 towers and 6,000 units on the portion of lands returned from those taken away from them at False Creek in 1913, called Sen̓áḵw. 

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Kruger invests $333 million to enter the wide nonwovens sector

Kruger Inc.
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec — Kruger announced a $333 million investment marking its entry into the nonwovens sector. This new division will focus on manufacturing some of the industry’s most sustainable materials for a broad range of wipe applications. Central to this major project is the installation of the first production line of its kind in Canada, to be built on Île-de-la-Potherie in Trois-Rivières, adjacent to Kruger’s Wayagamack paper mill, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. …This project was made possible with a $35 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Strategic Response Fund, as well as a $35 million loan from Investissement Québec, along with a $5 million equity investment in Kruger Pulp and Paper Limited Partnership Holding. Investissement Québec is also investing an additional $25 million from its own funds. The project will result in the creation of 56 new permanent jobs, bringing total employment at the Île-de-la-Potherie site to over 340 employees.

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Trump administration asks trade court to pause ruling on global tariffs

Reuters in CBC News
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

US President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday asked a US ‌court to pause its ruling against the administration’s 10% global tariff while ​the federal government pursues an ​appeal. Last week, the US Court of International Trade ruled that the president’s 10% temporary global duties were unjustified under ‌a 1970s trade law. But the court only blocked the levies for two private importers and the state of Washington. The court ruled that Trump’s imposition of the tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 was misguided. In February, Trump imposed the so-called global tariff of 10 per cent after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some tariffs the U.S. president had implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. CUSMA-compliant Canadian exports heading to the U.S. were exempt from the global tariff.

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Forsite Announces Strategic Partnership with Flyscan to Deliver Best-in-Class Liquid Leak Detection for Pipeline Operators

Forsite
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: US East

CONROE, Texas — Today Forsite announced a strategic partnership and minority investment agreement with Flyscan Systems Inc. (Flyscan), to deliver a unified, best-in-class liquid leak, automated threat detection, geohazards and vegetation solution for pipeline operators. By joining forces, Forsite and Flyscan are combining their capabilities into a single, integrated offering designed to give operators proactive leak and threat detection under one integrated patrol service. The partnership joins Flyscan’s on-board liquid leak sensing hardware and software with Forsite’s patrol operations and data management expertise, resulting in proactive leak management and timely notifications. Forsite and Flyscan will join their threat detection offerings into a single automated threat detection service that includes real-time active detection, a cloud-based command center and a pipeline intelligence software suite, providing clients with the industry’s leading high-fidelity threat detection solution and, ultimately, fewer line strikes and early leak detection.

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In Memoriam

Jim Rustad dies at 88

The Prince George Citizen
May 11, 2026
Category: In Memoriam
Region: Canada, Canada West

Jim Rustad

The world has lost a great man, a pillar of the Prince George community, as well as, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. James “Jim” Murray Rustad passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born in 1937. Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 67 years, Noreen Rustad. …The Rustad family came to Prince George from Saskatchewan in the mid 1940’s, and Jim grew up as part of the family that built and ran the Rustad Bros. sawmill and planer mill which became an important part of the region’s economy. Jim took on increasing responsibilities until he was President in the early 1970’s. Jim played a leading role in the forest industry of BC including chairing the Council of Forest Industries and other provincial boards. The forest industry recognized his contribution with the Paul Bunyan Award in 1992. Northwood bought the mill in 1991, and Jim worked for 3 more years and then retired. 

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Finance & Economics

Doman Building Materials Group reports Q1, 2026 net earnings of $23.9 million

Doman Building Materials Group Ltd.
May 8, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada West

VANCOUVER – Doman Building Materials announced its first quarter 2026 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2026. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2026, consolidated revenues totaled $762.0 million, compared to $793.2 million in 2025, largely due to the impact of decreases in pricing on a year-over-year basis across certain construction materials categories. …EBITDA amounted to $68.1 million, compared to EBITDA of $70.0 million. Net earnings for the three-month period were $23.9 million versus $23.6 million in the comparative period in 2025. The Company declared a $0.14 per share dividend, which was paid on April 15, 2026. Amar S. Doman, Chairman of the Board… “While we saw some stability in pricing in the US in the first quarter, the overall picture driven by macro trends remains volatile, and uncertainty exists moving forward into 2026.”

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Alberta’s Value-Added Wood Products Round Table

WoodWorks Alberta
May 12, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

WoodWorks Alberta is reaching out to Alberta’s wood industry with an invitation to participate at an upcoming round table series focused on strengthening the province’s Value-Added Wood Products sector. Alberta is home to more than 500 value-added wood product manufacturers, most of which are small and mid-sized enterprises located around key urban centres. …The sector plays an important role in supporting jobs and contributing to economic diversification across the province. The industry continues to navigate evolving market conditions, supply chain pressures, labour shortages, and global competition, while also seeing strong opportunities in low-carbon construction, modularization, and increased provincial demand. This round table series will bring together industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and explore practical ways to strengthen Alberta’s value-added wood manufacturing ecosystem.

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Forging powerful partnerships to compete in global markets

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
May 11, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, Canada West

British Columbia is growing stronger roots in global wood markets, investing more than $12 million to expand demand for made-in-BC forest products, support workers, and open new opportunities for communities throughout the province. …Through Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), this funding will support projects that diversify markets and increase the use of BC wood, to help maintain competitiveness in the global wood economy. The program includes two streams: market development, and wood first initiatives. …Expanding global demand for BC wood: FII will invest more than $9 million into market development initiatives, leveraged by more than $3 million form industry partners. These projects focus on growing international demand and tearing down barriers to market access. …Building more with wood at home: FII is investing $2.6 million into its Wood First initiative, with an additional $1.5 million from partners, to increase wood use throughout BC. These projects focus on advancing mass timber and prefabricated wood construction.

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Stasher Expands Beyond Reusables with Launch of Recyclable Paper Bags

By Stasher
PR Newswire
May 12, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US West

EMERYVILLE, California — Stasher, the brand that pioneered reusable silicone food storage, is expanding its offering with the launch of Stasher Recyclable Paper Bags, its first single-use solution designed to replace everyday single-use plastic bags at an accessible price point. Recyclable and completely plastic-free, these paper bags are designed to work alongside Stasher’s signature silicone line. They’re perfect for dry snacks, baked goods, and sandwiches (hold the sauces), making them a go-to for lunchboxes, field trips, team snacks, and everyday grab-go-and-share occasions. Reusables remain at the heart of Stasher’s mission. But the brand is leaning into a simple truth: sometimes, convenience wins, and too often, that still means relying on single-use plastic. By offering single-use products that are recyclable, budget-friendly and made responsibly, Stasher is expanding its “Stasher System”: a smarter approach to living life with less plastic across more moments.

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Forestry

Alberta to Become Testbed for Autonomous Trucking Tech Targeting Forestry Sector

By Knowlton Thomas
Calgary.tech
May 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Kodiak AI is slated is conduct pilot operations for autonomous driving technology in Alberta. The Silicon Valley upstart, founded in 2018 in Mountain View by Don Burnette and Paz Eshel, has developed purpose-built, AI-powered ground autonomy solutions. Kodiak’s solutions specifically targeting the commercial trucking industry, which is where Alberta comes in; the region serves as a practical testing ground for explore the deployment of trucks equipped with the Kodiak Driver, the firm’s AI-powered autonomous log-hauling operations system. Logging truck routes often involve challenging roads with rough terrain and limited resources. The Mountain View innovator is partnering with Vancouver-based West Fraser Timber Co. to explore deployment of trucks equipped with Kodiak’s flagship Driver technology, which aims to address an industry-wide shortage of drivers and increase consistency of raw material supply to mills. “Innovation that improves safety and sustainability has long been central to how West Fraser operates,” says Mark Cookson, Woods Operations Manager for West Fraser.

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COFI Forest Education Program Receives Support from Forestry Innovation Investment

By Travis Joern, Director of Communications & Events
Council of Forest Industries
May 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

VANCOUVER, BCAs BC’s forest sector continues to evolve, helping students understand career opportunities in modern forestry remains important. The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) welcomes new support from Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) for COFI’s Forest Education Program, helping expand career awareness and workforce initiatives focused on modern forestry and wood products manufacturing. The program will connect students and job seekers with opportunities in the modern, high-tech forest sector through sawmill and manufacturing awareness events, Indigenous career events, career fairs, and trade and technology awareness initiatives. Delivered in partnership with COFI member companies, Indigenous organizations, school districts, training providers, and community partners, these initiatives are designed to increase awareness of the many career opportunities available in today’s forest sector. Through guided mill tours, classroom presentations, field tours, and career fairs, participants will gain direct exposure to local forestry operations and the technologies driving the industry, including advanced manufacturing, automation, and digital systems. 

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Intertribal Timber Council Responds to EUDR Review: “No Relief for Indigenous Forest Stewardship”

By Intertribal Timber Council (ITC)
PR Newswire
May 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, International

WASHINGTON — The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC) expressed deep disappointment following the European Commission’s release of its EUDR simplification review, saying the package offers no meaningful relief for Indigenous Tribal Nations and leaves major concerns raised by Tribal forest managers unresolved. Despite months of engagement from Tribal representatives and repeated warnings about unintended impacts on Indigenous communities, the Commission declined to reopen the regulation and instead proposed only limited technical adjustments through implementing acts, FAQs, and guidance documents. As a result, compliance obligations affecting Tribal Nations in low-risk countries remain fundamentally unchanged. …US Tribal Nations manage 7.8 million hectares of forestland under sovereign governance systems. …The ITC is calling on the European Commission to recognize Tribal forests in the United States as low-risk, legally protected systems.

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Bureau Of Land Management Repeals Public Lands Rule

The National Parks Traveler
May 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States

The Bureau of Land Management has repealed the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, commonly referred to as the Public Lands Rule, which put conservation on equal footing with mining, logging, and grazing of public lands. The rule required science-based decision-making, conservation considerations within multiple land uses and a focus on sustaining public lands for the long-term benefit of wildlife and the American people. “Today’s repeal of the Public Lands Rule abandons progress at the same moment climate change, chronic drought and accelerating habitat loss demand better stewardship from BLM,” said Maddy Munson, senior planning and policy specialist for federal lands at Defenders of Wildlife. …“This fits a pattern of brazen attempts to sell off and sell out our shared public lands at the expense of public access and conservation,” added Beau Kiklis, associate director of energy and landscape conservation at the National Parks Conservation Association.

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Lake Tahoe’s fire restoration plan includes controversial herbicide use across thousand of acres

By Petra Molina
Tahoe Daily Tribune
May 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: US West

LAKE TAHOE BASIN, Calif. – A yearlong investigation by Mother Jones is casting new scrutiny on the use of glyphosate in California forests at the same time the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit plans to use the controversial herbicide across thousands of acres in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Glyphosate, commonly sold under the brand name Roundup, is widely used to kill shrubs and hardwood vegetation that compete with replanted conifers after fires and logging operations. However, the herbicide has long been controversial. In 2015, the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as a “probable carcinogen,” and manufacturer Bayer has paid more than $12 billion in settlements tied to lawsuits alleging the herbicide caused cancer.

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

Evaluating New Potential Markets Abroad For Wood Pellets

By Katie Schroeder, Associate Editor, Pellet Mill Magazine
Biomass Magazine
May 11, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, International

Many US pellet exporters are evaluating new potential markets abroad to diversify their portfolios and adjust to evolving policy landscapes. At the same time, other countries around the world are increasing production and use of wood pellets as a coal replacement for power generation, as well as renewable heating option for residential heating systems and industrial utilization. From Vietnam to smaller markets such as Poland, global wood pellet production continues to grow. …US manufacturers produced over 11 million tons of wood pellets in 2025, including premium and utility pellets. A majority of that volume was exported—an estimated total of 9.37 million tons last year. Globally, pellet producers are experiencing a tug of war between increased biomass use due to decarbonization efforts and increased scrutiny from programs such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation and other countries’ evolving policy mechanisms. …Finding new substantial markets for US pellets may prove to be a challenge. 

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Health & Safety

2026 Wood Pellet & Biomass Safety Summit

Wood Pellet Association of Canada
May 12, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

Safety Starts Here: June 9-10, 2026, Prince George, BC | The Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s (WPAC’s) 2026 Wood Pellet and Bioenergy Safety Summit is rapidly approaching. The Summit offers valuable opportunities to learn, share and strengthen safety practices across the industry. Join industry leaders, safety professionals and regulators to discuss rotary drum dryer safety, process safety management (PSM) and emerging safety initiatives. Participate in a hands-on musculoskeletal injury (MSI) workshop and a full-day mental health workshop, giving you tools to support the physical and psychological well-being of yourself and your colleagues. Hosted by WPAC’s Safety Committee, in collaboration with the BC Forest Safety Council, WorkSafe BC and media partner Canadian Biomass, the Summit focuses on practical, real-world safety challenges facing the sector today. Whether your role is in safety leadership, operations, maintenance, or workforce health, the WPAC Safety Summit provides valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to safer workplaces across the sector.

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