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The Tree Frog Forestry News
October 6, 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.
Temiscaming’s RYAM begins shutdown process, 300-400 employees being laid off
By Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles
The North Bay Nugget
October 5, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East
Temiscaming’s largest employer, RYAM has begun the process of shutting down the plant leaving between 300 to 400 people unemployed. “I can confirm that the economic shutdown will remain in effect for an indefinite period. As for the number of jobs, I don’t have the exact figure because they won’t all end at the same time. We’re talking about between 300 and 400,” said Associate Vice Principal Alexandre Boucher. Mayor of Temiscaming Alain Gauthier told The Nugget it is a fact the plant is shutting down for a temporary economic downtime caused solely by the tariffs. …“The information we have is that both levels of governments as well as RYAM remain in discussions to find an array of programs or measures that could allow operations to resume at some point.”
Domtar names new general manager for Nekoosa paper mill
By Caitlin Shuda
The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune
October 5, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East
Craig Helgeson
NEKOOSA, Wisconsin– Domtar has named Craig Helgeson as general manager of its Nekoosa mill. Helgeson has served as its interim manager since July, according to an Oct. 5 news release. Helgeson earned a degree in paper science engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and has worked in the paper industry for 34 years across 10 paper mills. Prior to his time at Domtar, he worked with Pixelle Specialty Solutions, serving as general manager of the site in Chillicothe, Ohio, and the general manager of the Stevens Point site, according to the announcement.
Canada’s trade surplus driven by natural resources, not weak loonie
By Geoff Russ
Resource Works
October 5, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada West
Time after time, week after week, there is yet another story lamenting Canada’s continued reliance on its resource economy. Wood, minerals, oil, gas and more are written or spoken of as antiquated, crumbling foundations of an economy that must supposedly grow up and embrace the world of tech and renewable energy. In June 2026, Canadian merchandise exports reached a record $78 billion, while imports totalled $73.8 billion, producing a $4.2-billion trade surplus. Why? Because Canada’s natural resource economy has proven once again that it can generate enough export earnings to offset deficits elsewhere in merchandise trade, supporting national income and domestic production. According to Statistics Canada’s merchandise data, five resource and resource-based product categories stand out. …Combined, they accounted for $46.2 billion in exports, while accounting for just $18.9 billion in imports, for a surplus of around $27.4 billion. Compare that with every other merchandise category in Canada, which ran a combined deficit of roughly $23.2 billion.
US hardwood log exports rise 67.6% as China trade resumes, but momentum weakens
By Hamza Ibrahim
Fordaq.com
October 5, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: United States, International
U.S. exports of hardwood and other nonconiferous wood in the rough covered by the audited Census dataset reached US$330.20m and 612,015 m³ in May–July 2026. Export value fell 7.7% from February–April and physical volume declined 11.5%. Against May–July 2025, however, value was 67.6% higher and volume 41.5% higher. The annual comparison is dominated by the reopening of China after its 2025 suspension of U.S. log imports, while the latest rolling period itself shows a clear loss of momentum from the stronger February–April base. Key findings include:
China reached US$114.02m, up from only US$1.75m a year earlier. China accounted for 84.3% of the total U.S. year-on-year export-value increase.
Vietnam remained the largest destination at US$167.77m, or 50.8% of total value, up 12.6% YoY but down 2.7% sequentially.
Canada was the largest sequential drag, subtracting US$8.26m; maple and birch accounted for roughly 74% of that decline.
Industry Expertise Needed: Help Shape the Future of Wood Products Education
By The School of Construction and the Environment
British Columbia Institute of Technology
October 6, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West
BCIT is seeking experienced professionals from across the wood products sector to help develop a new Wood Products Performance & Analytics (WPPA) Micro-Credential designed for current and future industry leaders. The program is intended to help professionals strengthen their ability to improve operational performance, make data-informed decisions, and navigate the challenges facing today’s wood products industry, including fibre supply constraints, market volatility, workforce pressures, and the need for continuous improvement. You do not need prior teaching or course development experience to contribute. We are looking for industry knowledge, practical insights, and real-world examples. This is a paid opportunity, and BCIT’s program team will provide guidance, instructional design support throughout the process.
By Henri Contor, Ronja Bechauf, Janina Schnick, & David Uzsoki
International Institute for Sustainable Development
October 5, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: International
Nature-based infrastructure (NBI) delivers essential services like flood protection, water regulation, and climate resilience, but remains difficult to finance because its value shows up as avoided costs, not direct revenue. Drawing on 45 assessments across 29 countries, this report shows that for every USD invested, NBI delivers USD 3.21 in benefits, and sets out how to finance it at scale.Nature-based infrastructure (NBI), such as wetlands, forests, coastal systems, and urban green spaces, is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to conventional “grey” infrastructure. NBI delivers essential services such as flood protection, water regulation, and climate resilience, while also restoring ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods. Despite this potential, NBI remains difficult to finance. Its value often shows up as avoided costs and co-benefits rather than direct revenue, making it hard to fit into conventional infrastructure appraisal and budgeting.IISD has spent five years building the evidence base to close this gap.
One of Largest Tree Planting Project in Territorial History Complete
Government of the Northwest Territories
October 5, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West
One of the territory’s largest tree planting projects on public lands is now finished, restoring wildfire-affected forests near Sambaa Deh Falls. This work was completed under the 2 Billion Trees Program, which is part of a six-year, $36 million funding agreement with Natural Resources Canada. In July 2026, crews working with Jean Marie River First Nation and Windfirm Resources Inc. planted 1,504,030 plugs, leading to a total yield of 3,365,613 native trees and shrubs across 403 hectares. Combined with the 2025 Kakisa project, 3.77 million trees have been planted, reaching about 47 per cent of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ commitment to plant 8 million trees by 2031. Valued at about $3.9 million, the project supported local employment, with Jean Marie River First Nation providing project management, equipment and camp support services, creating 18 direct jobs for its members, while nearly 100 tree planters were employed overall.
By late summer, the Koksilah is running low again. The watershed sits in the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island where farms, rural homes, fish habitat, aquifers, and managed forest all depend on the same water. In three of the past seven years, agricultural water licences have been curtailed; in August 2023, an order restricted about 108 licence holders from irrigating. …Above the farms stand second- and third-rotation Douglas-fir forests… In our view, the water moving through that ground — or failing to — now belongs to the same conversation as the timber growing on it. Today, in a world of climate change, that means managing timber and water as one connected challenge. …Koksilah watershed is one place where that work is being tested on the ground. In a survey commissioned by Mosaic Forest Management …69 per cent of respondents said they want forests managed for multiple environmental benefits, while 79 per cent want them maintained as working timber land.
Arkansas timber industry in crisis as fuel costs soar; relief eyed in dyed diesel order
By Christopher Gay
KATV.com
October 5, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas— The timber industry has been vital in Arkansas, contributing more than $7 billion to the state’s GDP. But today, that industry is struggling. …It all has to do with gas prices. …Jeremy Erwin, a 3rd-generation logger running Erwin Resources Services in Fordyce, says “a typical company probably burns a million dollars a year in fuel, and this year, it’s going to hit 2 (million dollars).” …”Our rates probably went up 14-15% on the logging side. …These lifelong loggers are urging Arkansas policy-makers to do something to help stop the bleeding. And as of last week, some relief could be ahead. On September 29th, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders signed an executive order that would allow loggers and farmers to use dyed diesel fuel on public highways. This fuel is tax-free and could offer some much-needed assistance.
The Trump Administration is considering opening more than 180,000 acres of protected West Virginia national forests to logging and construction, a change that could affect wilderness areas in the state enjoyed by millions of people each year. The Monongahela National Forest is one of three national forests in West Virginia whose roadless areas could be opened up for more cars, logging and road development as the administration considers repealing a Clinton-era rule. …“It would make a huge difference in the availability of wild, natural, relaxing areas that we have that are so valuable to us in West Virginia,” said Dave Johnston, coordinator of the Dolly Sods Stewards Program. …The Monongahela was almost completely clear-cut and burned by the early 1900s, along with much of West Virginia. Johnston says the forest is still recovering. Under the proposal, decisions regarding road building and timbering would fall to local forest managers and the plans that guide the forest.
Justices divided over climate change case and liability for oil producers
By Devin Dwyer
Yahoo! News
October 5, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States
The Supreme Court appeared divided and searching for consensus Monday in a major case involving climate change that could determine whether local governments can sue producers of fossil fuels for potentially billions of dollars in damages over alleged marketing deception and the impacts of global warming. Boulder, Colorado brought the case against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy. …A victory for the city would clear the way for its claims — and dozens of similar cases elsewhere — to move forward in state courts but would likely not be the final word in the dispute. “This case involves an unprecedented effort to use state law to regulate global conduct,” argued Kannon Shanmugam, an attorney for the energy companies. “If Boulder’s claims are allowed to go forward, some 90,000 municipalities across the country will have the ability to make national and international energy policy by asking juries to impose catastrophic damages on selected fossil-fuel producers.”
U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities announce the Forestry Analytics for Carbon Tracking (FACT) Data Platform
The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities
October 6, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States
The Forest Service and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities today announced the Beta Launch of the Forestry Analytics for Carbon Tracking (FACT) platform, a science-based platform that addresses the growing challenge and need for reliable forest sector carbon data at no cost to users. Landowners and businesses face increasing pressure to report and communicate carbon information, but existing data can be fragmented, inconsistent, and costly to aggregate. FACT compiles previously siloed public and private data into one free, accessible, and transparent place, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. forest products in domestic and global markets. The FACT Beta Launch serves as a working release and active improvement period during which the platform will continue to be optimized, functionality will evolve, and new information will be incorporated. Input gathered during this stage will shape the platform ahead of its full Version 1 release, planned for summer 2027. To explore the FACT Beta and test its tools, visit: forestryanalytics.org.
Killer beetles, tinderbox forests: Climate change takes center stage in SCOTUS battle over oil companies
By Devin Dwyer and Cameron Krakowiak
ABC News
October 5, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US West
BOULDER, Colorado — To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods. Now, those iconic Colorado trees — already under strain from record heat and prolonged drought — are threatened by a rapidly growing outbreak of silent killers: the mountain pine beetle. The mountain pine beetle is the size of a grain of rice but can inflict colossal harm to forests. …More than 700,000 acres in Colorado are affected, officials say. Climate change is blamed for supercharging the emerging outbreak, with no end in sight. …The cost of responding to the pine beetle outbreak, along with the financial impacts from other climate-change influenced environmental threats, are at the heart of a major Supreme Court case being argued Monday in Washington.
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.
Time after time, week after week, there is yet another story lamenting Canada’s continued reliance on its resource economy. Wood, minerals, oil, gas and more are written or spoken of as antiquated, crumbling foundations of an economy that must supposedly grow up and embrace the world of tech and renewable energy. In June 2026, Canadian merchandise exports reached a record $78 billion, while imports totalled $73.8 billion, producing a $4.2-billion trade surplus. Why? Because Canada’s natural resource economy has proven once again that it can generate enough export earnings to offset deficits elsewhere in merchandise trade, supporting national income and domestic production. According to Statistics Canada’s merchandise data, five resource and resource-based product categories stand out. …Combined, they accounted for $46.2 billion in exports, while accounting for just $18.9 billion in imports, for a surplus of around $27.4 billion. Compare that with every other merchandise category in Canada, which ran a combined deficit of roughly $23.2 billion.
Nature-based infrastructure (NBI) delivers essential services like flood protection, water regulation, and climate resilience, but 
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas— The timber industry has been vital in Arkansas, contributing more than $7 billion to the state’s GDP. But today, that industry is struggling. …It all has to do with gas prices. …Jeremy Erwin, a 3rd-generation logger running Erwin Resources Services in Fordyce, says “a typical company probably burns a million dollars a year in fuel, and this year, it’s going to hit 2 (million dollars).” …”Our rates probably went up 14-15% on the logging side. …These lifelong loggers are urging Arkansas policy-makers to do something to help stop the bleeding. And as of last week, some relief could be ahead. On September 29th, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders signed an executive order that would allow loggers and farmers to use dyed diesel fuel on public highways. This fuel is tax-free and could offer some much-needed assistance.
The Supreme Court appeared divided and searching for consensus Monday in a major case involving climate change that could determine whether local governments can sue producers of fossil fuels for potentially billions of dollars in damages over alleged marketing deception and the impacts of global warming. Boulder, Colorado brought the case against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy. …A victory for the city would clear the way for its claims — and dozens of similar cases elsewhere — to move forward in state courts but would likely not be the final word in the dispute. “This case involves an unprecedented effort to use state law to regulate global conduct,” argued Kannon Shanmugam, an attorney for the energy companies. “If Boulder’s claims are allowed to go forward, some 90,000 municipalities across the country will have the ability to make national and international energy policy by asking juries to impose catastrophic damages on selected fossil-fuel producers.”
BOULDER, Colorado — To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods. Now, those iconic Colorado trees — already under strain from record heat and prolonged drought — are threatened by a rapidly growing outbreak of silent killers: the mountain pine beetle. The mountain pine beetle is the size of a grain of rice but can inflict colossal harm to forests. …More than 700,000 acres in Colorado are affected, officials say. Climate change is blamed for supercharging the emerging outbreak, with no end in sight. …The cost of responding to the pine beetle outbreak, along with the financial impacts from other climate-change influenced environmental threats, are at the heart of a major