Paper Excellence is investing $13M in its Port Alberni paper mill to diversify into food-grade papers. In other Business news: Ontario ministers vow to protect Sault-Sudbury rail service; a Ford government bill is panned for the absence of species-at-risk provisions; and Biden brings back Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Meanwhile: US realtors predict post-pandemic rebound; contractors face shortage of lumber; and mass timber’s future includes hybrid solutions.

In Forestry news: BC’s old-growth pitch in photos; Oregon appoints a moderator on forest practice changes; Colorado’s forests are economically challenged; Maine’s wildfires are driven by drought; and the journey of an Alberta Christmas tree.

Finally, three wood-based gifts for the cannabis lovers on your Christmas list.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor