Softwood prices moderated somewhat while consumers and forest sector analysts become less optimistic about the short-term outlook. Companies in today’s news include: West Fraser (strong profits); Pacific BioEnergy (conveyor fire); Northern Pulp (Nova Scotia gov’t pushback); Corner Brook Pulp & Paper (federal funding for diversification); and Weyerhaeuser (new sustainability strategy).

In Forestry/Climate news: BC’s oldest Community Forest celebrates 20 years; Oregon increases fire restrictions due to hot temperatures; California’s Shasta College secures a commercial timber license; a book review of The Journey of Trees; and FPInnovations’ Smart Driver for Forestry Trucks training is now online.

Finally, almost 3 billion animals were affected by Australia’s 2019/20 bushfires.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor