The US says Canada is failing to block goods made with forced labour despite Canada’s reporting requirements, widening the list of tariff options. In related news: the US Lumber Coalition takes aim at Canada’s softwood industry, AGAIN, while David Elstone and Russ Taylor set the record straight, AGAIN. Meanwhile: BC Premier Eby says changes to DRIPA are non-negotiable; FPAC’s Derek Nighbor welcomes tax credits for biomass projects; Canfor Southern Pine invests $10.5M in Alabama mill; US consumer confidence climbs, while mortgage rates rise; and the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) grading training goes digital.

In Forestry news: companies seek standard metrics for reporting on nature-related impacts; the US is closing the Portland-based forest research station; a North Carolina court said the US Forest Service violated the Endangered Species Act; a conservation group is holding public hearings on the Tongass; and an Australian electric logging truck trial fails on costs. Meanwhile: a new study quantifies the timber contribution by Australia’s flying foxes – bats.

Finally, two Canadian forest sector icons are remembered: Ross Hay-Roe (PaperTree Letter) and Brian Welch (Olympic Forest Products).

And the Tree Frog is off on an Easter break—back Tuesday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor