US builder confidence fell sharply in February over tariff and housing cost concerns. In related news: US housing starts dropped 9.8% in January; lumber futures are surging; and lumber prices are expected to continue to rise. In related news: US high-sticking on trade is nothing new; the US Lumber Coalition lobbies for more restrictions on Canada; BC’s Atlantic Power plant may not have to close; Kruger gets support from Corner Brook mayor; and Louisiana Pacific and Bluelinx report Q4, 2024 earnings.

In Forestry news: ENGOs pan private forest laws in BC; US effort to secure EU deforestation exemption continues; a US nature report may be published despite Trump’s order; Oregon’s governor wants to pause action on wildfire hazard map; and more fallout from the US Forest Service worker firings in North Carolina; Colorado, Montana and Idaho.

Finally, lessons learned from the California fires – who will bear the $250 billion burden.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News