The US ambassador to Canada says a softwood solution is desirable but will be very, very difficult. In related news: Canada’s lumber industry braces for trade war; both BC and Ontario support their value-added wood manufacturers; and Section 232 duties may derail a home construction comeback. In other Business news: unions join Quebec First Nations against Bill 97; the explosion at Fiberon’s South Carolina facility was likely from wood dust; cardboard-box demand is slumping; lumber futures tick down; and wood-pulp-based fibres hold steady.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: COFI and TLA say forestry is the solution for BC; Canada’s Supreme Court won’t hear Green Party deputy leader’s appeal over Fairly Creek protests; logging protesters in BC’s Walbran Valley brace for possible arrest; Vernon climate activists call for forestry reform; Yukon completes a wildfire protection plan; Oregon senators announce funding to reduce wildfire risk; and Virginia’s governor launches funding for hurricane Helene recovery.

Finally, Alberta’s Minister of Forest is early out-of-the-gate on National Forest Week.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor