The pros and cons of wood-based bioenergy initiatives comes to the fore in Fort Nelson, BC; Edmonton, Alberta; and Springfield, Massachusetts. In related news: safety at Canada’s wood pellet plants; and climate and forest management blamed for increasing fires in Washington state.

In Business news: headwinds for US housing construction activity in January due to rising lumber and other building material costs; Nova Scotia’s forest industry vows to help implement Lahey recommendations; Weyerhaeuser appoints new CFO; and good news for the Swedish startup that builds wind turbines out of wood. 

Finally, New Zealand introduces non-native insects to tackle its wasp problem.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor