Three indices of homebuilder confidence were all down marginally in June—due to spiking lumber costs and potential trade wars—although the current levels are near historic highs.

In Health and Safety news: WorkSafeBC reports 97% compliance on their combustible dust initiative; Canfor’s Ken Pedersen received the 1st MaryAnne Arcand Memorial Safety Award; and Conifex’s Darren Beattie says the “culture of risk-taking is being replaced by a safety-first approach”.

In Wood Product news: sawdust is being turned into valuable graphite; wood chips may improve soil quality and/or stave off a plastics-induced apocalypse; and wood buildings are making our communities safer and healthier.

Finally; consent-based indigenous consultations on BC fish farm tenures exclude industry. Could forest tenures be next?

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor