The UK’s Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) sign MOU with view to merge. In other Business news: strong gains for US single family permits in September; construction materials prices rise despite lumber drop; and AF&PA announces its sustainability awards. Other companies making news include: West Fraser (NC wastewater project); Northwest Hardwoods (restructuring plan); and Tembec (sale of former Cranbrook lands).

In Forestry news: New Brunswick pricing system challenges woodlot owners; Ontario moves to exempt logging from endangered species law; a former US senator’s view on the Tongass’ exemption from the Roadless Rule; and the latest research on developing biomaterials from wood in Sweden.

Finally, the BC Forest Safety Council on winter driving safety; and CWC’s Wood Solutions Conference launches today, as does BC’s Mass Timber Demonstration (grant) Program.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor