Export Development Canada is forecasting a dramatic jump in the US economy in 2021, with Canada going along for the ride. In related news: fewer new-for-sale homes adds to home-price woes; choppiness ahead for construction jobs; homebuilders brace for skilled-labour shortage; and lumber CEOs say the new-normal will be different post-pandemic, but the future is bright. 

In other news: timber prices plummet in Lake States, but soar in China; wood pellet demand is rising in Europe; and feds fund capacity building in Northern Ontario. Meanwhile;  BC forest communities push back on ENGOs, as BC activists dig-in on old-growth, take aim at wood pellet industry.

Finally, COFI’s 2021 Convention is tomorrow, and safety strategies for the upcoming planting season.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor