US  homebuilder confidence fell to a 7-month low on cost uncertainty and tariff threats. In related news: growth forecasts are slashed for Canada and Mexico; higher costs are expected for US homes; the US still needs Canadian lumber; and southern yellow pine is an imperfect substitute. Meanwhile, Canada’s new prime minister faces a trade war; a gobsmacked planet wonders what’s next; and an open letter to Donald Trump.

In Forestry/Climate news: Premier Eby plans to eliminate BC’s carbon tax; Nova Scotia requires N.S. Power to burn more wood for electricity; US senators introduce bill to conserve working forests; former EPA leaders sound alarm on Trump’s environmental rollbacks; and California wildfire victims look for non-combustable building materials. Meanwhile: Domtar celebrates land agreement; FPAC’s 2024 Annual Report; Woodlot BC’s Woodland Almanac; GreenFirst’s Q4 results; and Sherwood Lumber’s new president.

Finally, on St. Patrick’s Day, a story from Ontario on Irish migration and lumber merchants.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor