The US housing market experienced a record slump in April with residential starts down 30% from March; and Canadian sales and new listings fell by more than half. On a more positive note: the latest Random Lengths framing index is up 6.3%; while US builder confidence and US home ownership rates posted solid gains. 

In other Business news: Mosaic, Steelworkers position on log exports is opposed by San Group; the Carrier Group’s lumber mills will restart on a limited basis; and some softwood lumber tariff commentary.

In Forestry news: the FAO 2020 report shows the rate of world deforestation is falling; the European forest industry seeks inclusion in EU’s recovery plan; and a California push in support of biomass energy. 

Finally, it’s Mount St. Helen’s B-day and who will have the most faces in the #TreeFrogICU?

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor