The US Commerce Secretary promises to make lumber prices a priority, but Canada and the US may have bigger bilateral fish to fry than the softwood wars. In related news: Canadian building construction rose 6% in March, lumber prices are driving lumber thefts and tree poachers; while discouraging US home purchasers; and inflation from economic recovery has officially arrived. Meanwhile: stories on Saskatchewan’s booming forest sector; EACOM’s Matagami sawmill investment; and confirmation of Russia’s pending log export ban.

In other news: FPAC welcomes Canada’s call for forest sector proposals to spur low-emission innovation; the World Bank signs a deal to reduce forest carbon emissions; Alberta tree planters are better prepared for their 2nd covid season; and EACOM temporarily shuts Timmins sawmill due to four covid cases.

Finally, a new study says tree farts in ghost forests increase GHGs. Seriously!

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor