US homebuilders urge Biden to negotiate a new softwood deal, in part to help ease high lumber prices. In related news: the price rise means good times for Canada’s forestry giants; New Brunswick producers shatter records; Stella-Jones reports strong Q1; timber tower’s viability is threatened; and the cost of pallets is unprecedented. Other newsmakers include: Derek Nighbor pushing back on NY Senator’s commentary; the Fort Frances paper mill is being demolished; and after 30 years the U of Arkansas at Monicello has a new dean.

In Forestry/Climate news: SFI is creating an urban forest sustainability standard; tree-destroying diseases are on the rise; new research on northern wildfire’s impact on climate change; and a new study says the Amazon is now a net emitter of CO2.

Finally, UK artist makes trees disappear. The illusion is mesmerizing! 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor