US housing starts dropped for the third straight month in July notwithstanding good builder confidence. In related news: BC seeks federal support for workers impacted by sector downturn; Tolko’s last shift in Quesnel, BC; Arkansas to assist Conifex’s former employees; and New Brunswick truckers could shut down if Northern Pulp closes.

Elsewhere: columnist Tom Fletcher gives Minister Donaldson the benefit of his doubt; there’s new hope for Port Alberni BC, and access to wood rights are still on the table despite Resolute’s restrictive sale of Fort Francis mill. 

In Forestry news: updates on the spruce budworm in Newfoundland; Elk migration in Montana; and the pine beetle in Alberta. Finally, how to save the boreal caribou; BC’s giant trees; and America’s National Forests. 

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor