US housing starts gained ground in July, soaring 23%, while starts in Canada are at a 2.5-year high. In related news: the reno-boom pushes BC lumber prices to record levels; Home Depot earnings are up 27%; and Southern Yellow Pine breaks price record four-weeks in a row. In other Business news: PRT’s nursery fire is under investigation; and Virginia loggers seek tax exemption. 

In Forestry/Climate news: China buys Germany’s beetle-killed logs as Canada fears retaliation over Huawei arrest; Nova Scotia approves 1500 hectares of aerial herbicide spraying; and Wyoming approves logging in beetle-killed timber. Meanwhile, BC’s lightning show sparks fires on Vancouver Island; while Oregon crews make progress on the Columbia River Gorge fire. 

Finally, renowned BC forester Harry Gairns is making news again.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor