A war of words between political parties accompanied the launch of public consultations on the future of BC’s interior forests. In related news: Tom Fletcher says the NDP is pushing ahead with tenure redistribution; West Fraser says the worst of the mill cuts are done; Carrier Lumber backs off of its spraying plans; and Fort Francis’s new mill owner has redevelopment plans.

In Forestry/Climate news: Canadian climate education gets a passing grade; the climate cost of climate conferences revealed; insurance costs rise with increased wildfire risk; and tree coping mechanisms for extreme heat. Elsewhere: forest health concerns in Missouri (Sudden Oak Death); Georgia (longleaf pines needle shedding) and Germany (severe drought). 

Finally, a brief history of the legendary mascot Smokey Bear.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor