President-elect Trump threatened ‘economic force‘ to annex Canada, says ‘US doesn’t need their cars, lumber and milk’. In related news: US tariffs could cost Washington state billions; and how Canada could push back via USMCA’s dispute mechanism; and by removing interprovincial trade barriers. In other Business news: Port Hawkesbury Paper secures its energy needs with a wind farm; Bob Brash says BC needs a vibrant forest sector; and SFI celebrates 30th anniversary in 2025.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: given headwinds—US Forest Service Chief withdraws National Old Growth plan; Oregon publishes an updated wildlife hazard map; fire weather is hitting Canada’s North hardest; Alberta and BC are still grappling with zombie wildfires; out of control wildfires force Los Angeles homeowners to flee; and global deforestation rates have declined despite pressures.

Finally, the US Softwood Lumber Board’s Mass Timber Schools Competition closes on Monday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor