West Fraser Timber reported Q1 earnings of US$35M on the strength of home construction. In related news: new home sales post solid gains in March; US inflation is likely to keep rates elevated; Suzano invests in Canadian startup Bioform Technologies; and LP Houlton seeks emissions licence in Maine. Meanwhile: the US Trade Court ordered the Feds to better explain Canadian lumber duties; and Canada appoints a commission to avoid future West Coast port disputes. 

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC wood pellet exports are panned by forestry critics; wildfire threats raise public awareness of BC’s forest industry; Saskatchewan unveils new airtankers to fight forest fires; and so-far-so-good in Ontario but conditions are ripe for more fires. Meanwhile: Eastern Ontario Model Forest and Mission, BC look to employ SFI’s Indigenous Peoples and Families Module; while IKEA looks to FSC to support its growth.

Finally, a new study says BC and Alberta caribou are up 52% due to wolf culls.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor