Canadian wildfire smoke is degrading air quality across the eastern US, as extreme heat fuels new fire threats. In related news: forecasters say the El Niño effect is already here; the Northwest Territories warn of extreme fire weather; the Assembly of First Nations calls for federal support for Ontario First Nation; Boston Bar firefighters shift to structure protection; and Pemberton is now on evacuation alert.

In Forestry news: Washington tribes sue Trump to thwart endangered species change; FPInnovations advances drone-assisted reforestation research; commercial thinning is shown to be doable in BC; and Tony Kryzanowski says forestry should become Canada’s leading environmental voice. 

In Business news: Carrier Forest Products will indefinitely curtail its Big River, Saskatchewan mill; Prince George leaders respond to Canfor’s pulp mill closure, and housing data points to a slow recovery in Canada, while US single-family construction remains weak. Meanwhile: Coastland launched a Vancouver Island barge service, the TLA is hiring a communications director; and the latest from the US Endowment, WorkSafeBC; and BC Wood.

Finally, congratulations to Mathieu Blouin—named FPInnovations new President and CEO.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor