With NAFTA’s dispute mechanism in doubt, the US is crippling the World Trade Organization (WTO), which sets the rules for global trade and resolving disputes. In related news: tariffs on China and Canada are shifting supply and demand channels; and the softwood dispute drags on. Elsewhere, the United Steelworkers seek improved pay; while timber industry jobs are being created in Mississippi and BC’s South Okanagan.

In Forestry / Fire news: BC’s wildfire efforts—impacted by past beetle epidemics—are not enough, according to the Forest Practices Board; California’s wildfire recovery bill is Governor approved; and the Mail Tribune says wildfire smoke threatens Oregon’s economy and livability.

Finally; mass timber is touted as the smart future for Toronto; wood-frame modular housing eases BC’s student housing crunch; and Cambridge University creates the longest, continuous tree ring-based diary. 

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor