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Articles by Bob Brash
Alberta rejects a move toward independence from Canada in a victory for Carney
EDMONTON, Alberta — Voters in oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with early referendum results delivering a boost to Prime Minister Carney’s push for national unity amid US President Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. With more than 1.8 million votes counted, 76% supported remaining in Canada, while 24% backed beginning a process toward separation.
Lumber Futures Drop Toward Two-Year Low
Lumber Futures Drop Toward Two-Year Low Trading Economics October 19, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics Lumber futures fell below $527 per thousand board feet, retreating toward a two-year low amid persistent weakness in the US housing market. Homebuilder confidence has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years, as high mortgage rates, labor shortages and high construction costs continue to weigh on the sector.
Forest products industry contributes heavily to Mississippi, U.S. economy
This week, October 18-24, is National Forest Products Week. It is a nationally designated week to recognize the forest products industry and its contributions to our nation and great state. As an industry, we provide valuable jobs in rural communities, boost local economies and provide sustainable products that build our homes and communities. Forest products are renewable, sustainable and vital to the strength of our rural economies, supporting jobs in manufacturing, forestry and logging.
India Trade Deal Offers Significant Market Opportunities For New Zealand Forest Products
India Trade Deal Offers Significant Market Opportunities For New Zealand Forest Products New Zealand Forest Owners Association October 20, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: International More than 95% of New Zealand’s forestry and wood exports to India can now enter tariff-free, as the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement comes into force today.
US single-family housing starts, building permits fell sharply in September
US single-family housing starts, building permits fell sharply in September By Lucia Mutikani Reuters in WTVP October 20, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics WASHINGTON – US single-family homebuilding and permits for future construction fell sharply in September as higher mortgage rates suppressed demand, suggesting residential investment resumed its declining trend in the third quarter.
Homebuilder Confidence Plunges to 14-Year Low as Mortgage Rates Soar
Homebuilder Confidence Plunges to 14-Year Low as Mortgage Rates Soar By Snejana Farberov Realtor.com News October 19, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics Region: United States Homebuilders are feeling the most pessimistic about the new-construction market in 14 years, as surging mortgage rates keep would-be buyers on the sidelines this fall. Builder confidence in new single-family home sales shed three points month over month, bringing the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) down to 29.
2026 BC Election Forestry Platform Comparisons
2026 BC Election Forestry Platform Comparisons BC Council of Forest Industries October 19, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada West …But urgent action is needed to stop the deepening crisis in BC’s forest sector. Since 2022, more than 15,000 forestry jobs have been lost, and over 20 mills have closed or curtailed. The damage doesn’t stop at the mill gate. Every closure puts contractors, suppliers, secondary manufacturers, local small businesses and communities at risk.
BC Conservative leader promises support for forest industry during Lower Mainland campaign announcement
BC Conservative leader promises support for forest industry during Lower Mainland campaign announcement By Colleen Flanagan Maple Ridge News October 19, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada West Leader of the BC Conservative Party Lorne Doerkson made a campaign stop at a shake and shingle mill in Maple Ridge on Monday, Oct. 19, to announce new supports for forestry jobs in the province if his party is elected to office.
Presidential Message on National Forest Products Week
Presidential Message on National Forest Products Week The White House October 19, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: United States …During National Forest Products Week, we renew our commitment to conserving these incredible landscapes and responsibly harnessing their abundance to sustain households, strengthen American jobs and industry, and secure lasting prosperity for generations to come. …As President, I am committed to supporting these vital industries and continuing to drive economic growth.
Wildfire experts urge proactive forest management as fire risks grow
Wildfire experts urge proactive forest management as fire risks grow By Joshe Hinke WTIP North Shore Community Radio October 19, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: US East In the wake of July’s lightning-caused wildfires, advocates for fire safety are working with officials on a solution that might seem unexpected: more fire. Fire is a natural part of the boreal forest ecosystem, playing an essential role in its health and regeneration.
Work underway to restore historic Alberta Sawmill in L'anse, Michigan
Work underway to restore historic Alberta Sawmill in L’anse, Michigan By Ethan Desjardine Upper Michigan’s Source October 17, 2026 Category: Forest History & Archives L’ANSE, Michigan – The Alberta sawmill, designed by Henry Ford, is being restored by Michigan Tech and the Baraga County Historical Society to allow the public to experience the building. The sawmill opened on Sept. 1, 1936, and closed on June 30, 1954.
Former South Cariboo forestry workers learn new career skills thanks to Thompson Rivers University
Former South Cariboo forestry workers learn new career skills thanks to Thompson Rivers University October 20, 2026 Category: General For the first time in months, the future is exciting for several former forestry workers from the South Cariboo. Over the past two and a half months, they have been enrolled in Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Heavy Equipment Operator program, free of charge.
US Builder Sentiment Falls on Rising Rates
US Builder Sentiment Falls on Rising Rates The National Association of Home Builders October 19, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics Region: United States Rising mortgage rates, energy and material costs, and worsening labor and lot conditions have pushed builder sentiment to 29, a 14-year low …“Housing remains squeezed by supply-side constraints and significant affordability challenges,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.
The Root of It: News and research from UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship
The Root of It: News and research from UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship By the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship University of British Columbia October 20, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: Canada West Living with wildfire and protecting salmon habitat headline the latest The Root of It newsletter from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
The 2026 Dissolving Wood Pulp Outlook
The 2026 Dissolving Wood Pulp Outlook By Celco Conference CelCo Cellulose Consulting October 20, 2026 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Region: International For the 15th consecutive year, CelCo founder Christian Chavassieu will present his outlook for the dissolving wood pulp industry, covering 2026 supply, demand, pricing and key developments across the major cellulose end-use markets.
Conservatives promise $10M for Crofton mill site revitalization
Conservatives promise $10M for Crofton mill site revitalization By Sarah Simpson The Cowichan Valley Citizen October 19, 2026 Category: Business & Politics In an Oct. 19 announcement from Cowichan Valley candidate Bert Chen, the B.C. Conservative Party has cast doubt on Crofton residents’ future water quality and promised funding to fix it.
Conservatives promise to amp up harvest for B.C.'s beleaguered forestry sector
Conservatives promise to amp up harvest for B.C.’s beleaguered forestry sector By Derrick Penner The Vancouver Sun October 19, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada, Canada West B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson said his party would speed up issuing harvest permits and reduce regulatory costs in an effort to increase “sustainable access” to timber in B.C.’s beleaguered forest industry.
Wood Pellet Association of Canada Webinar on Rotary Drum Dryer Safety Habits
Wood Pellet Association of Canada Webinar on Rotary Drum Dryer Safety Habits The Wood Pellet Association of Canada October 20, 2026 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Region: Canada Rotary drum dryers are a key component of wood pellet production, but they can pose significant fire and explosion risks if operators do not manage conditions carefully.
US housing slump deepens as construction slows and builder confidence falls
The US housing slump deepened as single-family construction and building permits fell sharply, builder confidence hit a 14-year low, and lumber futures approached a two-year low. In BC Election news: the Council of Forest Industries weighs the parties’ forestry platforms; the BC Community Forests Association calls for more community forests; and the BC Conservatives pledge to support forestry and revitalize the Crofton pulp mill site.
Nakusp forestry contractor fined after worker seriously injured in flash fire
Nakusp forestry contractor fined after worker seriously injured in flash fire By Storrm Lennie My Kootenay Now October 16, 2026 Category: Health & Safety Region: Canada, Canada West A Nakusp forestry contractor has been fined more than $45,000 after a worker was seriously injured in a flash fire at a cutblock near Passmore. WorkSafeBC imposed a $45,302.81 fine against Galena Contractors Ltd. on Aug. 12.
B.C. forest industry bristles at proposal to reduce compensation in First Nation land transfers
BC’s key forest industry group is critical of a pre-election government effort to limit compensation to forest tenure holders when land is transferred to First Nations as part of reconciliation efforts. A confidential government briefing document and presentation leaked this week refer to a commitment to transfer 400 parcels of Crown land to First Nations.
Asia Pulp & Paper faces green certification restrictions over Indonesian fires
SINGAPORE – Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) has been issued a Notice of Temporary Restrictions on its green label by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) as fires from its suppliers’ land have been causing the current haze in the region. Under this notice, APP is subjected to daily fire response reporting requirements and strict monitoring to ensure effective fire prevention and suppression in the concession areas managed by its suppliers, said the council on Oct 19.
Indonesian wildfires threaten forest carbon projects
Indonesian wildfires threaten forest carbon projects By Amy Chew The Nikkei Asia October 19, 2026 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Region: International KUALA LUMPUR — Indonesia’s wildfires are not only burning swaths of jungle, plantation and farmland. They are also threatening the country’s four recently launched projects that issue carbon credits worth hundreds of millions of dollars by preventing greenhouse gas emissions from 225,000 hectares of forest.
BC forest industry challenges NDP plan to limit tenure compensation
BC’s forest industry pushes back on proposal to limit compensation for tenure transfers to First Nations. In related news: Vaughn Palmer questions the secrecy of BC’s land transfers; Kim Haagstad says major projects are good but forestry is sustainable; layoffs begin at Saskatchewan’s Big River sawmill; New Brunswick mill workers rally ahead of layoffs; UPM touts its wood-based biorefinery, and investor interest in US timberlands is up.
World faces nature reality check at UN biodiversity conference
World faces nature reality check at UN biodiversity conference By Virginia Furness Reuters October 18, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: International LONDON – World leaders, diplomats and nature experts gather in Armenia this week to assess lagging efforts to halt biodiversity loss, with countries off track on most global targets and divisions over funding still unresolved.
Loggers pass on timber sales as demand drops
Loggers pass on timber sales as demand drops By Scott Dance New York Times in Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette October 18, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: United States WASHINGTON — When the U.S. Forest Service opened 947 acres in a remote section of western Colorado to commercial logging in July, officials expected at least a few companies to jump at the opportunity. Not one did. That isn’t just a problem for the loggers. Timber sales are an important tool for preventing catastrophic wildfires.
UPM inaugurates pioneering biorefinery in Germany
UPM inaugurates pioneering biorefinery in Germany UPM.com October 15, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: International GERMANY — UPM inaugurated its biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, marking the start of a new industrial platform for renewable chemicals made from wood. The biorefinery converts lignocellulosic biomass, primarily wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues, into biochemicals.
Another secret comes back to bite NDP's David Eby
VICTORIA — The New Democrats have been working in secret to limit the province’s obligation to pay compensation to forest companies for the loss of timber-cutting rights on some 400 parcels of land being transferred to First Nations. The NDP government says it can no longer afford to pay compensation because of “ongoing fiscal restraints,” meaning the record debt and deficits accumulated under Premier David Eby.
Stora Enso Now Admits Taking Wood From Google’s Disputed Felling
Stora Enso Now Admits Taking Wood From Google’s Disputed Felling By Jason Ross Wood Central Australia October 18, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: International Stora Enso has reversed its earlier denial and confirmed it took wood felled for Google’s planned data centres at Muhos and Kajaani, making it the last of Finland’s three largest forest companies to do so.
Nackawic mill workers rally in face of impending layoffs
Nackawic mill workers rally in face of impending layoffs By Shane Fowler CBC News October 16, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada, Canada East NEW BRUNSWICK — Nearly 100 mill workers, union leaders and politicians marched through the streets of Nackawic in the shadow of the pulp mill that is soon set to close its doors to hundreds of its employees.
Judge halts US Forest Service plan that would move Oregon HQ to Salem
Judge halts US Forest Service plan that would move Oregon HQ to Salem By Zach Urness Statesman Journal October 16, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: United States, US West A federal judge temporarily blocked a sweeping plan to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service by moving its headquarters to Salt Lake City and closing nine regional offices — including one in Portland. U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria ruled Oct.
Alabama Woods to Goods Week recognizes forest industry’s workers and economic impact
Alabama Woods to Goods Week recognizes forest industry’s workers and economic impact By Sherri Blevins Yellow Hammer News October 18, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: US East Alabama’s forests help support livelihoods for loggers, truck drivers, mill workers and landowners across the state. Alabama Woods to Goods Week, set for Oct. 18–24, will recognize those workers and the industry’s role in the communities they call home. Gov.
BC Wood highlights new markets, mass timber innovation and industry opportunities
BC Wood highlights new markets, mass timber innovation and industry opportunities The BC Wood Specialties Group October 16, 2026 Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building BC Wood’s October 16 edition of Wood Connections highlights efforts to expand international markets and strengthen British Columbia’s value-added wood products sector.
B.C. needs more than major projects to build a strong economy
We are spending a lot of time talking about major projects these days. …But somewhere along the way, we seem to have decided that they are the only answer to our economic challenges. There’s a catch with that approach: For most major projects, the biggest boost happens during construction. …We can build major projects while strengthening the industries that already provide jobs, investment and economic activity in communities across British Columbia. Forestry is one of those industries.
Alternative Investing Investors are buying up vast tracts of timberland across U.S. in one of market’s longest-term bets
Alternative Investing Investors are buying up vast tracts of timberland across U.S. in one of market’s longest-term bets By Kevin Williams CNBC News October 17, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: United States When the economy and the market look shaky … some investors have also been looking timber. The pitch is easy to like: a natural asset that grows on its own, matures into a harvest and can be cashed in all while you use it for recreation.
Layoffs begin at Big River, Sask., sawmill as workers call for more support
PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — This week marks the first round of layoffs at the Big River sawmill, and workers want to see more action to protect Saskatchewan’s forestry sector. Brandon Nicholson from the United Steelworkers said “I’ve had members from the community that don’t even work at the mill reaching out to me and expressing their concern”.
Canada's annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in September
Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in September By Promit Mukherjee Reuters October 19, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in September, data showed on Monday, as higher gasoline and diesel prices pushed the consumer price index above the Bank of Canada’s upper limit once again after three months. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast inflation of 3.2% in September, up from 3% in August.
What the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Leadership in Conservation Award Recognizes
What the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Leadership in Conservation Award Recognizes By Dan Foster Domtar Corporation October 16, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: Canada In May 2026, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) honored Domtar with its 2026 SFI Leadership in Conservation Award, presented at the SFI Annual Conference in Montréal.
Woodlots BC highlights election priorities, forest stewardship and funding opportunities
Woodlots BC highlights election priorities, forest stewardship and funding opportunities Woodlots BC October 18, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: Canada West In the latest edition of Woodlots Weekly, Woodlots BC outlines three priorities ahead of the October 24 provincial election: strengthening wildfire protection through locally managed forests, maintaining woodlot tenures to support rural jobs, and recognizing the benefits of community-based forest stewardship.
‘Clean’ energy, local costs: Advocates challenge bioenergy’s climate claims
‘Clean’ energy, local costs: Advocates challenge bioenergy’s climate claims By Will Atwater North Carolina Health News October 19, 2026 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Region: US East “Displace fossil fuels. Grow more trees. Fight climate change.” Says Enviva, the world’s largest producer of industrial wood pellets.
'Making paper destroys forests?' — a long-standing myth about the paper industry - Tree Frog creative
Paper is made from trees. Use more paper, use more trees. Trees come from forests. Therefore, using more paper destroys forests. This is a long-standing misconception — one that falls apart under scrutiny. A useful analogy: eating more rice does not make rice paddies disappear, because farmers harvest the crop and replant. The same logic applies to paper. Just as rice is cultivated in paddies, trees for papermaking are grown on managed plantations, harvested, and replanted.
Reduced softwood lumber duties hardly a relief for B.C. as dispute drags on
Reduced softwood lumber duties hardly a relief for B.C. as dispute drags on By Derrick Penner Financial Post October 16, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada West A reduction in punitive American duties on Canadian softwood lumber comes as little relief to B.C. producers as the underlying Canada-U.S. trade dispute continues to drag on, according to the B.C. Lumber Trade Council.
Minnesota DNR celebrating National Forest Products Week
Minnesota DNR celebrating National Forest Products Week Minnesota Department of Natural Resources October 15, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: United States, US East The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is joining partners across the country in recognizing National Forest Products Week (Oct. 18-24), highlighting how healthy, well-managed forests provide renewable wood products and support local economies.
Forest Practices Board will audit stand-level biodiversity practices near Clearwater
Forest Practices Board will audit stand-level biodiversity practices near Clearwater By Tanner Senko, Communications Manager BC Forest Practices Board October 13, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: Canada West The Forest Practices Board will conduct a limited-scope compliance audit of stand-level biodiversity practices and block reserve management in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District, beginning Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
Tolko transfers timber rights to Westbank First Nation firm under 15-year supply deal
Tolko Industries has signed a new partnership with the Westbank First Nation’s forestry company, Ntityix Resources, to manage forestry tenure in the Okanagan. The agreement sees Tolko transfer Forest Licence A98912, with an annual allowable cut of 52,100 cubic metres, to Ntityix Resources. The WFN company will then provide timber to Tolko’s mills under an automatically renewable 15-year deal.
Government of Canada provides an update the 2026 wildfire season
Government of Canada provides an update the 2026 wildfire season By Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada PR Newswire October 15, 2026 Category: Forestry — Wildfire seasons are now longer, more complex and more challenging than in the past, and 2026 was no exception. After a slower than average start to the season, wildfire activity, driven by periods of prolonged heat, drought and low humidity, became significant in several regions across the country.
Alberta Forest Products Association Announces Leadership Transition
Alberta Forest Products Association Announces Leadership Transition By Aspen Dudzic, Vice President, Public Affairs Alberta Forest Products Association October 15, 2026 Category: Business & Politics Region: Canada West EDMONTON, AB — After nearly seven years at the helm of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA), President and CEO Jason Krips will step down from his role at the end of the calendar year to join the executive team at the University of Alberta.mKrips will remain with AFPA...
Productive conifer expansion vital to Scotland's timber future
Productive conifer expansion vital to Scotland’s timber future UK Forestry Journal October 15, 2026 Category: Forestry Region: International SCOTLAND must expand productive conifer planting if it is to avoid a future fall in timber supplies, protect jobs and reduce reliance on imports, according to a new national strategy for the forest and wood-processing sector.
U.S. cabinet sales fall 4.3% in August
U.S. cabinet sales fall 4.3% in August Lesprom Network October 15, 2026 Category: Finance & Economics U.S. kitchen cabinet sales fell 4.3% in August 2026 from a year earlier to $177.6 million, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), whose Trend of Business report covers 47 participating manufacturers. Custom cabinet sales rose 12.2% to $54.0 million, semi-custom sales fell 9.0% to $95.0 million and stock sales fell 13.6% to $28.6 million.
Maine water utility sues Huhtamaki, Sappi for alleged chemical contamination
Maine water utility sues Huhtamaki, Sappi for alleged chemical contamination By Katie Pyzyk Packaging Dive October 15, 2026 Category: Health & Safety Region: United States, US East WATERVILLE, Maine — The Greater Augusta Utility District, a regional public water utility in Maine, filed a lawsuit last week against five paper and packaging companies for allegedly contaminating local waterways with PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Huhtamaki and Sappi North America are named as...
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