A sharp decline in Alberta’s mountain pine beetle population is a positive development for the province’s economy and its forests. But according to Bruce Alexander, general manager of Sundre Forest Products – West Fraser, neither the lumber industry nor the government can let down their guard.
News in timber
British Columbia Government Transfers Waterfront and Prime Forestry Land Back to Lake Babine Nation
The BC government and the Lake Babine Nation announced on Friday that they are taking the next step in the signing of a land transfer agreement. The agreement will enable the Nation to regain control of 20,000 hectares of waterfront and prime forestry land within their territory.
Auburn University Research Team Studies Role of Climate-Smart Forestry in Southeast US
A team of Auburn University researchers has published the first study to define, outline, and apply novel climate-smart forestry (CSF) principles to North America, specifically the southern US. The study, recently published in the journal Forests, sought to define CFS within the southeast US.
BC Government Announces New Forestry Program with Dedicated Fiber Supply for Certain Value-Added Manufacturers
On Tuesday, the BC provincial government announced that for the first time, small and medium sized secondary manufactures will have a dedicated fiber supply under a new licensing program. The BC Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program will be open to facilities producing high-value products.
Treaty 8 First Nations and BC Government Announce Collaborative Approach to Land and Resource Planning
The BC government and four Treaty 8 First Nations announced on Friday that they have reached a consensus on a collaborative approach to land and resource planning and to advance regional solutions to benefit everyone living in northeastern BC and Treaty 8 territory.
BC Funding Projects to Expand Use of Fiber to Benefit Forestry Workers and Communities
New funding for the Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia will benefit forestry workers and communities. The funding will be used to increase fiber supply aimed at keeping people working and local mills running, while at the same time reduce wildfire risks and climate emissions.
Wisconsin-Based WholeTrees Structures Hopes to Reopen Shuttered Mill in Ashland, Maine
WholeTrees Structures has announced its intentions to reopen the shuttered MooseWood Millworks flooring plant in Ashland, Maine. WholeTrees plans on using the facility to become Maine’s first manufacturing plant for a natural log product known as structural round timber.
BC Government Announces New Manufacturing Jobs Fund to Support Employment and Resilient Economies
The British Columbia provincial government announced on Tuesday that it will be investing $90 million (CAD) over three years through the new BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. The fund will focus on areas experiencing economic impacts from changes in the forestry sector.
Nova Scotia Introduces “High Production Forestry” Scheme
In response to recommendations outlined the “An Independent Review of Forest Practices in Nova Scotia” report, the province has released in its “High Production Forestry Phase II Guidance for Implementation”. According to the document’s introduction, the Province of Nova Scotia is embarking on a new vision for forest management on Crown lands.
Aviation Biofuel Project in Southern Oregon Never Got Off the Ground
According to a notice published in the Lake County Oregon Examiner in late December, the Red Rock Biofuels project in Southern Oregon appears to be headed for foreclosure after Red Rock Biofuels failed to make principal and interest payment on some $300 million in debt.