CBC News is reporting that more than one million hectares (over 2.4 million acres) of land in Alberta are now estimated to have burned in a record-breaking spring for wildfires. As of Tuesday afternoon, 74 wildfires were burning across Alberta.
News in timber
Closure of Practiv Evergreen Paper Mill in Canton, NC, to Negatively Impact Area Forests
The recently announced closure of Practiv Evergreen’s Canton, North Carolina, paper mill is not only a major loss for its employees and the area’s economy, but the ripple effects also make it very difficult news for sustainable forestry in the region.
Saskatchewan Investing in Preservation and Maintenance of Northern Roads That Support the Forest Industry
Saskatchewan announced a $6 million (CAD) investment in the preservation and maintenance of northern roads that support the Saskatchewan forest industry. This one-time investment will fund gravel work and brush clearing on several northern roads.
Lack of Lumber Industry Workers in Maine Has the Potential to Cause Lumber Prices to Increase
A recently released study by the University of Maine found that the state’s logging industry supported fewer jobs and generated less economic output and labor income in 2021 than in the five previous years.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update for the Week Ending May 19th
As of Friday, May 19th, six large wildfires have burned 57,491 acres in four states. One large new wildfire was reported in Massachusetts during the week. Nationally, 16,053 wildfires have burned 477,661 acres.
China Lifts Ban on Australian Timber Imports
According to ABC News, China’s Ambassador to Australia said Australian timber exporters had satisfied China’s quarantine concerns, and China has reopened its door to Australian timber imports for the first time in more than two years.
Nova Scotia Announces New Pilot Program to Provide Working Capital Loans for Forestry Contractors
The Province of Nova Scotia announced a new pilot program that will let forestry contractors borrow working capital to help their businesses succeed. Through the Timber Loan Board, contractors can borrow up to $50,000 (CAD) at a competitive rate.
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center Report as of May 14th
Canada is currently at a wildfire preparedness level of 5 out of 5 as wildfires in Western Canada, as well as other Eastern provinces continue to burn. As of Sunday, there were 5 new wildfires reported.
Adams Lake Band Moving Ahead With Business Venture to Provide Value-Added Manufacturing
According to Penticton Western News, the Adams Lake Indian Band, a member of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation, is moving ahead with a business venture to sustain forests while providing value-added manufacturing and long-term employment.
University of Maine Joins National Science Foundation-Backed Coalition for Forestry Research and Product Development in Northern New England
The University of Maine will use $1 million from the National Science Foundation to partner with research institutions and community organizations across Northern New England to devise new forest products and management strategies.