PotlatchDeltic Corporation announced on Wednesday that it has successfully completed the previously announced merger with CatchMark Timber Trust Inc. in an all-stock transaction, creating a leading integrated timber REIT.
News in timber
Fort Nelson First Nation Secures One of the Largest Ever Forest Tenures from BC Government
The BC Ministry of Forests has set out a tenures offer with a total quantum of 1.26 million cubic meters per year, making it one of the largest forest tenures commitments ever made to a First Nation. The commitment is reportedly to enable the construction and operation of the FNFN pellet facility project.
Weyerhaeuser Reports Work Stoppage in Oregon and Washington State
According to an announcement by Weyerhaeuser on Tuesday, a work stoppage by employees is affecting its operations in Oregon and Washington. Approximately 1,200 members of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Works Union have walked off the job and are currently on strike.
US National Interagency Fire Center Update for September 12, 2022: Two New Wildfires
The US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported on Monday that the total number of large wildfires and complexes currently burning in the US has grown to 93, with more than 813,066 acres across 7 different states currently burning. Two new fires were reported within the past 24 hours.
Pacheedaht First Nation and Teal Jones Sign Memorandum of Understanding
On Thursday, the Pacheedaht First Nation, located near Port Renfrew, BC, and Teal Jones agreed to identify specific forestry, business, commercial, and employment opportunities within the Nation’s traditional territories and pursue them through joint working agreements.
Idaho and Montana Wildfires Continue to Expand, Even as Weather and Temperatures Moderate
A Canadian cold front sliding south along the continental divide brought some minor relief from high temperatures and cleared out much of the smoke that has been suffocating Montana. However, the intense wildfires burning out of control along the Idaho/Montana border remained unrelenting.
US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update for September 6, 2022: Preparedness Level Raised to 4
The US National Interagency Fire Center reported on Tuesday that the total number of large wildfires and complexes currently burning in the US has increased to 69, with more than 475,766 acres across 8 different states currently burning. Two new fires were reported.
BC Wildfire Season Well Below Average in 2022, but a Dry September Could Change That
BC Forests Minister Katrine Conroy is reporting that it has been a below-average wildfire season in the province “so far” this year. Conroy noted that 93% of this season’s wildfires have been extinguished or are under control. However, high fire risks are forecast for September.
Expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Will Depend on Courts’ Ruling on Presidential Logging Authority
The expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument may come down to whether the president—at the time, Barack Obama—had authority over the 2.4 million acres of federal “Q&C Lands” in Western Oregon. The decision falls to the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
BC Forest Minister Responds to ONA First Nation Claims of Failure to Protect Old-Growth Forests and Caribou Habitat in Revelstoke Area
Last week, the ONA, which consists of seven First Nations in the Okanagan and Similkameen, rebuked the BC provincial government for failing to protect old growth forests and critical caribou habitat. The provincial government has responded saying in fact that it has deferred the logging of old-growth forests in the Revelstoke area.