The National Federation of Independent Business reported on Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index (SBOI) for March increased 0.8 points to a reading of 90.1. This marks the fifteenth consecutive month that the SBOI has been below the 49-year average reading of 98.
Wood Markets News
USDA, FHA Announce End to Pandemic Forbearances Effective May 31st
On Monday, President Biden signed a resolution that ends the presidentially declared national emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic that has been in place for over three years, according to “HousingWire.” Originally, the emergency declaration was scheduled to expire on May 11th.
Tolko Announces It Will Temporarily Eliminate One Shift at Its Armstrong, BC, Sawmill
“Castanet” is reporting that Tolko will temporarily eliminate one shift at its Armstrong, BC, sawmill. Approximately 65 employees will be off the job for the foreseeable future. The company’s plywood and co-generating facilities will not be impacted.
West Fraser Announces Revised Curtailment Schedule for Cariboo Pulp & Paper Mill in Quesnel, BC
West Frasier has revised its plans for the curtailment of its Cariboo Pulp & Paper facility in Quesnel, BC, according to local reporting by “MyCaribooNow.” West Fraser originally announced in early February that there would be two one-month shutdowns.
Ontario Agrees to 10-Year Logging Ban on Grassy Nerve First Nation Land
In a letter sent from Ontario to the Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek First Nation, the province indicated that it has abandoned its plans to open a portion of the First Nation’s traditional forest to commercial logging for the next 10 years.
Binderholz Holds Grand Opening at Its Enfield, NC, Sawmill Facility
Last Thursday, Binderholz Enfield LLC held a ceremony to commemorate the official opening of its lumber production facility located near Enfield, North Carolina, according to The Daily Herald.
Port of Riga, Latvia, Reports Forestry and Timber Industry Products Largest Group Transshipped in 2022
According to Dry Cargo International, the Port of Riga, a major port on the east coast of the Baltic Sea in the capital of Latvia, reported forestry and timber industry cargo were the largest cargo group transshipped through the port in 2022.
Nonrevolving Debt Increased in February, The Fed Reports
According to the Federal Reserve’s latest G.19 Consumer Credit report released on Friday, total US consumer credit outstanding totaled $4.78 trillion in February, a decrease of $12 billion over the month but $300 billion higher than February 2022.
Prineville, Oregon, Receives $1 Million US Forest Service Grant to Further Develop a Renewable Energy Biomass Plant to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Oregon’s KTVZ, Channel 21 is reporting that the City of Prineville has just received a $1 million boost from the US Forest service for its plans with Crook County to build a 25-megawatt renewable energy biomass plant that officials say will speed and expand forest restoration projects while reducing wildfire risk.
Osoyoos Indian Band and Vaagen Fibre Canada Working Together to Restore BC Areas Devastated by 2021 NK’Mip Creek Wildfire
The Nk’Mip Creek wildfire of 2021 will not soon be forgotten by British Columbia residents in the area. However, it has yielded a unique partnership between the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and Vaagen Fibre Canada, a forestry company, according to local reporting by the Times Chronicle.