Greenpeace International is withdrawing from the Forest Stewardship Council saying it is “failing to protect natural forests from exploitation“, however each national branch will make their own decisions about continuing with FSC. In other news: the Nova Scotia forestry review isn’t broad enough for some; Minnesota’s logging industry is in limbo due to energy plant closures; and South Dakota appears to have turned the corner on its pine beetle epidemic.
In Business news: BC firms revolt over government plans to shift medical costs to them; the US News Media Alliance says Canadian newsprint is not the enemy – tariffs are; and the Bangor Daily News says Governor LePage “may have opened up a Pandora’s box”. Companies in the news include:
- Provincial tax relief helped Tolko re-open its High Prairie mill
- Rail car shortages have created a backlog at Canfor and other BC mills
- Settlement in a US paper tariff may see duties refunded to Irving et al
- A lumber and chip truck collision results in a fatality near Dunkley mill
- Backcountry access through Island Timberlands‘ lands is multi-faceted
Finally, Al Thorlakson is recognized for his business leadership, and a smoking elephant seeks charcoal for its toxin-binding and laxative properties.
–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor
Douglas R. Simpson, of Bridgeville, is Delaware’s 2018 Tree Farmer of the Year for his dedication to forest conservation and landowner education. Presented by the Delaware Tree Farm Committee, the award recognizes landowners who practice exceptional management and promote sustainable forestry. Simpson is a Delaware native who owns tree farms on approximately 700 acres in Sussex County, which were first certified in 1995. The award was given at the annual meeting and banquet of the Delaware Forestry Association at the Bridgeville Fire Hall. Using comprehensive stewardship plans developed in partnership with the Delaware Forest Service, Simpson manages his forestland for wildlife habitat, water quality and wood products.
Greenpeace is withdrawing from the main global group for certifying sustainable wood products, saying it is failing to protect natural forests from exploitation. Greenpeace, a founding member of the Forest Stewardship Council, said the organization “fell short” of its goals of conserving forests and benefiting society. …The council had successes in some regions, the environmental group said, but was failing in “high risk regions where democratic and civil society institutions are weak and corruption is high.” Greenpeace International said in a statement on its website that the council has become a “tool for forestry and timber extraction” and it wouldn’t renew its membership. It said national branches of Greenpeace that are members will make their own decisions about continuing to work with the council.
The USDA has released a new report that measures economic growth, job creation and household income from biofuel and bioenergy production, along with future growth in renewable chemicals and biobased products. The report, titled “Indicators of the U.S. Biobased Economy,” shows that the biobased economy is playing an increasingly important role in the U.S. economy. “Through innovations in renewable energies and the emergence of a new generation of biobased products, the sectors that drive the biobased economy are providing job creation and economic growth,” the report states. According to the USDA, the report aims to understand and analyze trends in the biobased economy by comparing 2011 and 2016 data.
