Plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost absorption from forests as a way to tackle climate change were agreed to by the European Union. The agreement sets a “zero target” for the sector, which would be a 30% emissions cut by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Closer to home, the San Group has “thrown down the gauntlet” saying they want to purchase all of Western Forest Products’ assets in the Alberni Valley; the New Brunswick government is accused of favouring JD Irving in their dispute with woodlot owners; and former senator Max Baucus says Canada has crossed the line between fair and unfair trade with softwood lumber.

Finally, in Forestry news: BC environmentalists ask Ottawa to use the Species at Risk Act to protect the mountain caribou; Northwestern Ontario mayors are fed up being portrayed as environmental laggards; the Haida Nation says the BC government doesn’t have permission to grant logging contracts; and China enacts a ban on commercial logging in its natural forests.

— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor