Not the season (perhaps) but wildfire risks and rewards dominate today’s news. This includes an update on the fire risk posed by millions of dead trees in California; the proactive burning of trees to combat the mountain pine beetle in Jasper; and the USDA’s Joint Chief’s Partnership in forest health (or Washington’s “willful negligence” in the opinion of some). The ‘rewards’ include the 1,600 nominations for BC’s Above and Beyond Awards, recognizing those involved in the 2017’s wildfires.

In Business news: Reuters reports that most economists expect a positive outcome in the NAFTA negotiations, while softwood lumber production is up in the US but down in Canada. At the Truck Loggers conference, Premier Horgan wants to reconnect communities with industry but expresses dismay at the growth in BC log exports; while David Elstone said “it’s time for BC to stop the hoop jumping to appease the unappeasable”.

Finally, US researchers say ‘super yeast’ from pine trees could help replace gasoline as a transportation fuel, and wood’s ability to absorb vibration makes it the preferred substrate for one bicycle producer.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor