High demand and tight supply sent US softwood lumber prices to near-record highs Wednesday but analysts say it won’t last as offshore imports increase and builders switch to alternative products.

In other Business news: Tolko commits to rebuild its fire-damaged sawmill in Williams Lake (although it could be closed for six months); a trade expert says the softwood dispute underscores the need for NAFTA’s dispute mechanism; and an FEA report highlights the importance of softwood lumber in terms of US jobs and payroll.

On the Forestry front: more than a million hectares of BC’s burnt forest will only be economical for a few short years; five BC mayors want to improve the amount of wood fibre available for local mills; a California environmental group is seeking a countywide ban on clearcutting; and Rep. Jim Walsh wants to minimize the economic damage of plans to save murrelet habitat.

Finally, COP 23 is generating renewed interest in forest restoration and sustainable biomass.

— Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor