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