TimberWest and Island Timberlands have signed an affiliation agreement to share corporate services and coordinate forest planning, while continuing as stand-alone companies. In other Business news: NAFTA shifts to Canada as the US and Mexico are close to a deal on autos; China proposes tariffs on US pulp from recycled paper; US construction costs hold steady in July; and FPAC makes its 2019 pre-budget pitch.

On the wildfire front: California, Oregon and Ontario say progress is being made; but BC reports that two northern fires have merged; new fires are popping up across south; and wildfire crews are bracing for a shift in the weather. 

Finally, an historic wooden church in Russia is destroyed by fire; and two Canadian experts say wildfires will only get worse unless we learn to live with them.

The Frogs will be here Monday only next week—unless there’s breaking news.

–Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor