Neiman Enterprises, the parent company of Spearfish Forest Products in South Dakota, has recently announced layoffs and production reductions at its facility. Jim Neiman, the President of Neiman Enterprises, expressed his regret over the situation, stating that the company had done everything possible to prevent these outcomes. “Neiman Enterprises has worked, and will continue to work, to ensure the appropriate resources are provided to approximately 50 employees and their families who are affected,” a statement from Neiman Enterprises reads. Impact on Employees and Community The affected em ..read more

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has issued a statement in response to the 2024 Federal Budget presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor expressed his thoughts on the budget, highlighting its recognition of the Canadian forest sector’s potential to contribute to economic growth, address affordable housing needs, and mitigate the risk of wildfires. Support for Home Construction and Innovative Building Techniques “FPAC took note in Budget 2024 of the government’s recognition of how Canadian ..read more

Aerial spray treatments are set to take place in the Lower Mainland and three locations in the southern Interior of British Columbia in spring 2024. The purpose of these treatments is to eradicate spongy moths and minimize the risks they pose to forests, farms, orchards, and trees. The initiative is being carried out under the guidance of the B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Council’s Spongy Moth Technical Advisory Committee. The Threat of Spongy Moths Spongy moths, also known as Lymantria moths or Gypsy moths, are invasive species that pose a significant risk to B.C.’s ecosystems and economy. T ..read more

It’s the last week of April 2024 and already there are 50 wildfires burning across the province! Alberta firefighters are grappling with 64 fires still burning from the 2023 season, as the province gears up for another challenging fire season! Alberta is gearing up for another challenging fire season as summer drought conditions settle in. With many communities already experiencing parched conditions due to a lack of winter snow cover, officials are urging residents to be vigilant in the coming weeks. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.4206488 Alberta’s Difficult 2024 Wildfire Season Under ..read more

More Than 1150 Participants and 112 Booths  Montréal, Canada— The Montréal Wood Convention (MWC) 2024, the premier event for the wood industry in North America and the largest of its kind in Canada, has drawn over 1150 participants from across the globe with 112 booths showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and products by the biggest companies in the industry. Back-to-back record breaker years for the MWC. The MWC took place from April 9 to 11, 2024, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montréal&nbs ..read more

The forest sector in British Columbia (B.C.) has experienced significant shrinkage over the past two decades. However, it continues to play a vital role in the economy, supporting one out of every six manufacturing jobs in the province. The Economic Impact of the Forest Sector in B.C. According to an economic impact study released by the B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI), the forest sector still sustains 49,000 jobs and contributes $17 billion annually to B.C.’s gross domestic product. “This study demonstrates that the B.C. forest industry is one of the main drivers of British Columbia ..read more

Last year marked the most destructive wildfire season in the recorded history of British Columbia (BC). Provincial data reveals that a staggering 2,245 wildfires ravaged over 2.84 million hectares of forest and land. This number is double the previous record of 1.35 million hectares burned in 2018. 2023 Was A Concerning Trend Jens Wieting, senior policy and science advisor at the Sierra Club of BC, expresses deep concern over the extent of forest destruction in BC and across Canada in 2023. He describes it as a highly emotional topic due to alarming trends. “The area of forests burned both in ..read more

The British Columbia (B.C.) government and the Council of the Haida Nation have come together to sign a groundbreaking agreement that officially recognizes the Aboriginal title of Haida Gwaii. This momentous occasion comes more than two decades after the nation initiated legal action to seek formal recognition of their rights. A Foundational Step in Reconciliation Last month, the province announced that it had reached a proposed deal with the Haida, marking a significant milestone in the reconciliation process between the Haida Nation and B.C. Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister M ..read more

OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2024 – Tim Hortons is taking a step towards reducing single-use plastics by introducing plastic-free, fiber hot beverage lids in select restaurants in Ottawa and Gatineau. The trial, which will last for up to six weeks, aims to develop a guest-friendly alternative that is easier to compost or recycle while still providing a great drinking experience. Developing a Sustainable Solution Tim Hortons is focusing more on finding innovative solutions to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The new fiber lids being tested in Ottawa and Gatineau are designed to mimic the feel of ..read more

C&D Lumber Co., a family-owned business founded in 1890, has announced the closure of its mill in Riddle, Oregon. This marks the fourth mill in the state to announce closure plans in recent months, leaving 93 workers without jobs. The sawmill will cease operations on May 2, with some operations continuing for a few months while inventory is processed. Emotional Impact on Workers The closure announcement has brought a wave of emotions for both the employees and the Johnson family, who owns C&D Lumber. Some employees have dedicated over 30 years of their lives to the mill, working alongs ..read more