There is a new controversial duty being applied to softwood lumber being imported from Canada into the United States effective in August 2024. The rate is increasing from 8.05% to 14.54%. This rate is set by the US Department of Commerce and is allegedly intended to offset Canada’s subsidies of their lumber industry to better compete in the US market.

Below, find an article and a short video on the topic. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6482884

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canadian-softwood-lumber-us-duty-1.7294054

In a groundbreaking move to protect its forest resources, the Cross River State government has declared a total suspension of all logging activities across the state.

Cross River State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is home to some of the last remaining tropical rainforests in the country. These forests, which cover approximately 40% of the state’s land area, are highly threatened by illegal logging and deforestation. They are crucial for biodiversity, housing numerous endangered species, and play a vital role in carbon sequestration.

This decisive action, announced by Governor Bassey Otu, aims to curb illegal logging and promote sustainable forest management. The ban reflects the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and addresses concerns from local communities about the rapid depletion of forest resources.

The suspension is expected to provide a much-needed respite for the region’s biodiversity and foster a renewed focus on eco-friendly practices. Authorities are now focusing on enforcing this ban strictly, ensuring that the natural heritage of Cross River State is preserved for future generations.

The initiative has been welcomed by environmentalists, who see it as a crucial step towards mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation and climate change in the region. The government has also pledged to explore alternative livelihoods for those affected by the logging ban, aiming to balance ecological preservation with economic needs.

For more details, read the full article on Vanguard News.

Following the announced closure of Interfor’s Philomath, Oregon sawmill, they just announced a 5-month curtailment due to market conditions. Not seeing the same weakness in the industrial lower grade markets, but worth noting.

Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/04/30/2872815/0/en/Interfor-Announces-Lumber-Production-Curtailments-Across-All-Regions-of-North-America.html

This report is for Vermont, but it’s happening in many northern states and Canada as well. Logging cannot occur if conditions are not right. Ground needs to be frozen or dry for loggers to get in without damaging forestland. While this is undoubtedly harming loggers’ income this season, it may have lasting implications on the lumber markets this spring and summer.

Key takeaways:

• Loggers in Vermont are facing financial challenges due to warm and muddy winters
• Last 18 months have been difficult for Vermont’s forest products industry, with loggers losing tens of millions
• Contractors are cutting back on crews or selling additional products to stay afloat
• Some contractors are leaving the industry, which is rare to return
• Loggers are pushing for H.624 to fund projects improving water quality and climate resilience on harvest sites.

Source: Warm, muddy winter wreaks havoc on logging industry

Can we read between the lines here? Province might be allowing harvesting of protected trees, but it is unlikely they’re being turned directly into pellets – that would be a waste. It’s possible old growth trees are being harvested for timber, but the byproducts of timber cut from old growth trees is being turned into pellets. So, Forests Ministry can deny that old-growth trees are being burned for pellets (directly), but that’s not answering the challenge about whether they’re being harvested when they shouldn’t be.

Key Takeaways:

– B.C.’s forests ministry denies reports of old-growth trees being burned for pellets in the U.K.
– Environmentalists claim leaked map shows province is allowing harvesting of protected old-growth trees
– Ministry states wood pellets in B.C. are made from waste fiber, not whole forests
– Drax Group defends sourcing of wood for pellets as legal and sustainable
– Controversy surrounds B.C.’s promise to protect old-growth forests
– Provincial government introduced deferral areas to protect old-growth forests temporarily
– Claims of erroneous truck loads of old-growth wood delivered to pellet plants
– Concerns raised about biased removal of old-growth deferral areas for logging
– Ministry responds by stating size of trees is not the only factor in determining ecological value of deferral areas
– Province working on all recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review for conservation of ancient forests

Source: B.C.’s old-growth protections come under renewed scrutiny: Forests ministry denies reports of old-growth being used for fuel

Documented evidence that global warming is having an effect on northern Minnesota forests by about 200 miles over the last 20 years.

• The Forest Assisted Migration Project in Minnesota is working on building a regional market for climate-adapted tree seedlings
• Research on assisted migration aims to preserve forests amid climate change impacts
• Studies have shown that moving southern-adapted trees to northern climates can be advantageous for forest health
• Climate change is impacting Northwoods trees in Minnesota, making them more vulnerable to various threats
• Assisted migration involves relocating trees to help woodlands adapt to climate change
• Forest ecologists are experimenting with this strategy to diversify forests in a warming world
• Minnesota is experiencing rapid warming, affecting its diverse plant boundaries
• Climate change has caused forests to suffer rapid losses globally, leading to potential forest die-offs
• Assisted migration projects are gaining momentum internationally in response to climate change
• Moving forests may have risks, such as invasive species, but not doing so poses larger risks

Original Article from Smithsonian Magazine.

The Oregon Department of Forestry approved a plan to preserve almost 700,000 acres of state forest land for endangered species over the next 70 years.

• The Oregon Department of Forestry approved a Habitat Conservation Plan to protect almost 700,000 acres of state forest land for endangered species over the next 70 years
• The plan was implemented after lawsuits were filed against the state for violating the Endangered Species Act by selling forest land for logging
• The Oregon Board of Forestry voted 4-3 in favor of the plan
• The plan will cut timber harvests in state forests, potentially leading to job losses in the timber industry
• Some mills may be forced to close as a result of the plan, impacting tax revenue for Clatsop and Tillamook counties
• The plan needs federal input and is expected to go into effect in late 2024 or early 2025.

https://www.kgw.com/article/tech/science/environment/oregon-department-of-forestry-approves-controversial-plan-which-limits-logging-in-state-forests/283-9db6174e-cd49-43f4-b024-a6c4f5937aca

Wisconsin Lumber & Pallet is actively seeking new customers across Wisconsin. We are happy to help you with truckloads of new or used wood pallets for use in the heavy machinery industry, food industry, or other manufacturing industries. We can custom design pallets, crates, or boxes to suit your needs for free. We can offer redesign concepts or ideas that can save money and/or improve throughput at your business.

We can move truckloads of lumber anywhere in the country, but like to focus on the Wisconsin market. Hardwood, softwood (spruce, pine, fir), or aspen are a few of the materials we can supply. In southeast Wisconsin, we can supply one or two units of lumber at a time cost-effectively as well.

Please do not hesitate to reach out for a quote on custom pallets, crates, or boxes. Full units of industrial lumber to full truckloads of industrial lumber can be purchased for competitive rates with outstanding service.