Dogs and drones may be the best hope for Florida avocado trees that are being threatened by a fungus-spreading beetle. The Asian ambrosia beetle is spreading a fungus, laurel wilt, to avocado trees in Florida. Already, some 9,000 trees have been lost to the fungus, Jonathan Crane, a University of Florida professor and tropical fruit crop specialist,…
An estimated 12 million trees across California’s forestlands have died over the past year because of extreme drought conditions, according to an aerial survey conducted April 8-17 by the U.S. Forest Service. In San Diego County, 82,528 trees, mostly Jeffrey pines across Mt. Laguna, have succumbed to a lack of rainfall, with many more struggling…
Northwestern Ontario’s recovering forestry sector continues to be reflected in solid contracts for mill and logging workers, even though it sometimes involves tough negotiations. About 550 plant and woodlands employees who work at Dryden’s Domtar pulp mill voted in favour of a new four-year collective agreement this week that provides decent wage increases and $1,000…
Quebec-based forestry company Tembec says it has just endured a tough winter quarter that resulted in a $40-million loss. The loss amounted to 40 cents per share, which was deeper than a year-earlier loss of 28 cents per share or $28 million. Among other things, Tembec said winter weather had a bigger impact than anticipated…
The Interior Logging Association’s conference and trade show is back bigger and better. The 57th annual event runs from Thursday to Saturday, with about 400 delegates and the outside equipment display returning for the first time since 2009. “It’s probably equal to or greater than any I’ve organized since 1974,” said Wayne Lintott, general manager…
Forestry scientists are looking for the help of New Brunswickers to track spruce budworm populations as an outbreak in Quebec approaches the border. It’s been about 35 years since the spruce budworm was last a problem for New Brunswick. But across the border in Quebec, about 4.2 million hectares of forest has been infected during…
Stella-Jones is expanding its wood treating capabilities for the residential lumber market, saying it has signed a letter of intent to purchase Ontario supplier Ram Forest Group and Ramfor Lumber for an undisclosed price. Ram Forest subsidiaries operate treating facilities in Gormley and Peterborough that generated about $90 million in sales last year. A wood…
The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce says it supports Northern Pulp and the province’s decision to close the treatment facility in Boat Harbour. Chamber president Jim Fitt issued a statement last Friday outlining its position regarding the pulp mill and the treatment facility. Internal Services Minister Labi Kousoulis introduced the Boat Harbour Act on April…
From the wood-powered steamboats that once plied the Yukon River to the high-efficiency home wood stove, Yukoners have long relied on their forests for fuel. But maybe not enough, according to the Yukon government. The territory has drafted a new “biomass energy strategy” that would see a move toward more use of wood fuel to…
Canfor Pulp Products Inc. reported net income of $28.0 million, or $0.40 per share, for the first quarter of 2015, compared to $20.7 million, or $0.29 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2014 and $25.7 million, or $0.36 per share, for the first quarter of 2014. The following table summarizes selected financial information for…