Cellulose nanocrystals derived from agriculture, pulp or paper industries have been shown to increase the strength of concrete, representing a potential renewable additive to improve this construction material. Researchers at Purdue University have demonstrated that the cellulose nanocrystals can increase the tensile strength of concrete by 30%. “This is an abundant, renewable material that can…
Prescribed burns are becoming more common as a way to manage northwestern Ontario’s forests, said forest fire officials in the region. The intentionally-started fires are designed to renew vegetation and burn off dangerously dry or damaged areas. A specialist on prescribed burns for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said that, for several years,…
U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Bruce Poliquin sent a letter to United States International Trade Commission (ITC) Chairwoman, Meredith Broadbent, seeking an affirmative preliminary injury determination in regards to the unfair subsidies received by the Port Hawkesbury paper mill. This stems from the Coalition of Fair Paper Imports, which includes Madison…
Today, Tuesday, April 7 is International Beaver Day. To help the state celebrate its state animal, we’ve compiled, with help from sites including the Oregon Blue Book, YoungVeggie.com, the Lands Council, and IMDb.com, 10 interesting facts about the largest living rodent in North America: The American beaver (Castor canadensis) was named Oregon state animal by…
A program that reduces energy costs for northern industries — like mining and forestry — will carry on indefinitely, the Ontario government says. Speaking at a news conference at Resolute Forest Products’ Thunder Bay pulp mill on Tuesday, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle told reporters that Ontario would commit up to $120 million…
The tiny green insect – an invasive species from Asia – has been writing the obituary of local ash trees since the first infestation was discovered at a campground near Turkey Point. Those who know what to look for see damaged and dying trees along most every concession road, in area parks, and along streets…
B.C. has long been a magnet for two-legged North Americans with a taste for mild weather. Now, thanks to an ever warmer climate, the province has hung out an irresistible welcome sign for creatures with four legs, six legs and, for ocean dwellers, no legs. B.C. is becoming a destination for crawling, flying and swimming…
Set to resume next month, plenty of ground has already been covered over the two-and-a-half weeks the coroner’s inquest into the fatal Lakeland Mills sawmill explosion has been held so far. By the time it was temporarily adjourned on March 26, the inquest had heard from 47 witnesses, beginning with the widows of Al Little…
Even though there’s still snow on the ground in some parts of the province, forest fire crews in Ontario are gearing up for another summer. This year’s fire season started April 1 — and officials are watching the weather closely. While the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is predicting a fairly slow start to…
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have taken off in popularity recently, with hobbyists and professionals alike using these small remotely-guided devices for everything from delivering packages to surveying wildlife populations, but one startup has a very ambitious plan for their drones, and one that could have a huge positive impact on global deforestation. “We…