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The success of the IUFRO World Congress 2024 was a collective effort, involving hundreds of individuals. This summary report prepared by the Congress Organizing Committee presents the carrying out and outcome of the IUFRO World Congress 2024. Source: Timberbiz It was the largest IUFRO World Congress ever with almost 4,300 delegates from 110 countries, 3,500 presentations and hundreds of showcased innovations. IUFRO’s role as the global voice of forest science is more critical than ever. Under the theme Forests and Society Towards 2050, the congress set new standards for scientific dialogue, innovation, collaboration, diversity, interdisciplinarity and inclusivity. The congress has proven its value in advancing research, influencing policy, and addressing global challenges. Moving forward, it showed the need to inspire young researchers, strengthen regional partnerships, and advocate for sustainable forest management globally. The results from the congress will guide IUFRO’s future work and make a lasting impact worldwide. The Summary Report summarizes the congress participation and the management by the host organizations IUFRO, SLU and the other co-hosting organizations in the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as the momentous contributions by hundreds of individuals, partners and subcommittees. Looking ahead to the next IUFRO World Congress in Kenya in 2029, the Summary Report is essential to secure the heritage from the outgoing to the incoming Congress Organizing Committee. The concept of the IUFRO World Congress needs constant improvements and should evolve in line with societal development. Still, the handing over of a strong heritage should give the next host country the prerequisites for the IUFRO World Congress to remain a strong platform to guide the future global forest community dialogue, in accordance with the Stockholm Congress Statement. You can download the summary report at https://www.iufro.org/iufro-news/iufro-2024-world-congress-summary-report

Volvo has launched a new lineup of articulated haulers which is set for stepwise introductions on markets globally during 2025. The updated models mark a significant technological leap forward thanks to key innovations such as a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15% depending on model and industrial application. Source: Timberbiz The machines’ new state-of-the-art design has been constructed in such a way as to adapt over time to fit future drivetrains. A highlight of this launch is the all-new A50 model, which expands customer opportunities in the demanding hauler segment. This addition, available in selected markets, underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers by enhancing operational capabilities and offering more choices. The result is cutting-edge, safe, and productive machines that have been purpose-built to lower total cost of ownership and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow across the toughest of worksites, especially when combined with Volvo’s pioneering digital solutions, such as the Haul Assist with onboard weighing. “For nearly 60 years we have been leading the way with our range of articulated haulers and now with today´s launch of a new range of outstanding products, including one completely new model, we prove that there are no limits to our capacity for innovation,” Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE said. “Our customers know to expect a first-class operation when they get into one of our haulers, but that experience has just got even better with a host of cutting-edge features designed with our customers in mind.” Developed to be among the most fuel-efficient hauling solutions on the market, the new models have also been built with a focus on sustainability. This includes the introduction of low carbon emission steel made from recycled materials and produced using fossil free electricity and biogas in serial production of haulers manufactured at the Braås site. Given steel is a major component in Volvo CE products and traditionally generates significant carbon emissions material circularity is another example of Volvo CE taking action across its operations to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This launch is part of Volvo’s most extensive product portfolio overhaul in decades, with over 35% of its range renewed in the past 12 months. It marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in the construction equipment industry.

The Trump administration has taken significant steps to reshape the United States’ trade relations with Canada by imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber imports. President Donald Trump, during recent executive orders signed at the Oval Office, remarked, “We don’t need the products from Canada. We have all the oil you need. We have all the trees you need.” Source: The Pinnacle Gazette https://evrimagaci.org/tpg This declaration underpins the rationale behind the newly established 25% tariff on softwood lumber, which comprises about 30% of the lumber used annually for American homes. The tariffs come at a time when housing affordability has reached crisis levels across the United States. This affordability crisis is compounded by rising demand resulting from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of homes. Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota, stated, “Our industry relies heavily on predictability. Whether it’s lumber tariffs or tariffs on any other import, these can impact the supply chain.” He adds emphasis to how these tariffs invariably increase costs for new homebuyers. The introduction of tariffs on lumber could escalate already soaring construction costs. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has expressed concern over the significant share of softwood lumber imported, noting the role it plays as the backbone of home construction used extensively for framing, roofing, and siding. According to NAHB estimates, out of approximately US$184 billion worth of goods contributing to new single-family and multifamily construction this year, around US$13 billion comprises imported materials, with lumber (valued at approximately US$8.5 billion) accounting for the lion’s share of imports. History has shown the volatile nature of lumber tariffs. The previous Softwood Lumber Agreement between the US and Canada limited trade flows significantly, which saw US lumber producers gain from tariffs at the expense of consumers, who faced higher prices. Rajan Parajuli, a professor of forest economics and policy at North Carolina State University noted, “The losers always will be the consumers with the limited benefit for the domestic producers.” His remarks highlight the potential pitfalls of restricting imported lumber historical patterns suggest it leads to inflated costs for American buyers rather than bolstering the domestic industry. Despite arguments asserting the US can compensate for the loss of lumber imports with domestic production, experts caution against oversimplification. There are substantial barriers to scaling up domestic lumber production capacity. Robert Dietz, chief economist at NAHB, explained, “Expanding the industry takes time. There are regulatory approvals required to open new sawmills, which convert timber to lumber, and harvesting limits pose additional challenges.” He elaborates on the systemic labour shortages the sector faces, with hundreds of thousands of positions remaining unfilled, affecting sawmills and the timber industry alike. The lumber pricing instability was starkly illustrated during the pandemic when prices surged dramatically. Reports detailed how the price of softwood lumber skyrocketed from around US$350 to over US$1,500 per thousand board feet, underscoring the fragility of the housing materials market. Even as production remained relatively steady, the associated costs rose significantly. While the deluge of tariffs and their repercussions paint a bleak picture for housing affordability, some researchers and industry leaders express cautious optimism. Erickson pointed out, “This housing shortage in America has really created this interesting bipartisanship… on this concept of increasing housing affordability.” This sentiment reflects growing unity among stakeholders across political lines, as pressure mounts to diminish barriers to new housing construction. The future remains uncertain, and with tariffs likely driving up costs significantly, maintaining housing affordability will require careful navigation through both political and economic landscapes. Homebuilders are hopeful for easing regulations and innovative policy solutions to mitigate the challenges presented by tariffs and the overall housing crisis.

A New Zealand survey just published, has revealed no detectable signs of kauri in the Hūnua Ranges. The health monitoring survey, the first for the Hūnua Ranges, was carried out between March and November 2023. It was designed to establish the health of kauri, including whether the pathogen might be present in the ranges and collected comprehensive data on 561 kauri trees. Source: Timberbiz The survey was a collaborative effort between Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, and ngā iwi mana whenua o Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui – Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Ngāti Tamaterā. Results indicate a robustly healthy kauri population, with over 95% of trees surveyed in excellent health, a much higher rate than the 55% of sites observed in the 2021 Waitākere survey. Furthermore, over 92% of surveyed sites showed the presence of healthy seedlings or saplings, indicating strong regeneration and a healthy ecosystem. Importantly, the survey found no evidence of kauri dieback within the study area. Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council has made significant investment into both kauri protection and surveillance since 2018, and the report shows these efforts are paying off. “The kauri dieback pathogen has been detected in most regions where kauri grows in New Zealand, so to have 97% to 99.9% confidence the Hūnua Ranges area is dieback free, is remarkable,” says Councillor Hills. “As a popular destination, recreational activity in the Hūnua Ranges is high and the results demonstrate the importance the community places on protecting this special area and supporting the council in its efforts to keep kauri healthy and thriving. “The assurance this report affords us is critical for ongoing forest management and underscores the necessity for proactive conservation efforts and community engagement to preserve the health of the Hūnua Ranges and all of our precious forests.” Auckland Council’s Principal Biosecurity Advisor, Dr Sarah Killick says protecting kauri from the threat of dieback is paramount to ensuring the specie’s survival. “The findings of this survey provide a baseline for monitoring kauri health and will guide future prevention strategies to safeguard this precious ecosystem.” The survey’s risk assessment highlighted areas most vulnerable to pathogen introduction. A similar survey in the Waitākere Ranges in 2022 indicated kauri dieback was strongly associated with historical and recent soil disturbances. In areas where it occurred, kauri appeared to be more prone to poor health and vulnerable to disease. Evidence indicates soil and forest disturbances are introduction pathways for kauri dieback, emphasising the importance of preventing soil movement as key to protecting the health of this forest. Enhanced AI and machine learning tools have helped map kauri, building on the successes of similar efforts in the Waitākere Ranges. Dr Killick says ongoing monitoring will be critical to track changes in kauri health over time, considering factors such as land use, environmental management, and climate change. The survey will continue to be carried out every five years.  

The Tasmanian Foresty Hub invites forest industry employers to join the Employer + Service Provider Workshop on 11 February 2025. This is an opportunity to connect with key services to help build and strengthen your workforce. Source: Timberbiz This interactive workshop is designed to explore tailored solutions, and build lasting connections with representatives from Workforce Australia, Jobs Hubs, RTOs, labour hire firms, Group Training Organisations (GTOs), migrant support services, and others to explain how they can work with forestry employers, all with a forestry-specific focus. You’ll hear about available support with recruitment and hiring incentives, how you can get funding support for staff training and what options there are to fill short term or seasonal workforce gaps. Learn about alternative options to employ apprentices and what connections are available to assist in supporting a migrant workforce. Recruitment experts will also discuss how AI can streamline your hiring process, making it easier to find the right people. Workforce development is a key focus for the Tasmania Forestry Hub. By bringing employers and service providers together, we’re helping to build a strong and adaptable workforce to support the growth of Tasmania’s forestry industry. Book at https://events.humanitix.com/forestry-employer-service-provider-workshop

Following the closure of Tangiwai Mill in the Ruapehu District of New Zealand, Ernslaw One has found a solution to getting its logs out of Karioi Forest, to Napier Port. Source: Timberbiz Thanks to collaboration with KiwiRail, Napier Port, McCarthy Transport and Qube Ports, Ernslaw made its first log delivery by rail from Karioi Forest to Napier Port in late January. The parties acknowledged the efforts of Andy Watson, Mayor of Rangitīkei District Council, who was instrumental in facilitating discussions in the region. Steve Couper, SNI Regional Manager for Ernslaw One, says despite the mill closing, the company wanted to continue production and keep its contractors in work. “The move away from road cartage to rail has many advantages. It is a safety gain for the logging truck drivers, as well as for other road users and local residents.” Mr Couper said. “We approached KiwiRail and Napier Port to negotiate a deal that would make it feasible, and after some pencil sharpening, we’ve been able to get this agreement in place and get these logs on to rail.” Napier Port CEO Todd Dawon said it was a win for everyone. “It’s a great example of how export NZ benefits when everyone in the supply chain works together on sensible, efficient solutions that are sustainable and commercially viable for all parties,” he said. “Being flexible for customers is a Napier Port priority and we adjusted our landside logistics and port operations to receive Ernslaw’s logs by rail; cargo we previously received processed as timber, lumber and pulp from WPI. “We have increasing volumes of freight from the Central and Lower North Island, and rail is an important part of connecting these customers with the many international shipping services that call Napier Port.” KiwiRail Executive General Manager Freight and Rolling Stock Operations Paul Ashton said that the benefits to the region are huge. “Removing so many trucks from this road, which is complex to maintain due to its many bends and steep grades, will greatly reduce road deterioration,” he said. “The more freight carried by rail on long journeys, the lower New Zealand’s total transport emissions, and the lower the carbon footprint of KiwiRail’s customers. This is a great result, and we appreciate the collaboration of all parties who have worked together to market his possible.” Mike McCarthy managing director of McCarthy’s transport said that they were pleased to be operating the Tangiwai rail yard working alongside Ernslaw, Kiwi Rail, Qube and Napir Port. “With the Napier-Taihape Road deteriorating due to the increase in heavy vehicles carting wood across since the WPI mill closures, the Tangiwai rail is a good solution to continue to move the same amount of volume. We are in full support of this and look forward to getting started,” he said. The Rangitīkei District Council was concerned about having additional logging trucks on the roads, impacting roading wear and tear, and initiated discussions with all parties involved to assist in reaching a solution.

New home sales in 2024 strengthened compared to the previous year despite the headwinds of high borrowing, land and building costs, according to HIA Economist Maurice Tapang. Source: Timberbiz The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction. “Interest rate stability, low levels of unemployment, strong population growth and improvements in real wages helped boost new home sales from its trough, increasing by 8.2% in 2024,” Mr Tapang said. “It is now almost 15 months since the RBA last raised interest rates. New home buyers are slowly returning to market amid expectations of rate cuts this year. “The recent rise in new home sales has also been geographically dispersed, driven by those markets outside of the two largest states, New South Wales and Victoria. “Western Australia was the first market to see a notable increase in new home sales last year, with a slowdown in sales in 2024 coming as a result of capacity constraints. “Queensland and South Australia followed, recording the strongest growth in new home sales across all markets in 2024, off their troughs in the previous year. “The volume of new homes sold in Victoria was virtually unchanged in 2024 compared to the previous year. Sales in Victoria have yet to pick up remarkably since the pull-forward in sales in April 2024 due to regulatory changes. “New South Wales recorded an 11.8% increase in the 2024 calendar year, albeit from very low levels in 2023 when sales fell by more than 50 per cent. “The high cost of residential land, particularly in Sydney, is preventing New South Wales from seeing a stronger increase in new home sales despite ongoing population growth and acute shortages of housing. “The recent increase in new home sales in most markets is beginning to trickle through to approvals data, with 109,610 houses approved nationally in the most recent twelve months. “With new home sales and detached house approvals picking up in 2024, the improvement in the volume of new homes commencing construction is likely to be sustained, progressing further into 2025,” Mr Tapang said. New home sales in Queensland rose by 40.6% in the 2024 calendar year, the strongest increase across all markets. This was followed by South Australia (+25.8%) and New South Wales (+11.8%). Sales in Victoria were virtually unchanged (-0.6%), while Western Australia recorded a 7.1% decline in sales in 2024.

A clear-fall operation is set to start soon in Armidale State Forest to remove dead and dying pine trees, which present a public safety risk. Source: Timberbiz The northern section of the pine plantation in Armidale State Forest has been closed due to safety concerns over the instability of pine trees that died during the 2019-2020 drought. Northern Regional Manager Gary Pearson said a previous harvest operation selectively removed dead and dying trees in the forest and aimed to leave as many trees as possible. “Further trees have since died and storms have impacted the compartment increasing the risk to the public of overhead hazards from falling branches and leaning trees in this section of the plantation forest,” Mr Pearson said. “A clear-fall operation is anticipated to start mid-February with harvested trees to be supplied to various markets. “Once the area has been cleared options to replant sections of the compartment or allow pine regeneration to naturally colonise the site will be considered,” Mr Pearson said. It is anticipated the operation could be completed by mid to late April allowing for the reopening of the road through the harvested area. Once clearing operations commence the forest will be closed again, for short periods, while these activities occur. The eastern section of the forest, comprising younger pine trees may be thinned at the same time. This operation will depend on the salvageable product available. Since closing sections of the forest to the public Forestry Corporation has worked with permit holders and forest users to ensure access around the closed areas.

All plantation forests north of Townsville are now closed to public access due to heavy rainfall. The situation will be reassessed on Thursday, 6 February 2025. Source: Timberbiz The closure includes HQP’s Ingham, Cardwell, Atherton and Kuranda plantations. Conditions may be unsafe and damage to the road network can be extensive when conditions are this wet. Several North Queensland rivers are flooding and warnings are in place from Tully to Ayr, with a severe thunderstorm warnings for Cairns. More heavy falls are forecast across parts of North Queensland that have already recorded more than 500 millimetres of rain in recent days. Catchments are at bursting point with roads awash and flights cancelled. A period of sustained dry weather will be required before plantations roads can be traversed safely and without causing further damage. HQP is urging all recreation users to respect these closures so that safe and responsible access to the plantations can be restored as soon as possible. Plantation forest closures fall under the Forestry Act 1959 and can be enforced by police, QPWS rangers and plantation officers. Fines for non-compliance currently range from $276 to almost $1,400. Driving through mud on plantations roads at any time is also unlawful and penalties apply. State and local government-managed roads through plantations remain open unless otherwise indicated by closed gates, road signage or police. Please refer to the Parks and Forests website www.parks.des.qld.gov.au for restrictions in relation to campgrounds and other areas managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in this area.

Under a Greens’ plan, the NSW Government will be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. Source: Timberbiz They say the funding will go directly towards ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for communities and workers. The Greens say they will pay for this plan by making the big corporations pay more tax. The Greens will advocate for this funding to contribute to establishing the Great Southern National Park, which they say will ensure the protection and enjoyment of our forests by all for generations to come. Under this proposal, there is the potential for more 400,000 hectares of state forest to be added to the reserve system once native forest logging ends. They say funding could go towards rehabilitating and restoring forests, creating sustainable communities and jobs, working with Traditional Owners, supporting sustainable plantations, and increasing disaster resilience and management capability, including remote area firefighting Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Nick McKim, Greens spokesperson for Forests, and Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens spokesperson for the Environment, were in Batemans Bay to announce the Australian Greens’ plan to end native forest logging in NSW and create the Great Southern Forest National Park. “Ending native forest logging once and for all and restoring them is necessary for our environment, climate and community. Logging native forests is not just unsustainable, it’s untenable,” Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens said. “The NSW South Coast forests and communities have been through devastating bushfires and logging continues to destroy the habitat of endangered species like the greater glider. Creating the Great Southern Forest National Park will ensure the protection and restoration of our precious forests and the wildlife within for generations to come. If we don’t step up for nature now – the ancient living breathing forests will become graveyards. “By not ending native forest logging the Federal and NSW Labor governments have failed our environment, climate and communities, all to serve corporate interests over people and the planet. “Our magnificent forests should be a sanctuary for wildlife like the Greater Gliders, not a sacrifice to industry. Yet, Federal and State Governments have sanctioned native forest logging and stood by and watched the trees fall. “It is time for the government to stop siding with industry and start protecting our forests, climate, water, and our future.” Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Forests said that ending native forest logging is a huge opportunity for the people of NSW, particularly regional communities. “We can protect nature, take climate action, and create thousands of new, well paid, skilled jobs in firefighting, rewinding and environmental restoration and management,” he said. Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens Spokesperson for the Environment said that it was past time that native forest logging ended in NSW. It is driving the extinction and climate crises, and our precious forests need to be protected and regenerated. “Stitching together the unfinished Great Southern Forests is just part of the fantastic project that is protecting and regenerating all native forests in NSW – and the Greens are putting our plan to fund it on the table,” she said. “If the NSW Minns Labor Government wants to recover any of their credibility on the environment and forests, then they should grab this opportunity with both hands.”