Understory vegetation, the plants that grow beneath the canopy layer of a forest, including shrubs, herbs and trees, contributes to the biodiversity, soil and water conservation, climate change mitigation and forest management of forest ecosystems. By providing diverse habitats and food sources, understory vegetation helps maintain forest regeneration and health, whilst stabilising soil as well as increasing soil fertility and…
Undergrowth, the low-lying vegetation growing under the canopy of larger trees, can lead to injuries, obscured trails, poisonous plants and wildlife encounters, making it important to be aware of its dangers when venturing into wilderness areas. Protective clothing, a map and compass, a walking stick, keeping eyes on the ground, familiarizing oneself with poisonous plants and animal encounters are recommended…
Canadian cannabis company, Canopy Growth Corporation, reported strong net revenue of $144.4m in Q3 FY2022, exceeding expectations of many experts, and a 500 basis point margin increase to 22% due to product mix and cost control improvements. However, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of -$38.7m were worse than expected due to the company’s investments in new growth…
Villagers in Copse, a small village on the outskirts of a city, have been protesting against a proposed new highway through their community. The planned construction would destroy homes, farms, and businesses, devastate the local ecology and harm the local water supply leading to increased pollution. The highway would also hugely impact the traditional way of life in the village,…
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted $1 million to the Thicket Preservation Initiative, aimed at preserving thicket ecosystems, dense plant communities that play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Thickets provide habitat and food for a wide range of plant and animal species, including many endangered ones. The grant will fund research into the ecology and threats…
Grove, Oklahoma, is emerging as a “boomtown” for job seekers. The city’s strategic location, coupled with its affordable cost of living and quality of life, has made it an attractive location for businesses. Grove is known for its healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries, and is home to several hospitals and medical facilities. It offers a supportive business community and low…
New regulations are being introduced to tackle the problem of deforestation caused by the timber industry, which contributes significantly to climate change, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The EU has introduced the Timber Regulation, which seeks to prevent the trade of illegally harvested timber in the EU, and the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program that…
Lumber prices have surged to unprecedented levels due to the combined impacts of high demand and supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused shortages in production and transportation of lumber, while homeowners have turned to home renovation and rebuilding projects instead of relocating. This surge in demand has led to skyrocketing prices in the lumber industry, affecting builders and…
The ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada over softwood lumber is having significant economic impacts on both countries, as well as sparking fears of a damaging long-term effect on the US-Canada trade relationship. The dispute began in 2017 when the US imposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports in response to allegations that the Canadian government was subsidizing…
The hardwood industry is facing challenges due to climate change, such as more severe weather patterns, rising temperatures, and excess moisture. To adapt to these changes, industry players are taking measures, such as incorporating sustainable forest management practices, using advanced technologies for forest management, and investing in research and development to identify more resilient hardwood species. Adapting to climate change…