A union for workers in the wood industries welcomed a major development in the case for an inquiry into forestry safety. Sources: Scoop NZ, First Union, AAP, ASN

Some of Britain's best-loved trees could be cloned in an effort to reproduce a range of our most successful and sturdy oaks, yews and firs. Source: The Guardian UK

Canadian wood-products industry profits will more than double this year to Can$808 million as the surging sector cashes in on a US housing market recovery and strong demand from China, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Source: The Vancouver Sun

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission is investigating allegations of anti-competitive behaviour in the Auckland commercial timber market, but Fletcher Building says it doesn't expect to face enforcement action. Sources: Yahoo NZ, The New Zealand Herald

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry says 100,000 hectares of forestry has been lost in the past decade because of un-coordinated government policies. Radio New Zealand

The International Forestry Stewardship Council has endorsed New Zealand’s first national forest stewardship standard that covers 60% of New Zealand’s plantation forests. Source: Voxy NZ

Five timber companies in the south-east of Australia are getting state grants totalling more than $8.6 million. Source: ABC News

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Western Australia has recommended a 10 year plan for conservation and logging quotas in South West forests be approved. Source: ABC News