The forestry and timber industry may be poised for a recovery amid signs of improvement in the Kiwi and US construction markets, but industry players indicate that it could be delicate. Sources: Stuff NZ, Fairfax NZ News

Technology developed by CSIRO is providing an unprecedented level of information about the stability of Australia’s forests and greenhouse balance. Source: Science Network Western Australia

Tasmania could become home to Australia's first commercial plant converting trees into the biofuel, ethanol. Source: Yahoo 7 News

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a technique to significantly improve the quality of bio-based plastic packaging. Source: Timberbiz

Norske Skog and the environmental foundation Bellona signed a partnership agreement to create a more environmentally friendly supply chain. Source: Timberbiz

Forest crown research institute Scion will launch its Woodscape report on the viability of generating biofuels from trees, a move that could throw a much needed financial lifeline to the sector. Sources: Stuff NZ, Fairfax

Elders Limited has advised that its wholly owned subsidiary, APT Projects Ltd, has entered an agreement to sell 30,000 hectares of pulpwood standing timber plantations located in Albany, Bunbury and the Green Triangle to New Forests Asset Management on behalf of growers. Source: Elder

Tasmanians have to challenge this ridiculous notion there is no alternative for the Tasmanian forestry industry other than just locking up forests, according to Coalition Forestry spokesman Senator Richard Colbeck. Source: Timberbiz