NEWS

Which hardwood tree benefits from being struck by lightning?

Answer: Dipteryx oleifera, or almendro, is resistant to lightning. A direct lightning strike will kill nearby trees, giving it more room to grow, and kill its parasitic vines, freeing up more resources.

PHOTO © CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES

A U.S. importer of engineered wood flooring will pay more than $8 million in fines and fees to settle a charge of violating the False Claims Act by knowingly evading customs duties on imports from China. The whistleblower who reported the infraction will receive about $1.2 million as a reward. Those who identify attempts to evade import duties can be compensated well for reporting.

PHOTO © AJAY SURESH

The House Natural Resources Committee recently held a hearing about the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025. The goal is to modernize the act by focusing on species recovery, streamlining the permitting process, and reducing regulatory burdens. Key reforms include establishing clear statutory definitions, incentivizing species recovery, and providing regulatory certainty for private landowners engaged in conservation efforts.

Lawmakers have reintroduced the bipartisan Forest Conservation Easement Program Act. The legislation is designed to help conserve working forests and give landowners more options to ensure their land is protected. If passed, the law will prioritize keeping forests as forests, help landowners restore and protect habitats for at-risk species, and protect working forests by using conservation easements.

This week, President Trump announced his plan for reciprocal tariffs. Many wood products, which are covered by upcoming 232 decisions and listed in Annex II, are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs announced. DHA had already provided input to the administration through the U.S. Trade Representative's Office about the challenges resulting from unfair trade practices in Asia and from illegal imports of Russian wood. We will continue to advocate for our members and our industry.