NEWS

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue IV: Trump Announces Plan For Reciprocal Tariffs | Decorative Hardwoods Are Always On Trend | Trump Issues Deregulation Order

Effective immediately, the Trump administration shut down the $800 de minimis exemption for Chinese imports. Now, all imports from China, no matter how small the amount, must enter the U.S. through standard customs procedures, submit full import documentation, and pay applicable duties and taxes.

What animal is helping researchers identify oak trees infected with the invasive pathogen that causes sudden oak death?

Answer: Experts from Forest Research used a trained spanador—a cocker spaniel labrador cross—to find the tree pathogen Phytophthora ramorum which causes sudden oak death.

PHOTO © Sara Porter

In 2023, Missouri lawmakers set up the Missouri Hardwood Forest Product Promotion Fund to promote real wood over lookalike products. The Missouri Forest Products Association has been investing those funds to raise awareness of real wood through the ChooseWood campaign.

PHOTO © MULLICAN FLOORING

3,400 staffers have been let go at the U.S Forest Service, about 10% of the total USFS workforce. Firefighters and other public safety officials are exempt from the cuts. 

PHOTO © Preston Keres USFS

Read more: Forest Service fires 3,400 people after ‘deferred resignation’ deadline passes →