NEWS

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVI, Issue IX: DHA Advocates For Low-Carbon Wood Products | REMINDER: Register Now For Details On Congressional Fly-In | Vietnam's Timber Exports Drop Sharply | War Is Ravaging Ukraine's Forests | 

What woods were used in the "Wooden Wonder" de Havilland Mosquito airplane in World War II?

Answer: A layer of balsa wood and two layers of 3-ply birch harvested in the UK, US and Canada were the primary woods used. Fir and spruce were also used in the aircraft.

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Royal Air Force Museum: The RAF’s ‘Wooden Wonder’

Now, it's easier for buyers of structural wood products (mostly softwood) to determine which products are sustainable. The American Wood Council launched its Wood Sourcing Tool which provides insights into the sustainability of structural wood products. Sustainability is based on three categories: non-controversial, responsible, and certified, providing different assurances about sustainable forest management and manufacturing processes.

Russia has been accused of engaging in industrial-scale logging in Ukraine, cutting down large swaths of trees for sale and to strengthen its defensive positions. In a letter to President Putin, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu requested permission to harvest timber and stated that "wood not used for defense will be sold to finance the military operation."

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Nearly one-third of Ukraine's forests, about 7.4 million acres, have been damaged as a result of the Russian invasion. Forest machinery and tools worth more than $11 million and property valued at more than $33 million have been destroyed.

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