Timber takes a hit

By Marcelene Sutter, American Forests

In the dense forests that cover about half of Russia, the global leader in log exportation, trouble is brewing. Here, these trees are threatened by a dangerous manifestation of greed — organized crime. The timber of Russian trees is in such high demand that thieves have no problem selling illegally logged wood, resulting in what Russian President Vladimir Putin has called a nearly 70 percent increase in illegal logging over the past five years.

Beyond rampant corruption and organized crime, illegal logging carries with it another serious threat: The oak and walnut trees targeted by illegal loggers for their value in flooring and furniture are the same species that make up the forest habitats of the endangered Siberian tiger.

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