TIMBER TRACKING
We’re collecting thousands of leaf, seed, and wood samples to create databases of the chemical and genetic signatures of tree species throughout their ranges. This information will power new tools to reveal the origin of any sample of timber––taking away illegal loggers’ ability to sneak poached trees into the world’s wood supply.
The project has sent volunteers out for five species so far: eastern black walnut, coast redwood, bigleaf maple, western redcedar, and Alaska yellow-cedar. Volunteers have contributed samples from these vulnerable species that are the basis of new DNA and chemical databases that law enforcement and our scientific partners can use to combat timber poaching, a growing crime in the US and worldwide.
In 2022, you can adventure to protect eastern white oak trees from illegal logging. These majestic trees stabilize the soil, provide abundant vertical habitat, and play an important role in maintaining clean cool streams.
Our Volunteers
Outdoor adventurers have unique skills to collect tree samples across a wide range of locations and at the large scale needed to encompass a species’ geographic ranges. Hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and other activities bring our volunteers to places few others venture.
In the map below, see the species and locations for samples collected since 2018.
The Science
Once collected, our samples will undergo two forms of processing: Mass Spectrometry-Data Analysis in Real Time (MS-DART or DART) and genetic analysis.
DART will reveal distinct chemical signatures in each sample. As the tree takes up water and nutrients through its roots throughout its life, it develops a distinct chemical signature. Recognizing these signatures will allow authorities to identify the geographic origin of a sample.
Genetic analysis reveals the naturally occurring variation and interrelatedness of all trees within a species. It will be used like the DART analysis to identify the origin of future timber samples, and to increase our understanding of the adaptations of the species to particular conditions throughout their ranges. This will allow for better management of existing and expanding forests. The resulting database will yield a “family tree” like no other.
Our Partners
Planning, permitting, analysis, interpretation, and implementation all require the coordinated actions of many players. We are proud to be working with leading organizations in the research, management, and conservation of forests and tree species.
Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and elsewhere will use the reference libraries of each tree species to track the movement of timber through supply chains, enforce anti-poaching regulations, empower responsible buyers, improve sustainable resource management, and help forest managers plan for the varied impacts of a changing climate.
The USA National Phenology Network collaborated with us for the eastern white oak project. The project protocols for eastern white oak data collection are based in part on the USA-NPN’s protocols aimed to understand how oaks are adapting to new environmental conditions. These data are a part of the Quercus Quest Campaign.
The Morton Arboretum is using samples gathered across the eastern white oak range to build tools useful in conserving native oak communities. By analyzing leafs collected by our volunteers, the researchers will train algorithms to identify the unique light wavelengths that oak leaves reflect. This technique will allow land managers to more accurately assess oak populations using remote imaging.
Hear what our Forest Service partners have to say about the project!
Six Species, One Massive Effort
Ranging from Alaska to California and from coast to coast, the six species we’ve targeted so far are particularly vulnerable to timber poaching. Many also are on the decline due to climate change. Each species faces its own challenges and has a biological, cultural, and conservation story of its own.
Eastern White Oak
(Quercus alba L.)
An increase in demand for eastern white oak for whiskey barrels as well as continuing lumber shortages from the pandemic are driving timber theft of this species. Data collection for this species runs from May through December 2022.
Black Walnut
(Juglans nigra)
Once widespread across the United States, black walnut trees are becoming increasingly rare as high prices for its smooth, dark wood drive illegal logging. Data collection for this species is complete.
Coast Redwood
(Sequoia sempervirens)
The tallest trees in the world, old-growth coast redwoods now occupy only 4% of their historic range. Understanding their genetic diversity will improve forest management and help guard against the negative impacts of climate change. Data collection for this species is complete.
Bigleaf Maple
(Acer macrophyllum)
This hardwood species whose common name reflects dinner-plate sized leaves, is targeted by timber thieves for spectacularly-patterned wood often used in guitars and furniture. Data collection for this species is complete.
Western Redcedar
(Thuja plicata)
Not a true cedar, but an arborvitae or “tree of life,” this species has provided indigenous communities with countless practical and cultural uses for thousands of years. Its continued value now makes it a target for illegal logging operations. Data collection for this species is complete.
Alaska Yellow-Cedar
(Callitropsis nootkatensis)
A dramatic droop to its branches makes this species instantly recognizable even without seeing the tell-tale color of its wood. Now across large parts of its range, changing climate patterns are causing mass die-offs of this treasured tree. Data collection for this species is complete.
Timber Tracking Project on PBS
Learn More Through Our Project Reports
2021: Eastern Black Walnut
2018: Bigleaf Maple