Likely transport distances may be calculated when this record of timber destinations is combined in a geographic information system (GIS) with remotely sensed information about timber origins.
Still unknown, however, was the routing of timber from each origin (patch) to each destination (mill).
Two main fields of application are discussed in more detail: The use of molecular genetic tools (a) to test the proclaimed origin of forest reproductive material and (b) to infer the origin of timber and wood products.
Table 1 Published studies assessing the natural durability of Sequoia sempervirens timber Test type (number and name of species in brackets, if known) Classification Origin of timber (type of wood in brackets) Reference Field test Non-durable unknown Hedley and Foster [1972] Laboratory test (ASTM [2005]) (5 brown-rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum, Coniophora olivacea (Fr).
Since many dipterocarp species are endemic, the identification of these species restricts the potential places of origin of timber to their small natural distribution area.
These recent developments offer numerous potential applications in forensics; the most important field of application is the identification of timber species and the origin of wood and wood products based on DNA markers.
Forest certification schemes, state agencies such as customs offices, forest enterprises producing timber according to the principles of sustainability, and environmentally conscious consumers profit from reliable methods improving the traceability of timber and offering opportunities to identify false declarations of the origin of timber.
Owing to limitations in the transport infrastructure, cost of timber transportation between Dzongkhags is high and therefore timber is mostly processed in its area of origin, i.e. hardwood in hardwood areas, softwood in softwood areas.
Increasing amounts of timber pass through China for processing en route to the western world, making it easier to disguise its origins.
The first trusses were built of timber.
