Lumber Bike Rack
So I was out riding on my local rail trail and kept passing bucked logs all along the path. Oaks, Maples, Poplars, and several Pine species. After riding about 20 miles I finally couldn't resist and stopped to inspect a tree that had been downed by a storm and bucked where it lay no more than a few days prior. I picked a small piece up and lashed it to the rack on my bike. Glad I had my bikepacking bike with me that day! Storm damage takes down tree all the time and heading to public use trails or even volunteering to work on the clean up crews can be a great way to get into some of the local wood species in your neighborhood.
In other industry news, Allegheny Forest Products closed rather unexpectedly shining a light on how razor thin the margins in the industry are and how a monster company like this can shutter with no warning.
Also the Brazilian Forestry Department, IBAMA went on strike in February bringing exports to a grinding halt. The strike is over now but additional inspection measures and limited staff will make the decking season particularly difficult as CITES legislation looms for both Ipe and Cumaru.
Featured Species: American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana or American Hornbeam is a small tree found in eastern North America. It has been planted as an ornamental tree across the US as well. Its distinctive sinewy bark has given it a common name of "Muscle Wood". One of the hardest native North American species, it is use for turnings, wheels, and tool handles. But also for fuel wood as it will burn very hot and slow.
While not typically found commercially, you will find lumber dealers with the occasional piece from time to time. But it is also a tree that could be harvested locally and sawn locally with the prevalence of home sawyers these days. Not being a large tree it is an easier undertaking.
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I think Lie-Nielsen uses hop hornbeam for their chisel handles. Sorry if you have already been told this too many times!