In Global Forestry101, NeoCon speaker to detail which wood species are really endangered
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Photo By U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Grace Jeffers, a design expert and wood products research specialist, details endangered and non-legal wood species, including Lacey Act protections, in a June 13 presentration at 11:00 a.m. at NeoCon 2016 in Chicago.
 
 
Grace Jeffers
 
New legislation worldwide is cracking down on the purchase and export of threatened, endangered, and illegally sourced wood. Not knowing the facts and legal issues could cause unexpected liabilities for designers, specifiers, and for wood manufacturing firms anywhere along the supply chain.
 
Jeffers will examine the relationship between wood products, and the forests from which they come, and provide key information resources that will help you rapidly identify threatened and endangered species, and at-risk environments.
 
In this one-hour session attendees will learn to navigate through tricky territory with confidence, getting the tools to protect clients and their own businessess, as well as to protect our natural resources. Jeffers will also provide options for providing clients the very finest alternatives, latest products, and best design ideas available. 
 
Jeffers has spent several years research the status of endanger tree species. Her wide-ranging presentation will also examine the relationship between individual trees and the forests in which they live. She will also delve into the global registries, such as Cites, used by regulatory agencies around the world, and as reference points for legislation.
 
Based in New York City, Jeffers lectures frequently on design at colleges and consults for high end clients like Wilsonart and MeadWestvaco. She was part of the creative team that rebranded, revitalized and repopularized the Airstream travel trailers
 
More than 40,000 are expected at the commercial furniture and design show, which runs June 13-15 at the Merchandise Mart. 
 
 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.