The Convention Center here is buzzing with woodworking activity as AWFS Fair 2011officially opened. The return of the largest manufacturers of CNC machinery helped draw crowds, and industry groups announced a number of initiatives.

A rash of tree deaths may be caused by a weed killer. Thousands of Norway spruces and eastern white pines usedin landscaping may have been killed by a Imprelis, a herbicide intended for lawn use that leaches into the soil and affects adjoining trees. The tree deaths have spawned numerous lawsuits, reports the New York Times.

At the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, SCORE is providing woodworking businesses free daily tutorials and counseling on starting, growing and maintaining a small company.

The AWFS Fair begins its four-day run at the Las Vegas Convention Center today, ready to put to test the U.S. woodworking industry's resolve to invest in the future.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that a lead content of 100 parts per million is technologically feasible for children's furniture and toys.

Wood industry hardware inventors are invited to submit design ideas to Doug Mockett & Co. for its 25th annual Design Competition for the most innovative and creative furniture parts, accessories, and hardware.

WASHINGTON -- The United States has 751 million acres of forests that have remained remarkably stable during the past 50 years, according to the U.S. Forest Service's 2010 National Report on Sustainable Forests.

Wood baby cribs are in short supply, report retailers, as the June 28 ban on drop side cribs and high safety standards takes effect. Delta Children's Products says it is selling a half million cribs annually, testing imports and U.S. made cribs at seven labs for durability and lead content.