WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Earth Day, April 22, the U.S. Embassy Skopje and USDA Forest Service International Programs hosted a virtual event on illegal logging with representatives from Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations and officers and officials from North Macedonia. Special Agent Phil Huff and Region 6 Patrol Commander Andrew Coriell led the discussion on “Illegal Logging and Organized Crime” and were joined by U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor Patrick Duggan.

Since 2001, tree cover has decreased by 4.9% in North Macedonia, according to Global Forest Watch. The primary cause of the deforestation is illegal logging, followed by wildfire. In North Macedonia, illegal logging involves both the collection of firewood for personal use and organized logging for sales on the black market. This timber can be sold for much less than legally harvested timber, undercutting suppliers who adhere to national and international laws. Estimates suggest that illegal logging depresses worldwide prices from 7% to 16%, costing the U.S. forest products industry $1 billion annually due to lost export opportunities and depressed wood prices.

Corriell and Huff explained the function of law enforcement and investigations in the National Forest System. They shared case examples from the U.S. to emphasize timber theft investigation techniques that would be useful for similar cases in North Macedonia. The webinar concluded with a discussion on conservation law enforcement topics that pose a challenge to both U.S. and foreign government agencies. 

Phil Huff will represent the Forest Service as an Embassy Science Fellow this autumn at the U.S. Embassy Skopje in North Macedonia.