John,

The restrictions are also within these United States. South Carolina and
Kentucky, for instance, have bans on outside woods coming into their
states. In Kentucky, they are trying to guard against introducing the
Emerald Ash Borer. Not sure about South Carolina.

In the post prior to this one, I commented on two pieces of wood I had
brought back with me. Did I consider what I could be bringing back with the
wood? Actually, I did. I looked the wood over very closely, examined it for
any insect damage, and stripped the bark from the pieces before packing them
up. I know, that doesn't mean I didn't bring a hitchhiker along with the
wood, but I did consider the possibilities.

Considering the amount of wood blanks brought into the country, versus the
number of shipping containers brought into the country, I'd be more inclined
to believe that most of the foreign insects we have today were transported
here legally as hitch hikers. The ebay sellers aren't sending huge
quantities of wood to the US, they are (in most cases) stipping the wood
down to the bare bones (meaning they are sending a bandsawed bowl blank that
has been wax sealed), and if they want repeat business, they should inform
the buyer of any insect damage that might exist on the blank prior to
purchase.

Your questions are valid, but I'm not entimologist (spell?) it seems it
would take more than 1 or 2 hitch hikers in a 6" bowl blank to create a new
US epidemic. Perhaps if I were purchasing a 30" log that was infested I
would be creating a problem. There just isn't enough population of an insect
being introduced with a bowl blank to be of concern.

My thoughts,
JD (Kentucky)

--
He that will make a good use of any part
of his life must allow a large portion of it
to recreation.
- John Locke

"John" wrote in message
...
We all know Arch, likes to muse on various thoughts, now here is one for
Arch.

Mac recently mentioned the movement of Ironwood, because it is an
endangered species, but what about those not endangered ?

There are many species of wood out there in different countries or on
different continents that we would like to turn, but how many of us know
the regulations for Importing this wood?

Do we care ? Do we understand the penalties, not just in fines,
imprisonment, but the danger to the environment around us due to a new
disease or bugs that the piece of wood we import is carrying ?

Will or could our 1 piece of wood really matter ?

I see everyday on Ebay sellers of wood much of which is not Kiln Dried
selling blanks, and even branches, and offering to ship anywhere in the
world . Do they realise the risks they are taking, as it is more than
likely that their customers are un-informed on the matter.

Just a little food for thought
--
John