What's next? Permits required to transport more than $100 cash because it
MIGHT have been illegally obtained?

This is a bogus law since it bypasses due-process, and makes a person
engaging in free trade (or a hobby) a criminal. This is doubly horrible
since there is a simpler solution, which is to have officers stop vehicles
transporting timber and inquire about the log, just as they do with any
other questionable situation. The best response to such a inquiry is to
show the officer a bill of sale (even it is just for a token $1) signed by
the former owner.

Let's face it, it is a kneejerk law written to a apease voters.

Dan

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/226446_maplethieves31.html

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Poachers target maple trees for their 'figured' wood
Law seeks to halt theft of timber used in fiddles, guitars

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Snip of the full article but take note of the last paragraphs:
Officials hope a new law taking effect July 1 will help curtail illegal
tree
harvesters.

The measure requires a permit for transporting "specialty wood," which
includes logs of less than 8 feet, free of knots, which can be turned
into
musical instruments or ornamental boxes.

The permit must be signed by the owner and identify the person's
property. It
also must be endorsed by the sheriff's office and kept with the wood
during
transport. When the law goes into effect, any person transporting
specialty
wood without a permit would be in immediate violation of the law.
Officers
may seize the wood along with the vehicle and tools.