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I would like to leave with you the following points: 



1 . Imported logs should arrive looking as clean as children's Tinkertoys. 



2. Imported logs should not be processed in close proximity to suitable host forests. 

 Transportation of logs after arrival often takes them in many directions to numerous 

 processing facilities deep within forested areas. This presents a high risk of escaped 

 pests. Log processing sites must be certified as safe places to mill imported products. 



3. Better proven and safe substitutes are needed for fumigating logs before arrival at U.S. 

 seaports. The recommended fijmigation of logs by methyl bromide is being phased out 

 by the end of this century. Too much dependence is placed on this material to reach 

 deepwood pests. Although methyl bromide has been safely used for years, there is not 

 complete penetration of even medium-sized logs approximately eight inches in 

 diameter. We also are not convinced that the EIS recommended heat treatment for 

 killing pests deep within logs is sufficient for all insects and diseases. A slightly higher 

 temperature would render the wood as close to sterile as reasonably possible. 



4. Neither APHIS nor Washington and Oregon Departments of Agriculture have 

 adequate staff" to do thorough inspections of imported logs. Government inspectors 

 from both federal and state agencies must monitor all stages of the handling of 

 imported logs. The difficulty in searching for pests in large piles of logs and wood 

 chips means that inspectors must evaluate based on superficial examination. WSDA 

 has only one person available to inspect logs on an intermittent basis. Log inspection 

 should be continuous to be effective. In the interim, assistance by the four person 

 DNR Forest Health staff has been used, but they would quickly become overwhelmed 

 if the process becomes routine, as log inspection is not their normal role. 



5. Costs for inspection and other services for importing logs should be covered by the 

 companies bringing them here. Companies are more amenable to assessed fees based 

 on tonnage or volume, rather than houriy or ship charges. WSDA now has authority 

 to charge inspection fees for grain and hops. The Washington Legislature could 

 approve log inspection fees in 1995 by a simple majority vote of both houses. 



6. More federal ftinding is necessary for APHIS and particulariy impacted states to 

 intensify log import regulations at the state level Washington needs a one-time 

 federal grant to establish a log inspection protocol. Assessed fees could then cover 

 normal program operations 



Destructive forest insects and diseases are insidiously at work. They do not respect 

 political boundaries; they do not take vacations, but they are known to hitchhike across 

 oceans. Thus, dealing with log import regulations must be a closely integrated hand-off" 

 between APHIS and state departments of agriculture to ensure a high quality import log 

 regulation system that absolutely minimizes the accidental importation of pests. 



