In Short - Don't bring unprocessed wood into California
I played a small part in getting a small pamphlet included in the packet of Symposium information that each attendee will receive when they sign-in upon arrival at the symposium - this pamphlet explains various wood-related pests and diseases, and was compiled and written by foresters, plant pathologists, entomologists, and conservation people. It is meant to inform users of wood about potential threats, and the contents of the pamphlet and recommendations have been endorsed by the AAW. The intention is to have this compiled information put up on a web page so that everyone will have access to it, and not just those that attend the Symposium. When the site is up, I will post it to various woodturning forums.
This is a really serious issue, and I hope that all woodturners become educated in the problems we are faced with as a group of folks who really appreciate wood, and more importantly, those that frequently use "raw" wood resources. The reality is that people who unknowingly (or knowingly) transport pests and/or diseases make it much worse for everyone, and risk creating some major ecological and potentially economic disasters.
To those of you who will attend the symposium in San Jose (see you there!), please read the pamphlet we have included in your packet of materials that you receive at registration time, and refrain from transporting wood that may potentially harbor bugs and other 'wee beasties' that could cause permanent and lasting damage. This does not only apply when you are attending the Symposium in California, but also in your daily practices at your home and local region. We can't let our guard down ANYWHERE....!!
Rob Wallace