Most of the decoders also allow to export logs from a certain route or airport.

They exported food, mostly grain, and imported logs.

The region has vast forest resources and previously used to export logs, lumber, veneer and plywood.

Environmentalists say there would be more than enough trees for the spotted owl and timber for domestic sawmills if the states stopped exporting unmilled logs.

But exporting raw logs from Federal land is illegal, and there are many domestic buyers.

The United States and Chile are the only countries that export raw logs on a large scale.

Mr. Bonker criticized his opponent for not supporting his proposed ban on exporting raw logs, an issue of keen interest in the Northwest.

They operate by leasing logging rights on land still owned by local people, exporting unfinished logs, and not replanting.

Hence exporting unfinished logs deprives local people and the national government of most of the potential value of their resource.

Instead the company has processed no timber on site and has exported logs for six years without paying tax.