> Mike- Birch is not known for bending well but in 1/4" thickness and
> bent green should be fine. More of a concern is that birch rots quickly in
> a damp environment. I would use a more rot resistant wood with white oak
> topping the list.

Mike,

I second the opinion on the rapid rotting of birch. I have stepped on, and put my foot through, far too many downed birch trees in my hikes. The wood of a downed birch tree will rot away, leaving a shell of bark.

Use the wood, but in my opinion, encapsulating this in epoxy is not an option, it is mandatory.

Paul G. Jacobson