: I like Shawn's idea, except that in order to get the number you provide
: documentation of the fact that you built it, including materials sources.

When asked for source of materials you should be able to produce a document signed by the mayor or some department head showing you removed the xmas tree from in fornt of city hall with the intention of recycling it into a boat.

If you can get the tree from in front of the state capital that would be even better. Then you'ld have the state people fuming rather than argue with the governor. Ask your local state senator or representative to put in a request for you to get the tree.

Oh, and in front of the HIN, put that triangle made from three arrows to indicate it was made with recycled materials.

When you make a boat from recycled materials like this, be sure the local weekly newspaper knows about it, and that they get a picture of your boat. Big city dailies won't do this, but the little local papers love it. Be sure the local politician who secured the tree for you gets into the picture, too. They really need all the publicity they can get --- and it may help if you want another long log delivered to your doorstep next year. Those 50 foot trees can give you a LOT of nice long strips!.

You might also see if the state or city would be interested in buying a project that you made from the official Xmas tree. Or paying you to make something to ordeer. Perhaps the game wardens need another rowboat or canoe. I wonder if they would accept one that did not have an official HIN on it? Hmm. Just don't mention that the strips are assembled in almost the same way for a canoe as for a porkbarrel. They get kinda touchy when people mention porkbarrels.

PGJ