OK, let's say i go to the nearest supplier who has (allegedly) got some
Sitka of the correct quality. Let's say he has some boards about 12 foot
long and about 6 inches square.
OK, I think I can manage a ring count and gradient as well as seeing if my
spars will come out quarter sawn. after that, i'm lost. I think I can
probably spot a fracture on a raw board and moisture isn't realyan isue
since i know someone who can kinln dry it for me, but aside formall this,
what am I really looking for?

Theres an old AC on the subject. Also look thru AC43.
Another place to look is for "LADDER GRADE" wood.
Older fire department ladders were wood and had very similar
requirements as airplane spars. Asking for ladder grade wood
is easier to do than to ask for airplane spar stock. Now that you have
more places to look, go find what you need. Take a plane and put a few
strokes
on the end of what you might need, look it over. You should be able to
find what you need. NOW DON"T TAKE MY HEAD OFF, I didn't say
to substitute ladder grade for AC43 wood. I just said that the specs are so
close
that asking for ladder grade wood gets you a bunch more places to check out
and doesn't get people afraid of liability...... Scott.