Dylan Keon wrote:

So, after this long-winded explanantion...can anyone give advice about
using wood chips this way?

Hey, thanks to all of you for offering some great ideas. Instead of
replying to each person I thought I'd just post at the same level. I
think I'll give the newspapers and several inches of wood chips (or bark
shavings) a try. I like the idea of composting some of the top layer
each season.

Thanks again,
Dylan