I would leave the bark on it too but split them into staves leave it in a clean dy place for awhile with cool air circulating around it. I say cool cause warm to hot air will force the moisture out too quick and thats where u get those huge checks/ cracks. Only problem which isn't that bad is the bark will dry out and it will be a pain getting it off. Also maybe a lite layer of bark left on like a backing would look nice.
Cheers,
Russ
