Famine to Feast!

[SWVA Farmhouse]

I have several hundred acres of woodland which I have access to cut firewood on. There are a couple of others that also have been given access over the years to cut also. As I rode through the property, I have always been able to find dead standing trees and some on the ground, but usually the terrain limited access to many of the trees. It usually required me to really have to work to get the wood to the truck. About three weeks ago, I went to an area that I hadn't cut on in several years and I couldn't believe how many trees had uprooted or large limbs had broken out of the tops and fallen to the ground. We had some flooding and then an ice storm about 5-6 weeks ago and some areas look like a tornado went through. On top of that, I finally invested in a older model Massey Ferguson tractor to help me pull logs to where I can access them and process them easier. It seems like every year, I cut just enough to get through each winter and cut as I go throughout the winter. I am burning in an older outdoor wood burning boiler, so I really go through a lot of wood. It looks like this might be the year where I can get ahead for a change.

 

[Murray01]

I hear you, always a bonus when firewood comes easier than normal. I cut in a provincial park, (where my residence is)In 2018 a forest fire went through very close to home providing me with as much Jack Pine as I want. Permits are free and allow 10 cords/year, I only cut trees down when there is too much snow to find the blow downs. The only downside is I have to strip the blackened bark off, after 7 years the bark peels off fairly easily. Moisture content standing burnt is 12-15%, another bonus. If I can’t get the ATV to the tree then it stays.
I’ve always said the best firewood is the easiest to get in the bush.