Is there a firewood shortage in your area? | Alternative Energy | Forums

Came across this article from Minnesota, everything I am seeing says it is suppose to be another frigid winter, are you good on wood?

We went with our normal two cords, which is usually more than plenty, but we did run out last winter, wondering if I should put up another cord

STILLWATER, Minn. – Many Minnesotans are stocking up on firewood earlier than usual this year, according to a firewood supplier.

Pinnacle Firewood supplies bundled firewood to dozens of retail establishments and residents in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Jason McCullough, co-owner of Pinnacle, said some smaller suppliers could run out of firewood this winter if there was another shortage of propane. Last year, McCullough said, the high cost of propane also drove many propane customers to turn to firewood for home heating.

"We had a huge influx of people using their outdoor boilers or purchasing outdoor boilers to supplement heat or strictly heat their homes versus using propane," said McCullough. "So, that was a big add-on (to their firewood business) last year and it will carry over into this season, too."

Governor Dayton said on Tuesday that the state is better prepared this year should there be a shortage of propane and a steep rise in the fuel's price. He said a severe winter and "another late harvest" requiring a lot of propane drying could result in a tight supply situation.

McCullough said the wood situation has taken an unusual twist this year.

"We have noticed that we have had a lot of calls from Duluth and Hermantown and northern area," said McCullough, "and what happened is, at least this last winter, there was quite a bit of snow and loggers weren't able to get out and then, in the Spring, we had so much rain that they were not able to get their big trucks and equipment in the woods. So, that really affected supply."

McCullough said, as a result, there is increased demand for wood. "A lot of people are buying earlier compared to last year just in anticipation."

http://www.kare11.co...../15414751/