As a manufacturer of wood burning appliances the recent Boston Globe article on wood shortages causes me some angst. With fuel prices where they are now, demand for wood fuel has already put a strain on traditional suppliers and sources.  Articles like this one do nothing to address the problem, but rather set off a chain of events that will impact the people who can least afford it.

First, there is a rush on local fuel supplies which is great if you are a supplier, but it takes wood from folks who are not planning ahead. Let’s fast forward a month or so and you are one of those left out in the cold, what are you going to do? Burn wet or unseasoned wood. Lovely.

I don’t need to go into the problems created by burning wet wood – chimney fires, smoke and corrosion – not to mention the amount of wood required goes up dramatically.

So rather than acting like Chicken Little, these articles should be a bit more constructive and talk about what we can do:

·        If you don’t have to heat with wood this season – don’t! Wait until next year when the wood supply has a chance to catch up. Let your neighbors who need the wood have it.

·        If you have property, especially with fallen timber, you may want to share your good fortune and open your property up for some limited harvesting of downed and partially seasoned wood.

·        Insulate and weather seal your home. It is not too late – get moving!