Bennett J. Loudon

Staff writer

Quality firewood has become a hot commodity.

Because of state regulations instituted to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer insect, wood cannot be moved more than 50 miles, limiting the number of suppliers.

Firewood can only be imported into New York state or moved more than 50 miles from its source within the state if it has been treated (heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 75 minutes) and labeled as "New York Approved Treated Firewood/Pest-Free" by the producer, according to state Department of Environmental Conservation officials.

That's more work and expense than many suppliers are willing to take on.

"That would be pretty costly for anyone who's got a wood lot and wants to sell a little bit of firewood," said Don Peterson, agriculture program leader for Monroe County Cooperative Extension.

Wood is typically harvested a year in advance so it has time to dry out, or season. But the amount of wood harvested last year was limited by deep snow and extremely cold temperatures. Even in the spring, wet conditions limited wood harvesting operations.

Plus, more wood is being diverted for use in the building products industry, reducing the potential firewood supply. Higher prices for natural gas and propane for heating also increased the demand for firewood.

Peterson said there's no shortage of firewood overall, but less of the well-seasoned, properly dried variety is now available.

"I always check my wood when I get it before they dump it to make sure it's seasoned and dry," Peterson said.

Properly seasoned firewood will be dryer and therefore noticeably lighter. You should also look for cracks that develop as the wood dries.

Firewood prices haven't increased drastically this year. A face cord now costs about $90. But the price went up about 10 percent a couple of years ago, and dealers said a similar increase is likely next year.

"Some of the sources that may have been farther away have dried up because they just can't transport it," said Joyce Meiler, office manager for Craft Tree and Land Clearing, 1360 Plank Road, Walworth, Wayne County.

This year, Craft Tree sells a face cord delivered, for $95, which is $10 more than last year, she said.

A face cord from Thomas Landscape, 775 Ridge Road, Webster, stayed at $89 this year, plus about $5 for delivery, depending on your location. Two years ago, the price was about $75. But next year, owner Richard Thomas expects the average price to be about $95.

"The ash borer has played a pretty major part in it," Thomas said.

"Probably 95 percent of my wood used to come out of the Adirondacks, Watertown area, or just over the New York border in Pennsylvania," he said.

"This year is tough. Fortunately we have some good suppliers, but it's getting harder and harder," Thomas said.

BLOUDON@DemocratandChronicle.com

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