LANSING — Market forces have shifted loggers’ attention to harvesting building-friendly softwood tree species this year, and with new, competing demands for firewood-friendly hardwood material, fuelwood supplies in some areas are coming up shorter than usual, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources indicated in a news release.

Combined with predictions for more traditional winter weather than recent mild winters, it’s time to stock up if people treat their homes with wood, the DNR said.

“Demand for firewood pulp logs is strong,” said Tim Neff, general manager of AJD Forest Products, in Grayling, in a news release.. “We have a waiting list from large firewood processors for production.”

There are different options available to purchase or harvest fuelwood. Some sources include:

≤ Firewood Scout — Search listings of local firewood producers

≤ State forests — Fuelwood collection permits for select state forest areas may be purchased for $20. Get more information at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.

≤ National forests — visit the Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest or Ottawa National Forest websites for fuelwood collection information.

If possible, use nearby wood sources close to avoid transporting firewood over long distances, which can spread damaging forest pests and diseases.

View the fuelwood permit FAQ document at bit.ly/3TjdWEP or contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources timber program foresters Jake Reid at reidj6@michigan.gov or Brenda Haskill at HaskillB@michigan.gov.

If you or someone you know encounters a hardship in heating costs this winter, relief is available through resources from the Michigan Energy Assistance Program at bit.ly/3F42Y1P.