UP Cedar Help

[BWG]

I need some help.  I own 80 acres in Delta county in the UP of Michigan.  It is loaded with NWcedar and hemlock, much of which is being blown over by the wind.  I would like to cut it and sell it myself, even though I am not a commercial logger.  I spent last year logging for Mark Morgn in Colorado, so I have some experience, but am by no means an expert.   The cedar is mature and straight, and the hemlock is 12:-24"..   Here's my question:  Can a hard working guy with a saw and a strong back put up enough timber to interest a buyer?  There is a mill about 8 miles from my property that cuts cedar.  What size cedar top is still saleable?  Any help would be really appreciated!

[Jeff]

The cedar is quite valuable, especially if its of cabin log size. The hemlock, not sure if there is much of a market for. THere are going to be several places you can sell your cedar if you log it your self. Call around and get the prices being paid. If you can deliver to the gate your price goes up quite a bit versus it having to be picked up.

[BWG]

Thanks, Jeff.  I will take your advice and call around.  One last question.  There are a lot of sticks with a 4-5" top.  Any idea if those are worth putting in a deck?  

[Jeff]

Rustic cedar furniture is a hot item how. You should easily be able to market that size for bed frame makeing and many other uses. Also, dont rule out the post market. People still use cedar posts.

[Jeff]

One of my web clients is in Carney, they may be a market or an information resource. If you call, you can ask for Claudia and tell her Jeff Brokaw referred you.  I dont know what they pay, or if they are the best prices, so still, shop around and get the high dollar.

http://www.superiorcedar.com/
Superior Cedar Products
P.O. Box 38
Carney Mi. 49812

Phone: (906) 639-2104
Fax: (906) 639-2196

[BWG]

Big thanks!

[Paschale]

Hey there, BWG...where in Delta county is your land?  My dad's land is up there, just a little ways from Wilsey Bay.  We've got some cedar and hemlock, as well as some hardwoods too...beautiful part of the state!

[pasbuild]

BWG  check with Ivan @ Rapid River Rustic he may take all that U have.

[BWG]

Paschale,
We are right there by the Indian Town Cemetary on Wilsey Bay.  We take K7 off of 503.  Must be close to you, right?  

Pasbuild, Thanks fo rthe help.  I'll give him a call.

[Paschale]

I can never remember which "K" road we turn off on.  I just know which one's the right one.   :  It's not too far after that big bend in the road, where they rerouted the road to get further from the cliff, just past the Stonington Township Hall.  I love it up there, and hope to build a cabin sometime, using my sawmill.  But that's a few years down the road.

Where's the mill you're thinking of?  Is it a commercial mill, or a personal sawmilling operation?  I've got a friend who owns a mill there in Stonington, if you ever wanted to hire someone to do some milling for you.  Just let me know, and I can put you in contact with him.