Protected timber

[Florida boy]

Hurricane micheal layed down a lot of trees in northwest Florida last year. So I figured I'd call some state parks and see what they're doing with all the timber.
Got a hold of a very down to earth park director that is basically going to let me have whatever I want out of the downed trees. Lots of white oak , hickory , red cedar, pine and believe it or not a few black walnut and cherry,
So Friday I'm going yo pick up the first load. I have no plans for the wood but didn't want yo see it wasted and neither did he.
I will be donating back a portion of the lumber to help with outdoor pavilions and such that were destroyed.
Over 1000 acres of timber that has been protected in one way or another for over 100 years. He said there were a few walnuts in the 24" range in this first load.
Any suggestions on how to cut some of these species? Never seen a walnut log have sawn a few good cherries though, any thing to watch for when drying?
I know if the white oak is any size I'll be qtr-sawing  it.
I'll post pics of the first load once it's home.

On another note I had my first decent  order for air dried lumber the other day, things are hopefully turning a corner soon where my sawmill hobby might become a source of income.

[Crusarius]

good deal. I hate seeing all that go to waste. and the bad thing is as it dies it turns into an enormous fire hazard that noone usually thinks about until it is threatening thousands of homes.

[petefrom bearswamp]

You are very fortunate.
Sounds like a pot o gold

[Florida boy]

I'm anxous to see what this is going to entail,  he also said there was some mulberry, and basswood , neither do I know anything about. This is definitely going yo be a learning experience.
I plan on building a solar kiln out of a walk in cooler. I had the cooler completely together last summer , ready to start modifying into a kiln but hurricane micheal blew it across the yard. Now I will  have to frame the kiln and use these panels for the insulation.
I'll be sure to post pics of the logs so I can get y'alls opinion on best possible way to saw for max value? Got a long way to go . Really wishing I could step up to a hydraulic mill , this might just be more logs then I can chew.

[gdaddy01]

 I am over south of Marianna and bought a lt40 hyd after the storm , used , but works good . If you have some logs to share I would be interested . O. Barfield is close to you and would probably help you out with anything you need . good guy . I don't know if he is on here or not .

[Florida boy]

Gdaddy01, I'll keep that in mind, I seen a lt40 hydraulic with 220 or so hours on it for sale for 15k, but it was sold within 9 hrs of being posted. I was trying jump on it but I was a little slow. Been thinking about selling my mill and up grading. I need to see how much timber is really there before I jump in with both feet.

[sealark37]

You might take some time to locate the local veneer log buyer in your area.  He will tell you what he is looking for in terms of species and log size.  The extra income from veneer logs could put you into a hydraulic mill pretty quick.  Good luck.   Regards, Clark

[Florida boy]

I really haven't thought about that. How does one find veneer log buyers or log brokers in general?  Around here it's all plantation pine not much of a hardwood market.

[gdaddy01]

good luck on your adventure , I hope it works out for you .