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2006/2/16
BERLIN, N.H. Winter is usually prime logging season in the Northeast because the ground freezes and heavy machinery can get into the woods without damaging the soil. Logging usually grinds to a halt in early April, when the spring thaw brings mud season. But in most of the Northern Forest, it's been mud season since October first.
Instead of being dry, this fall was rainy. Then record warm temperatures and more rain in December and January left many loggers unable to cut wood. Even when they can log, many can't bring their timber out of the woods because towns have posted weight limits on their roads two months earlier than usual.
That's hurting everyone from timberland owners to loggers and foresters.
As for the paper and lumber mills, winter is when they build up their wood inventory to carry them through spring. But this year, many are afraid they're going to run out of wood during mud season.
There is one upside for loggers who can get their lumber to the mills -- they're getting good prices because the supply is so tight.
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