To offset rising fuel costs, Maine and Vermont are taking steps to make the two states' abundant supplies of firewood available to homeowners at reduced costs.

Vermont has launched a firewood subsidy, hoping to supply low- and moderate-income Vermonters with firewood to fill their wood-burning stoves this winter.

Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands has a firewood sales program for individuals, which is run out of offices in Farmington, Old Town and Ashland. Foresters mark trees on public lands that are suitable for firewood. Trees near roads are marked because the foresters know the trees are to be used for firewood.

The wood is sold for $25 per cord and cutters are required to remove it. Generally, there's a 10-cord maximum for any one purchaser. A permit is required.

Gov. John Baldacci's office said thousands of more cords have become available under the program for this season in light of an expected fuel price crisis and heavy demand for heating wood.