Waterford ― In a small clearing Wednesday near Waterford Beach Park, a pile of logs exhibited the clean cuts that chainsaws make. They were wet from rain the night before. A light sawdust and tire tread marks covered the muddy ground.

Recreation and Parks Director Ryan McNamara said the clearing is where his employees sometimes come early in the morning to cut and split unhealthy trees that have been cut down, turning them into free firewood for seniors and those with disabilities.

The town’s free firewood program, which has expanded over the past 25 years, is designed to help its most vulnerable residents heat their homes, and is a testament to the town’s commitment to its residents’ well being, McNamara said.

“Seniors, often on fixed incomes, face tough choices when it comes to heating their homes,” he said. “The cost of heating can be prohibitive, forcing them to choose between staying warm and other necessities.

“This program alleviates that burden,” McNamara added. “Ensuring that warmth and comfort are accessible to all.”

Dani Gorman, director of senior, youth and family services, said along with the TVCCA Energy Assistance Program, the firewood program is one way the town can help residents in need of heating assistance during the winter.

“If you have some way to heat your home with wood, this is a spectacular program,” she said.

The program takes unhealthy trees that have been cut down by the town, Gorman said, adding they are first inspected by Tree Warden Gary Schneider.

Once cut and split, recreation and parks employees deliver the wood to those enrolled in the program.

Seniors and those with disabilities are given first priority, but if there is surplus wood other residents can request a delivery.

“Sometimes we do a little bit more vetting if its not a senior or someone who’s not disabled,” she said. “Honestly, we have not ever turned anybody away.”

Gorman said a lot of seniors use the program to keep heating costs down.

McNamara said in the 2022-23 fiscal year, the town delivered 55 loads of wood to 30 residences, and in 2023-24 fiscal year, it delivered 49 loads to 32 residences. He could not say how many people are enrolled this year.

Applications for the program are available at the Recreation and Parks Department office in the Community Center, or by contacting the department at (860) 444-5581.

d.drainville@theday.com