There are different options how to dry lumber:
- Air drying
-
Kiln drying
- Solar kiln
- Vaccum kiln
An interesting article is published here: http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/drying-wood-at-home/
The thermal drifts in the Sierra Foothills are advantageous for air drying. The breeze blows up the mountains in the morning and reverse direction in the evening. Tests conducted at Foresthill Lumber & Wood Products, LLC gave a drying time of less than 3 months for 1" green cedar boards. The moisture content at that time was ~19% (tests were done from November to February). While this moisture content is insufficient for indoor use, it is adequate for outdoor use.
Please come back in a few weeks to check out more information to be posted on how to dry wood and monitor its moisture content.