In my area it is common for woodworkers to make arrangements with tree companies and botanical gardens to get high quality wood that would otherwise go to waste. Sometimes tree companies are happy to have somebody take it away for free, and sometimes they might charge a little for it if it is really high quality stuff. I work at a university owned arboretum, and any good wood that we have gets offered first to educational and cultural groups before I start calling commercial woodworkers.
I would suggest calling some tree service companies in your area, as well as any botanical gardens or arboretums, and see if they are interested in getting rid of their logs.
Good luck!
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Then here's to the oak, the brave old oak,
Who stands in his pride alone!
And still flourish he, a hale green tree,
When a hundred years are gone!
--Henry Fothergill Chorley, "The Brave Old Oak"
