Bob,

It's best to leave the pieces as cut, the drying process will move the wood in ways you'd never imagine. Stack with stickers between each layer, and at least 6" off the ground or floor. If stacked inside, no need to cover, let the air flow. Outside stacking needs to be covered and enclosed to prevent weathering, but ventilation is key.

You may also want to paint the ends of each board with a brush on oil based paint. This will slow the evaporation loss of moisture from end grain that can create unnessary checking.

After a year or so the boards should be checked for moisture content and ready to use. If you haven't worked with air dried lumber you're going to enjoy the experience.

After the 2008 Ice Storm I had a 1000 board feet of Red Oak and 600 board feet of Maple sawed from down trees in my yard. I stacked in a storage area in my basement. Still have much of it on hand and enjoy using.

Best,

Jim Allen

Bob,

I have logged, milled, and air dried lots of native cherry lumber in years past.  The soonest you will be able to use it is late winter, probably February.  Right now you should sticker it out of the weather until Fall heating season, around early November.  Painting the ends with any kind of paint is a good idea too.  Next get it inside to a heated space.  Before I had a heated shop I used to sneak boards stickered up under the bed, behind the couch, etc.  When you bring it inside you can rough cut it to 4 quarter to speed up drying but leave it oversize as it will still move plenty.  If you can rough cut it to length that will help a lot.  Several months in a heated space should get it down to 6 to 8% moisture content which is what you want.  A moisture meter with little pins you stick into the wood is only good for boards up to 4 quarter thick.

Good luck,

Jim