Poplar needs to be dried, like any wood, for proper stability.
If the log has been sitting for long it may have begun to warp and check heavily. This will make resawing and yeild VERY difficult.
A standard for air drying lumber is 6 months for every inch of thickness, i.e. - 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, etc.
Kiln drying will cost. There are homebuilt kiln plans available. A solar model is one I have been contemplatin for a few years now.
My advice:
Burn it
