Environment DEC
From the May 2009 issue
How to Protect Your Timber from Theft
Last month, environmental conservation police arrested a Washington County man, charging him with grand larceny for stealing timber. The man was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He later was released on his own recognizance and was ordered to appear in the Washington County Court next month. The Washington County District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
Clearly marked property boundaries discourage timber theft.
Landowners can take steps to prevent trespass and timber theft on their property and avoid being cheated by unscrupulous buyers. Prevention is the best defense, and some preventative measures include the following:
- Clearly mark property boundaries, and monitor logging activity on the property.
- Communicate with neighbors about activities on their properties.
- Use cooperating timber harvesters or certified loggers. Check references, and be sure the reference is a landowner and past customer of the logger proposing to harvest your land.
- Execute sound sales contracts.
- Monitor timber harvests by checking the number of loads leaving the property, the names on the trucks hauling the timber and the license plates of trailers.
Landowners also can contact the nearest NYSDEC regional forestry office, your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office or the New York Forest Owners Association at 1-800-836-3566 for advice on timber sales.
If you have been a victim of timber theft, please contact the nearest DEC office or the DEC Dispatch at 518-897-1326. Be prepared to provide complete information about:
• Who was involved
• What was taken
• Where and when the theft occurred
• Other relevant facts
