Staff Writer
OBTAINING PERMISSION from a property owner to cut and/or remove wood from a site is an important element in promoting good landowner/woodcutter relations, according to the Maine Forest Service. Here, Forest Ranger Justin Carney checks paperwork that confirms Lucas Sterris, of S & D Firewood Sales of Presque Isle, has obtained the proper authorization from the landowner to harvest wood at a site in Presque Isle.
Hard economic conditions have impacted even the most remote regions of the state, with the Maine Forest Service reporting an increase in firewood and timber thefts in recent months.
“Timber theft is on the rise, especially in Aroostook County, as people looking for ways to heat their homes turn to stealing wood from both business and residential sites,” said Forest Ranger Justin Carney.
Carney said in the recent past rangers have logged over 40 complaints for a variety of thefts.
“We want to get the word out. We want to let landowners know what they can do to be proactive,” he said.
Thefts range from cases of ‘tipping’ — removing tips of branches for the purpose of making wreaths — to stealing firewood, logs and cutting trees.
“We had several tipping issues prior to Christmas, mostly involving balsam fir brush used to make wreaths. Right now, folks are going into woodlots. Logs laying around in a yard are cut up and removed for use as firewood,” said Carney.
Carney said rangers often see people doing this type of activity and it’s their job to stop and determine if the individuals have the appropriate permission to do so.
“We ask if they have permission — if they have a note from the landowner granting permission. Then we followup with the landowner to make sure,” Carney said.
Getting proper authorization makes all the difference between legal woodcutting and a theft.
“We try to make sure they have landowner permission. Otherwise, it’s considered a theft issue,” said Forest Ranger Steve Wipperman. “There’s been an increase of theft of firewood and also logging vandalism and related thefts.”
Wood isn’t the only thing thieves have been taking, according to Wipperman.
“We’ve also had reports of fuel oil being stolen,” he said. “We’ve also had people going in and stealing firewood from camps. That’s on the increase as well.”
In a heavily-wooded state like Maine, Carney said he understands wood is an important source of heat for many property owners. But he encourages individuals to abide by laws.
“We’re in a heavily-forested state and we know burning wood is a viable option for heat. But there are legal avenues and cheap means to access wood,” said Carney.
Wipperman said if people would request permission from landowners, oftentimes they’d be given the OK to remove downed trees and other debris for use as firewood.
The thefts aren’t limited to individuals going onto another party’s property and stealing wood, said Carney.
“We also run into random homeowners who buy and pile cords of firewood. They order it in the spring, then by fall when they get around to piling it, they find they’re short a cord or two. Folks get shorted on loads,” said Carney.
Carney said on more than one occasion, when someone was caught for removing wood debris from another’s property, they’d tell rangers they were “doing the landowner a favor.”
“People don’t realize it’s still someone else’s property and a theft,” said Carney.
Wipperman stressed the importance of determining property lines and taking other measures to ensure any woodcutting operations are done properly.
“This is happening to private landowners, affecting both personal and business property,” said Wipperman. “This affects large timber companies as well as private landowners. But there are laws in effect to protect both.”
Wipperman said laws now including having to mark lines within 200 feet (of a property line) when cutting, among other measures.
“You can’t cut a line tree unless an agreement has been reached by both parties. There’s also a 45-day law in effect. A law has been enacted to protect a landowner which specifies a woodcutter has 45 days to pay a landowner from the time the wood leaves the property,” said Wipperman.
Wipperman said the best policy is getting any agreement documented, no matter how well you know the person you’re dealing with.
“We recommend never entering a verbal agreement, always get it in writing. And make sure property lines are clearly marked,” said Wipperman.
“Also talk with a forest ranger. We’re here to answer any questions you may have (about forest issues),” said Carney.
Forest rangers are especially helpful for landowners who live out of state.
“Even if you’re out of state, we’ll do a check on your property. That’s a service we provide,” said Wipperman.
Carney is hoping the public will help reduce the number of thefts in the coming year. He encourages anyone with concerns or in need of more information to contact the MFS at 435-7963.
“We just want to put the word out about the firewood and timber thefts. Hopefully, with the public’s help, we can solve the cases that have occurred and prevent any more from occurring,” said Carney.
WOOD HARVESTING operations around the state and especially here in Aroostook County have fallen victim to thieves who take advantage of remote sites to steal not only wood but tools and other items. The Maine Forest Service works to ensure laws are followed, working with woodcutters to confirm proper authorization is obtained and procedures followed. Here, Willie York, of S & D Firewood Sales in Presque Isle, loads firewood harvested with landowner permission.
