Who knew timber theft is a problem?
The experts and investigators with Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Department know, and they track them down and prosecute them. Josh Mizrany doesn't like calling it a "problem," but lumber is a $1-billion-dollar industry in Texas that comes with a whole bunch of laws. Someone has to enforce them.
In Liberty County three men were indicted for running an illegal tree theft operation in 2019. Two men whose cases have been adjudicated are having to collectively pay fines of more than $250,000.
The guys were logging truck drivers using fraudulent bills of sales. “If you’re looking for a logger,” says Josh Mizrany, a senior investigator with TAMU, make sure you know what contracts your wood is being sold under.”
He says timber theft comes in a variety of forms: harvesting without the landowner’s knowledge or consent, probably among the most common, breaking a formal agreement by non-payment of full purchase price, and outright theft from timber companies.
Mizrany advises landowners to visit their property frequently to prevent theft or have a trusted friend of associate keep track for you. Never sign a contract without checking references. Get bids from more than one source. Hire a surveyor to make sure you know where your property lines are located so as to not encroach on others and not let others encroach on you.
If you suspect a problem, call the Texas A&M Forest Service field staff. They’re there to help you. They even have a hotline: 1-800-364-3470.
photo: Getty Images