Protect your land against timber theft

​​​​COLLEGE STATION – Most people are familiar with the thought experiment that begins "If a tree falls in the forest . . . " ​But what if a tree is stolen?

​​Timber theft is a serious crime in Texas. Each year Texas ​​​A&M Forest Service (TFS)​​ investigators receive theft complaints from landowners that total over $1 million.​ Theft of timber can also destroy generations of careful forest stewardship and cause irreparable environmental damage.

“The majority of timber theft cases begin with a legitimate contract between a landowner and timber harvester, investigators work many partial-pay cases as well as non-payment cases,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer Jarred Lemmon. “When this happens, unfortunately the landowner is often left without the proceeds for rehabilitation and reforestation.”

If you own land, TFS has a few tips to help keep you from becoming a victim of timber theft.

• Visit your property frequently.
• Have someone you know and trust report any cutting on your land immediately.
• Never sign a contract with a buyer without checking several references.
• For the best price, get bids for your timber.
• Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on yours.
• Use trail/deer cameras to record suspicious activity or individuals on your property.