When a landowner has trees on their property cut without permission, it is a timber trespass. Sometimes it happens by accident and sometimes it is intentional, either way the person, or company is responsible for the blunder.

The best way to prevent an accidental timber trespass is by making sure that the property lines are well marked. Whenever you are walking your property, take along a can of spray paint to freshen up the lines.

Work with a reputable forester or logger if you are going to improve the health of your forest. Go to www.masterloggercertification.org for a list of certified loggers in your area. This way you will know that you are working with a logger who has his work third party certified. You will also know that the wood leaving your property is documented. A Master Logger Certified company will guarantee a “green” harvest, one that pays attention to the environment and the health of the woods.

When we go to work on a property, we make a series of visits. The first visit is to get a quick idea of the job, and to let the landowner know what to expect. The second visit is to gather information for a detailed Harvest Proposal. Lastly, just before the harvest begins a walk with the feller buncher operator and the landowner, to make sure there is a total understanding of the boundaries and how the harvest will proceed. This also serves as a time to answer any last minute questions the landowner may have.

Unfortunately there will always be loggers who steal. Landowners need to be proactive by protecting their land and their boundaries. If you feel that you have been a victim of a timber trespass, contact the Maine Forest Service. Check out the department's web site for valuable information for landowners http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/

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