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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 17, 2007 Tom Lowell claims his neighbor logged part of his rural Gold Hill property without his knowledge. It�s a form of theft whose perpetrators can be difficult to track down. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) Timber thieves take profit, leave stumps Theft of forest products in rural areas is surprisingly common; private landowners and federal forestland hurt by the crime By chris conrad Mail Tribune Imagine Tom Lowell's surprise when he set out to log a parcel of land just outside Gold Hill and found that someone else had done the work for him — and reaped the benefits. Lowell, 53, is one of several public and private landowners hit by timber thieves. The crime has increased in Jackson County as more people have moved to rural areas in recent years, officials said. "Most people don't know how much trees are worth," Lowell said. "And unless you catch the thieves in the act, it's a tough crime to prove." A forest engineer estimated Lowell was out $5,000 worth of Douglas fir and madrone trees. It's not a life-changing loss of money, but with a baby on the way every bit helps, Lowell said. Evidence suggests the trees were cut sometime in 2005. Lowell discovered the stumps late last year. He believes his neighbor Joyce Estremado may have accidentally dipped into his property while logging a nearby parcel she owns. Advertisement "I'm not saying they did it intentionally, but I still need the logs back or compensation," Lowell said. "I called the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, but they basically blew me off." Estremado wouldn't comment on Lowell's accusation. Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters was unavailable for immediate comment. Private landowners are not the only targets of forest thieves. According to the Bureau of Land Management, there were 65 reported cases of forest product and timber theft last year. "And I believe this is up from the previous two years," BLM law enforcement ranger Chris Owens said. Thieves don't stop with timber, either. The forests are laden with valuable materials. For instance, a large maple burl may net $10,000 on the black market. Other frequently stolen materials include mushrooms, cedar bolts and rocks used for decorative landscaping, Owens said. There are stiff penalties for forest theft. Stealing timber off BLM land could result in a felony charge if the loss totals more than $1,000 and more than a year in prison. In addition, the BLM will seek a restitution package triple the market value for the stolen timber, Owens said. To legally harvest timber or other material from BLM land, a permit is needed. It can be obtained at the BLM office on Biddle Road in Medford. However, for private land owners such as Lowell, there is little recourse but to call law enforcement and hope for the best. Lowell said the ordeal taught him a few lessons. First, have your property professionally surveyed and make sure you walk the area regularly. Also, make sure your lines are marked heavily with "No Trespassing" signs, he said. To report theft of forest materials from BLM land, call the law enforcement hotline at 800-267-0038. Callers can remain anonymous and there are reward offers for cases that lead to arrests and convictions. For BLM permit questions, call 541-618-2200. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help