BLM offers reward for illegally cut trees
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PINEHURST, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking information from the public in regards to the unauthorized removal of multiple live, green Douglas-fir trees on public land under the jurisdiction of the Coeur d’Alene Field Office in the vicinity of the West Fork of Pine Creek and the Jackass Creek Bridge near Pinehurst, Idaho. Officials believe the trees were illegally cut and removed the week of November 11. Several trees were also cut and left leaning, creating a public safety hazard.
Timber theft has been an ongoing issue in the area for several years. Trees have been cut illegally and officials believe they have been sold commercially as firewood. The BLM estimates the total value of the timber lost is over $20,000.00. In addition, natural resource damage has occurred due to trees being cut in riparian areas or dragged across fish-bearing streams.
“This is one of the worst and most blatant green tree firewood thefts our forestry staff has seen,” stated Kurt Pavlat, Coeur d’Alene Field Manager. “The merchantable value of these trees is well over $5,000.00.” Removal of live trees without authorization is considered timber theft and subject to triple stumpage rates.
The BLM is asking for your help and is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the individual or group of individuals responsible for the illegal green tree cutting and removal. Please contact Coeur d’Alene District Law Enforcement Officer Shane Nalen at (208) 769-5005, if you have any information.
Firewood cutting permits are available at any BLM or USDA Forest Service office in north Idaho for $5 per cord, with a minimum two cord purchase. All individuals seeking firewood on public lands must follow established rules that include:
- Possess a firewood removal permit when collecting firewood.
- May not commercially sell collected firewood unless a commercial firewood permit is issued.
- Cutting live green trees is not authorized. Pacific yew and cedar may not be cut.
- May not fell or skid trees across live streams, lakes, or reservoirs.
- Firewood gathering is prohibited within active timber sale units.
- Firewood gathering is prohibited within 150 feet of any running stream, pond, lake, marshy, or wet area, unless otherwise designated by the agency.
Additional rules apply and are included in the issued firewood permit. For questions about how to obtain a permit, please contact the BLM’s Coeur d’Alene District Office at (208) 769-5000.
–BLM–
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.