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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna legislation would triple fine for timber theft
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, is introducing legislation that would strengthen the penalty for timber theft.
The legislation would increase the fine for timber theft to six times the value of the timber taken. Currently, the fine is two times the timber’s value.
Hanna said since timber theft is hard to monitor, it’s tough to pinpoint exactly how much money is lost through these thefts, but the state Council of Professional Foresters estimates that high-grade wood can be valued at $4,000 or more per tree.
"Pennsylvania has some of the most valuable hardwood in the country," Hanna said. "Private residents, state forests and logging contractors lose thousands of dollars worth of timber each time their trees are illegally harvested."
"When people steal timber, they interfere with harvesting practices that are designed to minimize the environmental impact. Timber theft isn’t just illegal -- it’s environmentally irresponsible."
Hanna said that landowners may not even realize that their timber is being stolen. He urged residents to ensure that their land boundaries are clearly marked to avoid accidental harvesting. Landowners should also regularly patrol their property to monitor whether trees have been removed without their permission.
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