Timber Trespass and Theft

 

Timber trespassing is the act of cutting and removing trees from some ones property without that property owners permission.  This act is somewhat common, but not always done intentionally.  Boundary line discrepancies are often the cause of timber trespass.  This is a good reason to hire a professional forester to assist with timber marketing.  Whether done intentionally or not, a timber trespass case will need a monetary value established for the illegally removed timber. 

Virginia Forest Service and Land Care can provide a detailed report showing the number of trees, estimated volumes, and estimated values of the trees that have been illegally removed.  The same process can be used for damaged timber due to storms, insects, fire or other disasters that destroy the value of standing timber.  We are also available as an expert witness in civil or criminal matters involving timber theft.

Records need to be maintained to help in the establishment and continued valuation of your overall stand accounts for tax purposes. Casualty losses require specific information to be maintained and established before any claim can be used.  Contact Virginia Forest Service if you would like more information on timber trespassing and timber theft.