Timber theft of black walnut trees on the rise in Missouri | Crime

MISSOURI (KOAM) – Missouri is facing a growing problem with timber theft, particularly the illegal harvesting and sale of valuable black walnut trees.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation these trees, which can fetch a few hundred dollars each, are being stolen from private properties and sold to lumber yards or sawmills for profit.

“People illegally harvest walnut trees from somebody else’s property. Basically, they steal them and sell them for money,” MDC’s Fracis Skalicky.

Tim Mohs with Missouri Walnut, a local American Owned lumber yard said that there is no way to tell whether the timber brought to their yard has been legally obtained. However, the company works closely with law enforcement, collecting identification from anyone selling timber. If a person is flagged by local or federal agencies, that information is passed on to the proper authorities.

Skalicky says punishment for timber theft can vary, with many cases being classified as Class D felonies. Sentencing depends on the prosecutor and judge involved in the case.

“If somebody sees something, they can report it to their local conservation agent or Operation Game Thief hotline,” Skalicky said.

Authorities encourage landowners and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to help combat this growing issue.

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