1. Forestland Security for Family Forests Shawn Baker Coeur d’Alene, Idaho January 21, 2005

2. Overview Extent of violationsExtent of violations Security issuesSecurity issues –Trespass and theft –Arson –Dumping –Drugs –Liability

3. Security from what?

4. Security violations 2001 - $1.4 billion lost to arson2001 - $1.4 billion lost to arson 2002 – 9,100 meth labs seized2002 – 9,100 meth labs seized –Over 4,000 additional dump sites 2003 - Over $4 million lost to trespass2003 - Over $4 million lost to trespass

5. Security Issues Basic guidelinesBasic guidelines Information available from industryInformation available from industry Rarely trickles down to small landownersRarely trickles down to small landowners

6. Timber theft and trespass Devastating for small landowners Cannot ensure prevention Must take steps to minimize susceptibility

7. Timber trespass and theft Mark boundary linesMark boundary lines Make sure valid deed is recordedMake sure valid deed is recorded Identify and mark vulnerable high-value treesIdentify and mark vulnerable high-value trees

8. Timber trespass and theft Depending upon state of residence, may be responsibility of landowner to prove facts of caseDepending upon state of residence, may be responsibility of landowner to prove facts of case Can be large financial burden if progresses to civil courtCan be large financial burden if progresses to civil court

9. Illegal Dumping Extremely prevalentExtremely prevalent Rural urban interfaceRural urban interface Difficult to preventDifficult to prevent

10. Illegal Dumping Prevalent near landfills and junkyardsPrevalent near landfills and junkyards Dumped materials encourage further dumpingDumped materials encourage further dumping Access area is extremely importantAccess area is extremely important –Gate roads –Minimize potential pull-offs –Quickly remove dumped materials –Replace damaged or removed signs

11. Illegal Dumping Fines for an illegal open dump and cleanup costs fall on the landowner (regardless of source)Fines for an illegal open dump and cleanup costs fall on the landowner (regardless of source) If you can find a name, you can pursue recourseIf you can find a name, you can pursue recourse

12. Illegal Drug Operations Poorly publicized Increased prevalence Extremely dangerous Can be seemingly innocuous

13. Illegal Drug Operations Methamphetamine labsMethamphetamine labs –Tremendous increase in prevalence –Extremely dangerous Security measuresSecurity measures Chemical hazardsChemical hazards –USFS no longer suggests digging through trash dumps

14. Illegal Drug Operations Potential locationsPotential locations –Abandoned cars, campers, trailers, etc. –Outbuildings or cabins Warning signsWarning signs –Cold tablets (esp. Sudafed) –Matchbooks –Hydrogen peroxide –20-pound propane tanks (blue fitting)

15. Illegal Drug Operations Additional red flagsAdditional red flags –“Posted” where they shouldn’t be –Signs of heavy traffic in unusual areas Use extreme cautionUse extreme caution Do not touch or collect materialsDo not touch or collect materials Leave area immediatelyLeave area immediately

16. Landowner Liability Duty of care –Depends on the type of visitor –If charging for access, liability is greater –Insurance is available to cover lease arrangements

17. Landowner Liability Invited guestsInvited guests –Must seek out and fix any potential hazards –Does not include people who request access LicenseeLicensee –Someone who enters property for their own benefit, not landowner’s (ex. salesmen) –Must warn of hidden dangers TrespassersTrespassers –Cannot intentionally injure

18. Conclusion Small landowners are at riskSmall landowners are at risk Information is available, but is not being disseminatedInformation is available, but is not being disseminated Most violations can’t be entirely prevented, but must try to reduce susceptibilityMost violations can’t be entirely prevented, but must try to reduce susceptibility

19. Thank You!! Shawn Baker Forestry Extension Associate Virginia Tech 238 Cheatham Hall (0324) Blacksburg, VA 24061