Transcript Forestland Security for Small Scale Landowners

Forestland Security for
Family Forests
Shawn Baker
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
January 21, 2005
Overview
• Extent of violations
• Security issues
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Trespass and theft
Arson
Dumping
Drugs
Liability
Security from what?
Security violations
• 2001 - $1.4 billion lost to arson
• 2002 – 9,100 meth labs seized
– Over 4,000 additional dump sites
• 2003 - Over $4 million lost to trespass
Security Issues
• Basic guidelines
• Information available
from industry
• Rarely trickles down
to small landowners
Timber theft and trespass
• Devastating for
small landowners
• Cannot ensure
prevention
• Must take steps to
minimize
susceptibility
Timber trespass and theft
• Mark boundary lines
• Make sure valid deed
is recorded
• Identify and mark
vulnerable high-value
trees
Timber trespass and theft
• Depending upon state of residence, may be
responsibility of landowner to prove facts of
case
• Can be large financial burden if progresses to
civil court
Illegal Dumping
• Extremely prevalent
• Rural urban interface
• Difficult to prevent
Illegal Dumping
• Prevalent near landfills and junkyards
• Dumped materials encourage further dumping
• Access area is extremely important
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Gate roads
Minimize potential pull-offs
Quickly remove dumped materials
Replace damaged or removed signs
Illegal Dumping
• 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 recourse
Illegal Drug Operations
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Poorly publicized
Increased prevalence
Extremely dangerous
Can be seemingly
innocuous
Illegal Drug Operations
• Methamphetamine labs
– Tremendous increase in prevalence
– Extremely dangerous
• Security measures
• Chemical hazards
– USFS no longer suggests digging through trash
dumps
Illegal Drug Operations
• Potential locations
– Abandoned cars, campers,
trailers, etc.
– Outbuildings or cabins
• Warning signs
– Cold tablets (esp.
Sudafed)
– Matchbooks
– Hydrogen peroxide
– 20-pound propane tanks
(blue fitting)
Illegal Drug Operations
• Additional red flags
– “Posted” where they
shouldn’t be
– Signs of heavy traffic in
unusual areas
• Use extreme caution
• Do not touch or collect
materials
• Leave area immediately
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
Landowner Liability
• Invited guests
– Must seek out and fix any potential hazards
– Does not include people who request access
• Licensee
– Someone who enters property for their own benefit,
not landowner’s (ex. salesmen)
– Must warn of hidden dangers
• Trespassers
– Cannot intentionally injure
Conclusion
• Small landowners are at risk
• Information is available, but is not being
disseminated
• Most violations can’t be entirely prevented, but
must try to reduce susceptibility
Thank You!!
Shawn Baker
Forestry Extension Associate
Virginia Tech
238 Cheatham Hall (0324)
Blacksburg, VA 24061