News Releases

NB’S COALITION AGAINST WOOD THEFT AND TRESPASS

NEWS RELEASE - July 11, 2001

FREDERICTON ­ New Brunswick’s Coalition Against Wood Theft and Trespass reports law enforcement agencies are continuing to crack down on wood theft. On Saturday (July 7^th) Natural Resources and Energy enforcement officers raided an illegal wood cutting operation on Crown Land near Squaw Cap in the Campbellton area.

"The thieves were in the process of stealing high quality hardwood veneer logs when DNRE officers arrived" said Yvon Poitras, a member of the coalition. "Some suspects fled the scene on a skidder, but another skidder was seized after the driver of that machine fled on foot."

DNRE is continuing its investigation with assistance from the RCMP. Charges in this case are pending. It is believed the suspects were involved in a "hot logging" operation where thieves with heavy equipment, cut as many high grade veneer logs as quickly as possible and take them to another property where someone buys the stolen wood and leaves with it immediately.

These sort of illegal operations usually occur evenings or weekends. Anyone with information on this case, other wood theft incidents or property vandalism is encouraged to call DNRE, the RCMP or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).

"New Brunswick’s Coalition Against Wood Theft and Trespass has membership representing woodlot owners, farmers, the forest industry, land surveyors, the RCMP and government" said Mr. Poitras. "The coalition is dedicated to reducing wood theft and vandalism on private land and publicly owned Crown land."

Media Contact ­ Mary Williamson ­ 506-452-6930