Section 26.05. Timber theft.

 

(1)   Definition. In this section, “raw forest products" means forest products not altered by a manufacturing process off the land from which they are taken and includes seedlings, saplings, shrubs, whole-tree chips, boughs, logs, pilings, posts, poles, cordwood products, pulpwood, fuel wood and Christmas trees.

(2)   Consent of owner required. No person may cut, remove or transport raw forest products or direct the cutting, removal or transportation of raw forest products without the consent of the owner.

(3)   Penalties.

(a) A person who violates this section or a rule promulgated under this section is subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $10,000.

(b) Instead of the forfeiture provided under par. (a) , a person who intentionally violates this section, or a rule promulgated under this section, may be punished under s. 943.20 for theft.

(c) In addition to any other penalty, a person who violates this section, or a rule promulgated under this section, is liable for the reasonable costs incurred to establish the volume and value of the raw forest products cut, removed or transported.

1981 c. 67 ; 1999 a. 190 .