The Butler County Conservation District has received complaints about timber theft here. On several occasions, the state police have been called.

Timber theft should be reported immediately. The crime should be documented, including who was involved, what was taken and where and when the theft occurred.

Theft of timber from forest lands can destroy generations of careful stewardship and cause irreparable environmental damage.

It is hard to catch timber thieves and prosecuting them can be expensive. Convictions can also be difficult to obtain. The thieves often live far away. They sometimes cannot be contacted.

Landowners must take the responsibility to prevent trespass and timber theft on their property and avoid being cheated by unscrupulous buyers.

But remember, you likely will not be able to replace any stolen timer in your lifetime. Prevention is the best defense.

To those ends, landowners should:

• Clearly mark their property.

• Watch the property.

• Keep in touch with neighbors about activities on their properties.

• Use cooperative timber harvesters or certified loggers.

• Execute sound sales contracts.

• Monitor timber harvests.

Get professional help before agreeing to a sale. Contact a consulting forester or the area forester from the Bureau of Forestry. It will likely be time and effort that's well spent.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.