Timber theft is a serious matter that should be reported to the authorities immediately. Theft of timber can destroy generations of careful stewardship and cause irreparable damage.

It can be hard to catch thieves and prosecuting them can be expensive.

Landowners need to be on the lookout for unscrupulous operators.

Sometimes a logger on a neighboring property cuts trees on the wrong side of the property line.

Once large trees are cut, it can take a lifetime to replace them so prevention is the best defense.

Trees on your property should be marked and inventoried.

To those ends, property owners should:

• clearly mark their borders

• monitor their property

• keep in touch with neighbors about activities on their property

• execute sound contracts.

Also, obtain professional help before signing a sales agreement yourself. You might want to contact a forester from the Bureau of Forestry.

All of this effort could prove to be time well spent.

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