Following a theme seen throughout northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota, birch bandits have struck in Cook County.
On May 25, 2017, the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office received reports of illegal tree cutting in the Tom Lake area. A blue van with three to four adult males was seen cutting down trees. Witnesses report approximately 25 birch trees were piled up. The trees stolen by thieves are typically small birch trees, which are sold to craft companies.
It was only a matter of time before Cook County’s white birch stands became a target.
“Unfortunately, it seems there is a highly profitable market for these trees and bark,” said Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen. “Conservation officers are reporting an alarming rate of illegal cutting of birch trees across Minnesota and Wisconsin for use in decorating and sales to craft companies. This activity is damaging to our wilderness and wildlife, and these trees can take up to a decade or more to regenerate.”
Earlier this winter five arrests were made in Washburn County, Wisconsin charging crooks with cutting down thousands of small white birch.
On May, 9, 2017, an Aurora, Minnesota man was charged with cutting down 1,200 birch saplings and fined $3,400. Charges are now pending against three men from the Hayward area for theft of birch from government owned land. The cases go on, and are keeping the Forest Service, DNR, and law enforcement on their toes as they encounter more pilfering of white birch saplings from area forests.
If caught illegally cutting down white birch trees, punishment may vary from a substantial fine to even jail time. Birch trees can be harvested from public property in Minnesota, but only with written permission or a permit.
Anyone witnessing illegal tree cutting is encouraged to report the activity to the Sheriff ’s Office at 218- 387-3030 or through the Cook County MN Sheriff ’s Office & Public Safety Facebook page @ CookCountyMNSheriff.
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