ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST : Patrols for Christmas Tree Poaching Increased
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Grinches planning on last-minute poaching of Christmas trees from the national forests could be in for a surprise this year with increased patrols and roadways closed because of icy conditions, Forest Service officials said Wednesday.
Unusually cold weather has forced the closure of most dirt roads above the 5,000-foot elevation where the most desirable pine trees thrive, said Steve Bear, Forest Service resource officer for the Tujunga District.
“Our forests are very fragile areas,” he said. “Only 25% of the Angeles Forest is covered with trees and we can’t afford to lose any. Each tree to us is an investment.”
Signs warning visitors not to cut trees have been posted throughout the area and patrols have been increased. About 10 citations have been issued to impromptu woodcutters this year--which accounts for only a 10th of the number of trees estimated to have disappeared, said Roger Richcreek, an investigator for the U.S. Forest Service.
People who are caught typically pay a fine of $75. The law allows fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
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