BANGOR, Maine — Four people were summoned Thursday in connection with the illegal harvest of more than 600 pounds of evergreen boughs on forestland owned by Haynes Timberland in Penobscot, Regional Forest Ranger Jeff Currier of the Maine Forest Service said Thursday evening.
Summoned for the unlawful taking of evergreen boughs were Jeremy Bennoch, 38, of Frankfort; Kevin Reed, 48, of Ellsworth; Edward Burrill, 54, of Orland; and Roy Saunders, 49, of Orland, according to Ranger Courtney Hammond.
Hammond noted that the Forest Service has been receiving numerous complaints about illegal tipping and that he recently summoned two others in Steuben on the same charge.
Currier said the boughs were confiscated.
Ranger John Cousins said evergreen boughs are selling for 30 cents to 50 cents per pound. He said the confiscated boughs will be sold to a reputable seller. If the four are convicted, proceeds will go to the landowner. If not, the money will go to the four tippers.
Landowner permission is required for the legal harvest of evergreen boughs, which are commonly used to make Christmas wreaths and other holiday decorations.
The minimum fine for illegal tipping is $250, Cousins said.