You are here

Home » UPDATE: Men Pay More Than $52,000 For Cutting Down 400 Trees In Ozark National Scenic Riverways

UPDATE: Men Pay More Than $52,000 For Cutting Down 400 Trees In Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Share

Published Date

November 14, 2016

Two men illegally cut down 400 trees near the historic Susie Nichols Cabin in Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Inset: historic photo or Susie Nichols on her horse "Ol' Don" in front of her cabin./NPS

Editor's note: This updates to explain that the men were logging on lands outside the park and encroached into it, clarifies that length of the investigation was due to legal negotiations.

Two men who accidentally logged some 400 trees from across 31 acres of Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri have paid restitution of more than $52,000 to the federal government, which declined to seek criminal charges as the men exhibited no criminal intent.

The total bill paid by the men was $52,469, according to a release from the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch. The amount was reached in a pretrial diversion agreement between the men and the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Missouri, and equals the cost of site remediation and the sale price of the erroneously-harvested timber, the release said.

NPS Special Agent Les Seago said Monday morning that the men had been logging on lands outside of the park for about a year, and during their operations they didn't realize they were taking trees from within the park boundaries.

"They were cutting on private property," he said. "They had purchased the rights for timber on this private land that butts up against National Park Service lands, and they encroached into the national park."

While the press release announcing the settlement described a "complex 14-month investigation," Special Agent Seago said most of that time was spent on legal negotiations between the U.S. attorney's office and the lawyers for the two.

An ISB special agent and rangers from the park opened an investigation in March 2013, when a ranger on routine patrol found a logging operation harvesting timber in the area of the Susie Nichols Cabin, inside the park's boundaries, the release said.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bill Leeper on November 14, 2016 - 10:18am.

And this is how it should work. Great that both parties could come to an equitable agreement that helps restore the land as well not send these well intentioned men to prison.


Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on November 15, 2016 - 4:11pm.

Yet in Great Smoky Mtns NP a higbrow resort clear cuts a thousand trees, blazes their own trail system WITHIN park boundaries and is rewarded with a guiding concession in the park after the park had asked them to quit doing so.   Money talks in the NPS.  How much did this private resort pay in form of restitution?  ZERO.  Who went to jail?  No one.    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFIPDYW1ba0


Submitted by Lee Dalton on November 15, 2016 - 5:56pm.

"Money talks in the NPS"

Congress would probably be more accurate.

I'll bet a hamburger that pressure came down from somewhere above the NPS.

 


Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on November 16, 2016 - 9:00am.

You are close to being spot on, Lee. However, move up one level to the Senate.  And this proves it.  

 http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-02-19/news/9602190118_1_blackber...


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.