Rogue loggers have long preyed on private properties from coast to coast, taking advantage of the elderly, the absent and they traditionally had little to fear from law enforcement officials hesitant to pursue criminal charges, instead chalking up most complaints to property disputes.
But as timber values rise, so have the stakes for landowners and the attitude of law enforcement is adjusting accordingly.
"The authorities who have dealt with it as a property matter are starting to look at it as more of a criminal matter," said Joseph Phaneuf, executive director of the Northeastern Loggers' Association. "But it's not happening without a push from the individuals affected."
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