TIMBER PIRACY, STATUTORYINTERPRETATION, AND LEGISLATIVE INTENT: THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT'S DECISION IN SULLIVAN V. WALLACE

摘要

"Timber piracy," also known as "timber trespass," has long been a problem in Louisiana.1 Timber piracy is any act by which a person "cut(s), fell(s), destroy(s), remove(s), or divert(s) for sale or use, any trees growing or lying on the land of another, without the consent of . . . the owner or legal possessor. . . ."2 Almost fifty percent of Louisiana's fourteen million acres of land is covered by timber.3 This timber provides recreational opportunities and environmental benefits, such as habitats for wildlife and scenic beauty.4 Timber is also a valuable economic resource.5 In 2010, the timber product industries had a $3.1 billion impact on Louisiana's economy, and Louisiana forest landowners earned approximately $400 million from their timber.6 Because eighty-one percent of those landowners are non-industrial, private owners whose timberland is located in remote areas, much of that timber is not subject to regular surveillance.7 Timber piracy is thus a major concern for almost 120,000 private Louisiana landowners.