State Bill 88, passed in 1989, protects landowners from

being victimized by trespassers gathering pine straw. The pine

straw industry in Georgia exceeds $10 million annually.

Pine straw harvesters are required by law to have in

their possession a Certificate of Harvest giving permission by the

landowner to gather and bale pine straw. This law does not apply

to persons harvesting straw for home or personal use. The seller of

pine straw is then required to present his certificate to a

prospective buyer. The law also requires that the prospective buyer demand

to see the certificate prior to sale.

A separate certificate must be obtained annually from each

landowner whose pine straw is harvested: both landowner and

harvester must sign all certificates.

Certificates of Harvest forms, issued at no charge, are

available at all Georgia Forestry Commission offices. Call 770-254-7218.

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