Straw theft had become so widespread

that in 1989 the General Assembly passed State Bill 88 to protect landowners

from becoming victimized.

Pinestraw harvesters are required

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 a sale.

A new certificate must be obtained

annually from each landowner whose pine straw is harvested; all certificates

must be signed by both the landowner and harvester.

Certificate of Harvest forms,

issued at no charge, are available at all Georgia Forestry Commission

offices. Information on pine straw production and other miscellaneous

non-timber and forest related topics can be found at www.gfc.state.ga.us/Services/RuralForestry/MiscellaneousForestProducts.cfm.

For more information on forestry

assistance visit www.gfc.state.ga.us or call 770-227-5522 or 770-358-1459.

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