AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine Forest Service forest rangers and the Maine State Police are requesting help with the investigation of a theft of logging equipment in northern Maine.

The logging equipment was stolen from an Eagle Lake contractor between July 20-23 in the Ashland area, according to MFS and State Police officials.

“Maine Forest Rangers have been working with other law enforcement agencies to curb this type of activity,” said William J. Greaves, MFS regional ranger, with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Logging-equipment theft and vandalism affect jobs, the economy, and the safety of those working in this important industry.”

The logging equipment was located about 9 miles along the Pinkham Road in Township 11, Range 7 WELS.

The equipment was stolen from three pieces of logging equipment, a 1985 Pay Star/Prentice loader, a 1986 Mack Truck/Barko crane, and a 1995 Champion Road grader:

• Two (2) Motorola MURS radios;
• One (1) Midland MURS radio;
• Two (2) MURS Antennae
• One (1) Uniden CB radio,
• a dash cover;
• ½-inch drive ratchet,
• 7/16-, ½-, 9/16-inch sockets;
• and crane running lights.

A door handle on the grader was damaged when the thief or thieves entered the vehicle, and a CB antennae cord was cut. The equipment has been valued at more than $1,000, according to state officials.

“We are urging anyone with information regarding this theft or any other incidents to call the regional Maine Forest Service or the State Police,” said Greaves.

Anyone with information can call MFS Forest Ranger Steve Wipperman, Maine Forest Service Regional Headquarters, Ashland, at 1-207-435-7963, ext. 201 or State Trooper Rob Flynn at the Maine State Police Barracks in Houlton at 1-207-532-5400.

For more information about the Maine Forest Rangers, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/ffchome.htm

For more information about the Maine Forest Service, go to: http://www.maineforestservice.gov

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://maine.gov/acf/

For more information about the Maine Department of Public Safety, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dps/