ASHLAND, Maine — Rangers with the Maine Forest Service have teamed up with the Maine State Police to ask for the public’s help as they continue to investigate the theft of logging equipment from an Eagle Lake contractor.
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 nine miles along the Pinkham Road in Township 11, Range 7 WELS.
The equipment was stolen from three pieces of logging machinery, including a 1985 Pay Star/Prentice loader, a 1986 Mack truck/Barko crane and a 1995 Champion road grader. Items taken included: two Motorola MURS radios; one Midland MURS radio; two MURS antennae; a dash cover; half-inch drive ratchet; 7/16-, 9/16- and half-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 antenna cord was cut. The value of the equipment was estimated 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 at MFS regional headquarters in Ashland at 435-7963, ext. 201, or State Trooper Rob Flynn at the MSP barracks in Houlton at 532-5400.
