Authorities: 3 Arrested In Michigan Sugar Maple Log Thefts

CHEBOYGAN, Mich. (AP) - Authorities say three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of sugar maple logs from public state-managed lands in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula.

The state Department of Natural Resources says Monday the men in their 20s are from Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Names weren't immediately released, pending arraignments. The DNR says the thefts are under investigation and more charges are expected.

Late last year, conservation officers began getting complaints about large sugar maple trees being cut on state forestland. Only the thickest part of the trees — the lowest 8-12 feet — was taken most often. The DNR says more than 100 logs were believed stolen.

Investigators say logs were sold to sawmills. The public and members of the timber industry helped the DNR identify suspects.

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