Timber buyers are required to be licensed in Indiana. The DNR Division of Forestry is the licensing agency for timber buyers, as well as the agency that administers the classified forests program. The DNR Division of Forestry maintains a substantial website to address its diverse functions. Information is provided concerning the licensing of timber buyers, technical assistance to landowners, purchasing tree seedlings, urban forestry, the management of state forests, and other topics. Responsibilities for the administration of timber management and sales are assigned by the Indiana General Assembly in statutes and implemented largely through rules.
Rules have the force and effect of law.
Licensing of timber buyers and their agents is required in statutes found at IC 36.5. An important element of this program is that timber buyers must be bonded. Rules to assist in the administration of these statutes are set forth at 312 IAC 14. A timber grower who has had trees wrongfully removed can bring an action for recovery, including the possibility of triple damages for loss of the trees, before the Natural Resources Commission. The action can be pursued regardless of whether the person cutting timber was a licensed timber buyer.