(1) It is unlawful for any person to cut more than five coniferous trees unless the person has in possession written permission to do so from the owner of the land from which the trees are cut. The written permit required under this subsection must set forth:
(a) The date of the permit;
(b) The name, address, telephone number and signature of the person granting the permit;
(c) The name, address and telephone number of the person to whom the permit is granted;
(d) The number of trees, by species, to be cut;
(e) A description of the premises from which the trees are to be cut. The description may be by legal description or tax account number; and
(f) The date of expiration of the permit.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to transport over the highways of this state more than five coniferous trees without possessing a cutting permit as described in subsection (1) of this section or a document of title showing title thereto. A document of sale must be signed by the landowner, seller or donor, and shall set forth:
(a) The date of the document;
(b) The name, address and telephone number of the seller or donor of the trees;
(c) The name, address and telephone number of the purchaser or donee of the trees;
(d) The number of trees, by species, sold or transferred by the permit or document of sale; and
(e) A description of the premises from which the trees were taken. The description may be by legal description, tax account number or other description clearly identifying the premises.
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to:
(a) The transportation of trees in the course of transplantation, with their roots intact.
(b) The cutting or transportation of coniferous trees by the owner of the land from which they were taken or by the owner’s agent.
(c) The transportation of coniferous trees by a common carrier or contract carrier.
(4) Violation of the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. [1971 c.743 §295; 1981 c.645 §6]