Richard Russell Kersten, Illegal Timber Harvesting, Idaho 2023

Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Timber Harvesting in Idaho

BOISE – In a shocking turn of events, Richard Russell Kersten, a 36-year-old resident of McCall, Idaho, was sentenced to one month in federal prison for illegally harvesting timber from national forest lands. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit made the announcement today, stating that Kersten was also ordered to pay the government $8,000 in restitution and banned from entering all National Forest System lands for a period of three years.

According to court records, Kersten was acting as a ‘watchdog’ for a group of individuals who were causing extensive natural resource damage in the Payette National Forest near McCall. These individuals were cutting and removing timber illegally and then selling it as firewood in the local communities. Through numerous investigative methods, officers learned that Kersten was manipulating the fuelwood permit program and taking more than his permit allowed.

The investigation, which began in late 2018, expanded to include the Nez Perce and Boise National Forests. The evidence showed that Kersten’s actions resulted in extensive natural resource damage to the forest.

‘National forest lands are an Idaho treasure and provide recreation and resources for thousands of people each year,’ said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. ‘Through close collaboration with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we will protect these public lands so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.’

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Kersten to three years of supervised release, which will commence upon completion of his prison sentence. Kersten pleaded guilty to the crime on December 5, 2022, and was sentenced on April 3, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Josh D. Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho State Police, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, and the McCall Police Department, which led to charges.

Richard Russell Kersten’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegally harvesting timber from national forest lands. It is a clear message to those who would seek to exploit our natural resources for personal gain.

The case against Kersten is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

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