To take or not to take?

[dirtbikerider]

So on my last collecting trip for my soon to be set up 7x2x2 I came across some driftwood that would be perfect for the native setup I'm planning, so I grabbed up the smaller pieces and took them home with me.

There was also this tree length log with knots and bends laying dried up on the banks where we were fishing. I know it would be great for the tank but I couldn't carry a tree home and I tried finding a weak point where I may could jump on it and break it, but nope (which is probably a very good thing honestly ). My debate is I do have a hand saw that I can bring back to cut an appropriate sized piece to take home BUT the place where it is laying is on a public fishing place right on the bayou at the edge of a college campus, aka its very busy. Would I be breaking any laws or anything that anyone can think of? I would think it would be seen as more of a favor for cleaning up the banks a little but i could be wrong, what does everyone think?

 

[bigbadfish711]

Maybe just check with your local game Warden or police department. I am sure that they would be able to give you the best advice as to the local laws.

 

[dirtbikerider]

I just sent them an email but does that sound like something that would be a problem? I have tried to think of any 'logical' reasons that would be wrong or harmful to the environment but really not much has come up.

 

[bigbadfish711]

I don't know the laws there, but if this public property then law enforcement could possibly say you were defacing public property by removing a natural object. But if its a dead tree I wouldn't think Law enforcement would have an issue with it. Although they might. Just be safe and find out what they say. I would hate to have to pay a fine for some old dead tree.

 

[erk419]

If it was me in your shoes and I really thought it would look good in my tank I would go back in the cover of darkness. Just saying

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[GolemGolem]

Well, if you get the go ahead from the authorities, you said you'd think of it as cleaning up the bank a bit. If you make it look nice back there, busy by a college so I can only assume that there is a beer can or two... why not bring a bag, make it look nice, and protect your and others right to go collecting there.

 

[bigbadfish711]

Well, if you get the go ahead from the authorities, you said you'd think of it as cleaning up the bank a bit. If you make it look nice back there, busy by a college so I can only assume that there is a beer can or two... why not bring a bag, make it look nice, and protect your and others right to go collecting there.

That is a great idea GolemGolem

 

[dirtbikerider]

Well, if you get the go ahead from the authorities, you said you'd think of it as cleaning up the bank a bit. If you make it look nice back there, busy by a college so I can only assume that there is a beer can or two... why not bring a bag, make it look nice, and protect your and others right to go collecting there.

Great idea, thanks!

 

[dirtbikerider]

If it was me in your shoes and I really thought it would look good in my tank I would go back in the cover of darkness. Just saying

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com

Lol sorry didn't give a detailed enough description, its actually bordering one of the entrances to the college from a major roadway, lots of traffic and a cop goes by about every five minutes or so... wouldn't risk t due to location lol

 

[David K. Bradley]

Not knowing if the tree is on public or private land, it may be a wise suggestion to see if it is or not, also. If it's on private land, you may want to get written permission from the private owner, to remove the dead part of the tree you're wanting so if you are approached by a law enforcement officer, you have it in writing with permission to remove what it is you're after.

If it is publicly owned I would do what other members have previously suggested.

Keep us informed with the results, as I'm curious how this will turn out. Good luck.