18.2-140 - Destruction of trees, shrubs, etc. - Virginia Statutes

§ 18.2-140. Destruction of trees, shrubs, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to pick, pull, pull up, tear, tear up,dig, dig up, cut, break, injure, burn or destroy, in whole or in part, anytree, shrub, vine, plant, flower or turf found, growing or being upon theland of another, or upon any land reserved, set aside or maintained by theCommonwealth as a public park, or as a refuge or sanctuary for wild animals,birds or fish, or upon any land reserved, set aside or maintained as a publicpark by a park authority created under the provisions of § 15.2-5702, withouthaving previously obtained the permission in writing of such other or hisagent or of the superintendent or custodian of such park, refuge or sanctuaryso to do, unless the same be done under the personal direction of such owner,his agent, tenant or lessee or superintendent or custodian of such park,refuge or sanctuary.

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor;provided, however, that the approval of the owner, his agent, tenant orlessee, or the superintendent or custodian of such park or sanctuaryafterwards given in writing or in open court shall be a bar to furtherprosecution or suit.

(Code 1950, § 18.1-178; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 757; 1998,c. 81.)