Savoy indicted in Spring Bayou tree-cutting case

   Rick Keith Savoy, 48, of Hessmer was indicted by an Avoyelles Parish Grand Jury Thursday for criminal damage to state property exceeding $50,000 in value. District Attorney Charles Riddle III said a trial date has not been set.

    Savoy was arrested in March for allegedly participating in the felling of more than 100 trees in the Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area. The trees were cut down in December. Wildlife agents said it appeared the motive for the action was to block access of other hunters to a favored duck hunting area in the state reserve.
    Although it is believed that several individuals were involved in the destruction of cypress, oak and willow trees, Savoy is the only one arrested to date. Savoy has denied taking part in cutting down the trees.
    The downed trees ranged from 10 to 30 inches in diameter and up to 50 feet tall. A few 100-year-old cypress trees were reportedly among the casualties.