Man facing charges in California burl poaching

A Northern California man is facing charges in connection with the cutting of knobby growths from an old growth redwood tree.

Danny Garcia, of Orick, was scheduled to be arraigned in Humboldt County on Wednesday on charges of vandalism, grand theft and receiving stolen property. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney.

Officials with Redwood National and State Parks say a researcher found several large burls missing from a tree in the park in April 2013.

An anonymous tip led to the discovery of the burls at a shop in Del Norte County and the subsequent arrest of Garcia. A second man, who was not identified, is also facing charges.

Authorities have recently reported a rise in burl poaching along the Northern California coast.