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Parish attorney authorized to notify Olde Oaks owner after residents report 'ImpactTree' investment scheme
Summary
Committee members authorized the parish attorney May 6 to notify the Olde Oaks property owner about alleged violations after residents reported a subscription-based 'ImpactTree' investment tied to an 'Impact Coin'; parish staff said saplings were planted recently and state agencies are investigating whether the trees are invasive and whether the investment structure constitutes unlawful securities activity.
Mr. Patrick Jackson, parish attorney, told the Industrial Development Committee on May 6 that parish staff and residents reported activities at Olde Oaks Subdivision and the adjacent golf course that appear to be a securities-type business. Jackson said promotional materials available online describe a subscription model in which investors pay monthly tiers to plant what are called "ImpactTree" saplings and later receive returns in a digital currency the promoter calls "Impact Coin."
Jackson told jurors he would provide links to the online videos and materials and asked authority to notify the property owner (identified in the meeting as Mr. Ji) to request compliance with parish ordinances and to consider filing a lis pendens if necessary. Jackson said the saplings were planted approximately two weeks earlier. He also reported that the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry are investigating whether the trees are invasive and whether their planting is lawful in the state. "According to the videos posted, these hardwoods grow at a rate seven to ten times faster than any other hardwood," Jackson said, summarizing promotional claims found online; jurors said residents worry about seed spread and future logging traffic.
Mr. Lynn Beaty moved and Ms. Pam Glorioso seconded a motion giving Mr. Jackson authority to notify the property owner of potential ordinance violations and request compliance; the chair called for a vote and the motion carried unanimously. Jackson noted multiple agencies are involved and said the parish does not yet have authority to remove trees planted on private property if state law and the Department of Agriculture & Forestry have not declared the species invasive.
What happens next: the parish attorney will send notification to the property owner, continue title research, and may seek additional legal steps depending on findings and state agency determinations.
