A Melton man’s chainsaws, trailer, and a load of River Red Gum timber was confiscated after he was caught while bogged in Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve near Nagambie.
As part of a taskforce to disrupt firewood theft, Conservation Regulator authorised officers worked with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to seize the equipment Thursday, July 24 after the driver became bogged at about 5am while driving a rented vehicle off-road at Reedy Lake.
The confiscated tandem trailer was loaded with recently cut River Red Gum timber and another freshly felled River Red Gum was nearby.
According to the Conservation Regulator Victoria, River Red Gums – whether alive or dead – are vital to our environment and protected under law.
It is an offence to cut them down, and dead, standing River Red Gums provide critical roosting habitat for some of our most threatened species – such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle.
The incident follows the interception of another Melton man twice on July 2 for felling River Red Gums at Reedy Lake.
Conservation Regulator Hume manager of regulatory operations Greg Chant said the authority is working with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to disrupt illegal firewood harvesting across the state and prevent further damage to this ecologically and culturally significant area.”
“The message to black market firewood operators is that if you’re caught illegally harvesting timber from public land for commercial sale, you will be held accountable for the environmental damage, and risk facing prosecution and losing your vehicles and equipment,” Mr Chant said.
This case forms part of the Conservation Regulator’s targeted focus on the illegal take of firewood for commercial purposes.
There is currently a state-wide taskforce, led by the Conservation Regulator in partnership with Parks Victoria, aiming to crack down on commercial firewood thieves.
Those who observe suspicious firewood activity are urged to call 136 186, and reports can be made anonymously.
Details: vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood
