SOUTH East residents are being reminded to ensure their firewood has been sourced legally following an increase in illegal felling and collecting.
Natural Resources South East senior investigations and compliance officer Drew Laslett said there had been increasing incidents of illegal firewood cutting and collection in the South East and western Victoria.
“Most people know that living native trees are protected,” Mr Laslett said.
“What they may not realise, however, is that large dead trees may also be protected under the Native Vegetation Act,” he said.
Large dead trees with a circumference of two or more metres are protected across most of the region.
Native trees provide critical habitat for local native species such as the endangered Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and breeding habitat for many other native animals.
“These large trees can take hundreds of years to grow and with limited native forest in the region, we need to protect what is left, including the dead trees,” Mr Laslett said.
“Local farmers have expressed their concern regarding trespassing and theft of firewood from their properties.
“Together with SAPOL and forestry representatives, we have formed a focus group to raise awareness and increase patrols to detect illegal activity.”
Buyers are encouraged to ask suppliers where the wood is from and to be satisfied it has been legally obtained.
If you see or suspect illegal wood cutting, take note of vehicle registrations and report the matter to South Australian Police on 131 444 or your local police station.
