Poimena Reserve tree thieves leaves Glenorchy bushwalkers stumped

Tree thieves have struck again in Glenorchy, illegally chopping down a large tree in Poimena Reserve and carting away the trunk - presumably for firewood.

A tree theft has left Glenorchy bushwalkers stumped, after somebody chopped down a large tree in Poimena Reserve and carted away the trunk.

The stumpy remains were discovered by horrified bushwalker Robert Holderness-Roddam, who said this was not the first time he’d witnessed such “senseless” eco-vandalism.

The 78-year-old nature-enthusiast said he suspected this was the work of firewood thieves, which he describes as a “big problem” in his neck of the woods.

On one occasion he personally witnessed a thief in Poimena Reserve mowing down a tree with a chainsaw and making off with its trunk in a four-wheel drive.

“Over the last 30 years I have spent considerable time in Poimena, recording wildlife, dealing with weeds, planting trees and observing the consequences of senseless vandalism,” he said.

“This tree was regularly used by birds as a look out, either for predators or for food. Species regularly seen included dusky wood swallows, yellow-throated honeyeaters, brown falcons and even endangered grey goshawks.”

Mr Holderness-Roddam, an avid birdwatcher, said there were around 30 species of Tasmanian hole nesting birds which depended on such trees as a habitat.

Stolen tree

He said it often took around 200 years for suitably sized holes to develop in trees, making them nigh irreplaceable for the precarious ecosystem.

Mr Holderness-Roddam said he thought the firewood market should be strictly regulated in order to crack down on the black market trade of stolen trees.

“[there is a] lack of regulation regarding quantities, poor quality timber resulting in excessive amounts of smoke from domestic fires and destruction of important wildlife habitat by illegal firewood collectors,” he said.

“Any individual or organisation offering firewood for sale through any medium, including roadside sales, newspaper advertising, leaflets or electronic media should be registered.”

A Glenorchy City Council spokesman said they did not tolerate tree thieves, particularly on council-owned land such as Poimena Reserve.

“Council does not tolerate the removal of trees on Council land by members of the public, however there are times when our Arborist team do need to trim or remove trees for safety reasons. We have been fortunate that very few significant trees on our land have been tampered with, although like other councils, we have had instances of infrequent tree/plant damage and theft,” the spokesman said.

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Vandals poison native trees along Hobart beach

HORRIFIED neighbours are trying to find out who is responsible for poisoning ten native trees along the Alexandra Esplanade in Bellerive.

The vandals had drilled holes deep into the tree trunks and pumped them full of poison, leading them to begin rapidly wilting.

Arborists say that some of the trees are expected to survive with a bit of pruning, but that others are too far gone and are doomed to slowly decay.

The damage is estimated to be worth $185,257.

Jean Gray of Howrah Bellerive Coast Care group and local resident. Native trees have been poisoned along Alexandra Parade on the Clarence Foreshore Trail. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The poisoning was discovered by Jean Gray from the Howrah-Bellerive Coastcare Group, a small team of local volunteers who look after trees in the area.

Ms Gray said the 70-year-old trees were a crucial part of the ecosystem, preventing the shoreline from eroding while providing a habitat for native animals.

“The devastation of losing these trees means the whole ecosystem is out of balance. The ecosystem is reliant on the trees, the shrubs, and the grasses,” Ms Gray said.

“Bandicoots are common around here and we love them. And birds as well, they make their habitat in the tree trunks and foliage, so they’re going to be devastated as well.”

Ms Gray is one of seven locals who plant trees up and down the coastline in order to protect the coast from erosion.

However, she said this was not the first time their work had been undone by eco-vandals, who occasionally light fires along the beachside.

Clarence City Council mayor Doug Chipman said he was furious at the senseless act of vandalism and keen to see the perpetrators brought to justice.

Jean Gray of Howrah Bellerive Coast Care group and local resident with Clarence City Council Mayor Doug Chipman. Native trees have been poisoned along Alexandra Parade on the Clarence Foreshore Trail. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Councillor Chapman said they suspected the culprit might be one of the neighbours who wanted an unobstructed view of the beach.

“I’m quite angry that this beautiful little patch of native bushland at the back of Bellerive Beach has been vandalised so savagely,“ Cr Chipman said.

“We want to see justice done. We’ve reported it to the police for an investigation … I suspect [the perpetrators] wanted to improve their view, but I don’t know for sure. That’s a matter for the investigators.”

Council will be pruning the tree limbs, some of which have already turned black and have started to droop.

Drill holes in one of the trees where poison has been inserted. Native trees have been poisoned along Alexandra Parade on the Clarence Foreshore Trail. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

They will also be putting up signs informing residents of what has happened, and asking anyone with information to come forward.

Additionally, council have written up a draft Tree Policy which includes extra security measures for vandalism against trees and plants.

A copy of the draft policy went up for public exhibition on Monday morning.

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Originally published as Poimena Reserve tree thieves leaves Glenorchy bushwalkers stumped