Conservation Regulator seeking information following illegal removal of 300-year-old red gum tree in Woohlpooer State Forest

Authorities are searching for those responsible for illegally cutting down a 300-year-old gum tree in Victoria’s west. Read what we know.

According to DEECA, it is illegal to cut and take timber from standing trees, or take fallen trees or branches from public land without permission. Picture: Supplied

Authorities are working to track down those responsible for illegally cutting down an ancient red gum tree near the Grampians this month.

The Conservation Regulator is seeking information to help with its investigation into the illegal destruction of the 300-year-old gum tree in the Woohlpooer State Forest.

It is currently unknown when the tree was removed or how many people were involved.

“We believe the habitat tree was illegally cut down and most of the timber removed in the last 2-3 weeks,” Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action manager of regulatory operations Glenn Sharp said.

“Red gums like this one provide homes to many native wildlife species, including Arboreal mammals and hollow nesting birds such as Powerful Owls, and habitat loss like this has a serious impact on these species that rely on our forests to survive.

“The tree could also have cultural heritage values.”

The red gum tree over 300 years old was illegally felled in the Woohlpooer State Forest. Picture: Supplied

According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, it is illegal to cut and take timber from standing trees, or take fallen trees or branches from public land without authorisation in Victoria.

Domestic firewood collection is only allowed during the autumn and spring firewood collection seasons and only from designated areas.

Authorised officers regularly patrol state forests and check surveillance cameras to detect offences.

Illegally taking timber or destroying wildlife habitat can result in penalties of more than $9000, a year in jail or both.

To report any information about the incident, call 136 186 and for more information about legally collecting firewood, head to the collecting firewood website.