Nineteen people charged after joint operation targeting $1 million firewood theft

Almost 20 people have been charged after a tip-off about large-scale wood thefts in southern Tasmania — prompting police to issue a warning over gathering firewood illegally. SEE THE PICTURES

Nineteen people will be summonsed to appear in court following a major joint operation targeting wood thefts in Tin Pot Marsh Creek reserve areas. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

NINETEEN people have been charged with a total of 241 offences following a major joint operation targeting the theft of about $1 million worth of firewood.

The long-running operation by Tasmania Police and Parks and Wildlife Services was launched after information was received about large-scale wood thefts in Tin Pot Marsh Creek reserve areas at Woodsdale.

Parks and Wildlife identified “substantial damage” to patches of forest in the area, determining about 1295ha had been impacted by the unlawful cutting of wood.

1295ha of forest in the area has been damaged by illegal firewood gathering. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Senior Sergeant Phil Curtis of the Bridgewater Police Division said covert surveillance was used throughout the operation.

“Nineteen people have now been charged with a total of 241 offences directly in relation to the woodcutting activities occurring within this region,” he said.

“These offences range from unlawful possession of property, trespass, cut trees or vegetation on Crown Land, unlawfully take any natural substance from Crown Land and fail to comply with a notice of demand.”

Each of the alleged offenders will be summonsed to appear in court.

Parks and Wildlife state compliance co-ordinator Michael Spaulding said there were lots of “rare and vulnerable species” in the area, including wedge-tailed eagles and swift parrots.

“Chopping down these trees can stop the breeding cycles of these animals, and makes it harder for them to survive in the bush,” he said.

“On top of that, driving in the area, off the roads can impact on different flora species.”

Tasmanians buying firewood should check it has been sourced legally and ethically. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Police reminded the public that there were processes involved in the gathering of firewood, and that permits available from Sustainable Timbers Tasmania are for the sole purpose of gathering firewood for personal use only.

The sale of firewood obtained under those permits is not authorised.

“Illegal cutting of wood not only impacts on our parks and reserves, but police are also concerned of risks posed by the manner in which debris is left across tracks and in the forest canopy,” Senior Sergeant Curtis said.

“This has the potential to interfere with access, such as for firefighting or posing a threat to people using the areas lawfully.

“People are reminded to be cautious when buying firewood and ask questions to ensure it has been sourced legally and ethically.”

Anyone with information about illegal firewood gathering should contact Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au