Shepparton has had an ongoing problem with illegal clearing of timber from state parks, especially along the Goulburn River.
The multi-agency operation has been launched to protect wildlife habitat.
Conservation Regulator authorised officers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Parks Victoria rangers have combined for Operation Hollows, targeting people attempting to illegally cut or remove trees for firewood.
“It’s important to remember that cutting trees for firewood is habitat destruction,” Parks Victoria Enforcement and Regulatory Services senior manager Ron Waters said.
“Anyone illegally taking firewood is taking a home away from one of our threatened native wildlife species.
“Do the right thing: source your firewood legally and help our native species survive.”
Firewood can be legally collected from designated areas during collection seasons.
Illegal timber harvesters target more isolated areas where the trees and fallen timber are crucial habitats for native wildlife such as the powerful owl, greater glider, fat-tailed dunnart, spotted-tail quoll, and small geckos, skinks and lizards. Some trees removed illegally also have cultural significance.
The ongoing operation also targets people selling large quantities of illegal firewood.
Conservation Regulator regulatory operations acting director Greg Chant said only purchasing firewood from reputable sources could help preserve habitat.
“Most people collecting domestic firewood follow the rules and respect the environment, and we appreciate the community’s assistance in reporting suspicious behaviour by calling 136 186,” he said.
The maximum penalty for people caught illegally destroying habitat trees is $8261 plus potential seizure of equipment, including vehicles and chainsaws and/or one year in prison.
From March to November 2020, 183 people were fined a total of $98,801 for illegally removing wood from widespread areas across the state.
For details of where, when and what firewood can be collected, visit www.ffm.vic.gov/firewood
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