A number of wood thieves across Tasmania are facing fines of more than $1,000 as the state’s parks service cracks down on illegal firewood collection in protected reserves.
Parks and Wildlife (PWS) has charged several people in recent weeks, with penalties covering everything from chainsaw possession to vehicle trespass in national parks.
A 31-year-old Deloraine man was fined $3,690 after allegedly being caught stealing wood two days in a row, trespassing with his vehicle and committing chainsaw offences.
A 43-year-old Ravenswood resident was fined $1,640 for repeatedly taking firewood near Beaconsfield and Kimberley.
Several other offenders from Beaconsfield, aged between 27 and 31, received fines ranging from $820 to $2,050 for similar offences.
“Illegally harvested wood is stolen property,” PWS said.
“Ongoing investigations are underway in reserves such as Pelham, Brown Mountain, Huonville, Kimberley, Dasher River and several other reserved areas of the West Coast where we are aiming to identify commercial-scale operators.”
The service is urging Tasmanians to buy firewood only from Firewood Association of Australia-accredited sellers or legitimate forest operations.
“Reputable wood suppliers will be able to certify the origin of the firewood,” PWS added.
