Thefts cut deep
UNLAWFUL and dangerous tree-felling in forestry areas is fuelling a growing illegal firewood trade, Forestry Tasmania says.
More than 1000 tonnes of firewood will be “stolen” from forestry coupes this year by individuals without permits or the proper training, spokesman Ken Jeffreys told the Sunday Tasmanian.
The problem is “rife” around Lilydale in the state’s north, Triabunna on the East Coast and in the Huon and Derwent valleys in the south, another Forestry spokesman said.
The rogue operators are motivated by the state’s “harsh economic conditions” and, in many cases, sell the wood from utes and trailers on the sides of roads and highways while leaving behind dangerous hazards in forestry bushland.
“There appear to be some people who, because of economic times more than anything else, are loading up their utes [with wood from the coupes] and selling it to individuals to make a bit of money on the side and they’re doing it without the appropriate licences,” Mr Jeffreys said.
“It’s dangerous, it’s illegal and it’s a growing problem.
“I think a lot of the time it is just ignorance, where they don’t understand what the rules are and they think the state forests are free and available for wood collection.”
Mr Jeffreys encouraged people seeking firewood to purchase a permit.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/05/13/327771_tasmania-news.html
Dave Groves
