City investigate illegally felled trees for firewood

Published on Monday, 17 October 2022 at 8:50:12 AM

City of Albany Rangers are currently investigating a series of illegal tree felling offences that have occurred in City reserves over the past three months.

The increase in illegal tree felling is particularly concerning for the City due to the felled trees often being more than 100 years old and of the Jarrah tree family. These trees typically form the breeding hollows for local endangered bird species.

Albany is a recognised breeding area for Baudin’s Black Cockatoo and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo as well as a distribution area for Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo. All of which often call these jarrah trees their homes.

The endangered Western Ringtail Possum is also found within the large, aged trees of Albany making the act of illegal tree felling a threat to the longevity of the species.

It is understood that these trees are being felled illegally in order to be used and/or sold for heating homes through firewood heaters.

Sourcing and selling firewood without a required permit is an offence. The addition of illegally felling trees can attract fines for individuals and companies of up to $250,000 and 7 years imprisonment.

Manager Public Health and Safety Scott Reitsema said the City takes the protection of endangered species seriously.

“The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 prescribe a number of offences for activities that threaten endangered and vulnerable species,” he said.

“As a result of land clearing for developments, roads, agriculture and new homes, readily available hardwood for wood fires is becoming scarce and more expensive.

“This means that illegal operators aren’t just taking advantage of the high price of firewood, they are destroying some of our oldest trees and putting our native wildlife at risk.”

Community should be vigilant when purchasing firewood, particularly online and report any suspicious activity to the City by calling 6820 3999 or using the Report It function on the website.

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