Four fined for illegal wood cutting

FOUR men have been fined for illegal wood cutting in a reserve after a joint operation by Tasmania Police and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in the state's NorthWest this week.

The Devonport and East Devonport residents - aged 37, 33, 31 and 24 - were intercepted in a reserve in the Claude Road, Gowrie Park area on August 10.

They each received on-the-spot fines of $852 and two of the men were also fined $410 each for driving a motor vehicle within the reserve.

Senior Sergeant Martin Parker of the Latrobe Police Station said police received numerous reports of illegal wood cutting,and advised members of the community to be vigilant and only purchase firewood from reputable sellers. 

“The cutting of firewood from reserves without a permit is illegal, and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with Tasmania Police, will continue operations to apprehend those responsible," he said.

"People committing these offences can be issued with hefty fines and risk having their chainsaws and associated equipment seized.”

“The cutting of firewood from private property without permission from the owners, or land owned by Sustainable Timber Tasmania, is also illegal and offenders will be liable to being charged and proceeded against in court.” 

Anyone with information about illegal firewood cutting or sales should contact police on 131 444, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au