Shire acts on tree felling

The Shire has called in State authorities for two recent cases of alleged illegal tree felling amid a spate of recent clearings.

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River rangers have investigated the incidents near Elizabeth Street in Margaret River and in crown reserve in Rosa Brook, handing their evidence to the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions.

A person is said to have been “caught in the act” during the alleged Rosa Brook incident.

Shire chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown said it was a stark warning for residents of laws pertaining to tree removal and gathering firewood in Shire reserves, on crown land, and in national parks.

“The Shire takes the clearing of native vegetation seriously,” she said.

“We will prosecute anyone taking wood from Shire reserves and will refer evidence of clearing on crown land to the relevant State agency.”

Websites clearly detailed where firewood could be collected lawfully, Ms Addison-Brown said.

The maximum penalty for clearing without a permit is $250,000.