Donnybrook Takes Stand Against Illegal Firewood Trade Threatening Local Forests

Residents of Donnybrook are rallying against the rampant illegal firewood collection that is not only degrading their forests but also undermining local businesses. The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup has decided to investigate protective measures after community outcry over large-scale tree felling in non-designated areas.

Colleen Bandy, a local resident, expressed her concerns, noting the distressing sight of chainsaws and fallen trees in nearby bushlands. "I cry when I see beautiful big habitat trees that have been felled," she lamented, highlighting the ecological damage as trees essential for bird and possum habitats are lost.

Geoff North, a farm forester from Walpole, echoed these sentiments, revealing that illegal firewood harvesting is severely impacting his legitimate business. "If someone’s just able to go and collect it for free illegally, it's just got to make it hard for my customers to sell their wood at a decent return," he stated, emphasizing the long-standing challenge posed by illegal collectors.

In a recent council meeting, the Shire unanimously approved a motion to assess the situation and address the illegal activities that have been reported. Councillor Anita Lindemann shared her observations of trees cut down close to town, alongside issues like unauthorized vehicle tracks and insufficient oversight of online wood sales.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions confirmed that firewood gathering is permitted only from designated areas and noted ongoing efforts to patrol known hotspots for illegal collection.

Source: www.abc.net.au