FACEBOOK buy and sell pages and bidding war websites are being monitored by the Department of Parks and Wildlife for illegal firewood sales in the South West.
DPAW sustainable forest management regional leader Tony Mennen said the unauthorised collection and trade of firewood was an ongoing concern in the region.
Mr Mennen said while many people do the right thing, there was an increase in people collecting firewood without a licence or permit and selling it illegally online.
“We are working with site administrators and WA Police to stop these sales, but we also appreciate public assistance in reporting any suspicious activity to us,” he said.
Mr Mennen said it was important to manage and regulate firewood collection to protect forests and habitat for native animals.
“Collecting firewood from national parks and reserves is prohibited, but we do make available designated areas in state forests across the South West for the public to collect deadwood from the ground for personal use,” he said.
“A Forest Products Commission production contract is required to source firewood from state forest for sale, and people should only purchase firewood from commercial sellers that are listed on the Forest Product Commission’s website.
“People collecting firewood from outside approved areas without an appropriate licence or permit faces penalties.
“Last month a Busselton resident was fined more than $4000 for felling standing trees and other associated offences.”
For more information visit fpc.wa.gov.au/firewood, dpaw.wa.gov.au/news/item/618-collecting-firewood-in-the-south-west or phone your nearest Parks and Wildlife office.
