Conservation Regulator Victoria authorised officers worked with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to seize the allegedly stolen river red gum timber on Thursday, July 24.
At 5am, the Melton man became bogged while driving a rented vehicle off-road at Reedy Lake, Conservation Regulator Victoria said.
The confiscated tandem trailer attached to the vehicle was loaded with two chainsaws and recently cut river red gum timber.
The incident follows a similar event occurring on Wednesday, July 2, involving another Melton man, who was intercepted twice in one day by Conservation Regulator authorised officers for allegedly illegally felling and removing River Red Gum timber at Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve.
Conservation Regulator Victoria Hume manager of regulatory operations Greg Chant said those who illegally harvested timber could face prosecution.
“We are working with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to disrupt illegal firewood harvesting across Victoria and prevent further damage to this ecologically and culturally significant area,” Mr Chant said.
“The message to black market firewood operators is that if you’re caught illegally harvesting timber from public land for commercial sale, you will be held accountable for the environmental damage, and risk facing prosecution and losing your vehicles and equipment.”
River red gums play a significant role in the natural ecosystem, and it is an offence to cut them down.
Dead but standing river red gums provide a vital roosting habitat for threatened species, such as the white-bellied sea eagle.
The recent seizure is part of a Conservation Regulator Victoria statewide crackdown on the illegal taking of firewood for commercial purposes, named Taskforce Ironbark.
Taskforce Ironbark is delivered in partnership with Parks Victoria.
Those who observe suspicious firewood activity are urged to call 136 186, and reports can be made anonymously.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/yck4r95f
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