Man charged with clearing more than 100 native trees in State’s west

A Wimmera man has been charged with 113 offences after allegedly clearing native vegetation from an area of the Cherrypool State Forest, south of Horsham, adjacent to his property in February 2023.

The 51-year-old is accused of illegally cutting and removing more than 100 native trees, dumping more than 1000 litres of waste, and using a vehicle to damage public land without authorisation.

It is also alleged that the man disturbed two protected native plants – the narrow-leaved wattle (acacia mucronata) and sphagnum moss (sphagnum) – species that are part of protected genera under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. These plants are important for maintaining biodiversity by protecting soil quality and providing habitat for small birds.

The Conservation Regulator investigated after receiving information about suspected illegal clearing.

When Authorised Officers inspected the site, they observed approximately 100 tree stumps in the forest, and several stacks of logs and woody debris on the adjoining farmland. Large piles of dumped fencing material were also located in the forest, about 100 metres away from the property boundary.

In Victoria, it is illegal to cut or remove native vegetation on public land or damage protected flora without authorisation. Offenders face maximum penalties of up to $9,615 and/or 12 months in jail per charge.

The man will appear before Horsham Magistrates’ Court on 29 April 2024.

Anyone with information about illegal land clearing or other environmental crime is urged to report it by calling 136 186. Callers can remain anonymous.

Any illegal removal of native vegetation is devastating for biodiversity, and the loss of these native species will impact the health of the Cherrypool State Forest and the wildlife that depends on it.

The Conservation Regulator is committed to protecting our threatened native species from illegal destruction and we take all allegations of native vegetation clearing seriously. The community can help by reporting suspicious activity to us on 136 186.