26 September 2023

Call on visitors to respect State parks

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Parks Victoria is urging visitors to respect the natural environment and only obtain firewood from legal sources to prevent the destruction of native habitat.

Parks Victoria said a Wangaratta man had been prosecuted and fined after he was caught cutting up fallen trees in Warby Ovens National Park by rangers and Victoria Police officers.

“The Warby-Ovens National Park is important for the survival of species such as the Squirrel Glider, Feathertail Glider, Powerful Owl, Turquoise Parrot, Carpet Python and Lace Monitor,” Parks Victoria said.

“Cutting down and removing trees from parks destroys habitat that our native plants and animals depend on for survival,” it said.

“It is vital to preserve dead standing trees and fallen logs as they are shelter and nesting sites for many native species.”

It said some older trees within remnant bushland, such as scar trees, also had significant Aboriginal cultural heritage.

“Park rangers and Conservation Regulator officers routinely patrol public land to deter illegal activity,” it said.

“Concealed cameras are also temporarily placed in specific areas in parks across the state to help identify offenders.”

Park Victoria said domestic firewood collection was only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during the firewood collection seasons.

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