City of Clarence is urging the community to report suspicious activity in its bushland reserves following the cutting of a Tasmanian Blue Gum estimated to be between 200 to 400 years old.
The ancient Eucalyptus globulus was cut down as part of extensive illegal wood-cutting activities at Pilcher’s Hill Reserve, near Geilston Bay and Risdon Vale, where trees are cut down, presumably for firewood.
This tree is listed as habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot, while many of the other cut trees were protected under legislation.
These activities are impacting almost all of Clarence’s 18 bushland reserves and raise serious environmental and public safety concerns.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the destruction of the ancient blue gum, presumably for firewood, was devastating for the reserves and local wildlife.
“Mature trees with hollows are incredibly important ecosystems in themselves. In a single old tree you could have at least ten different animal species living, nesting or sheltering inside it at any one time,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“Unfortunately, we are currently responding to illegal tree cutting in several of our bushland reserves, including Pilcher’s Hill Reserve, where dozens of trees have been targeted in recent weeks.
“This destruction is deeply disappointing. These trees provide critical habitat and food sources for native animals and once they are lost, they simply cannot be replaced.
Mayor Blomeley said protecting bushland reserves was a priority and urged anyone witnessing suspicious activity to contact Tasmania Police.
“We’re asking anyone who witnesses trees being cut, or suspicious activity such as the removal of timber or vehicles entering and leaving bushland areas, to report it to Tasmania Police,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We are actively monitoring the areas but even small pieces of information from the community can assist with enforcement and protection efforts.
“Many of our reserves can be accessed from multiple locations, including adjoining private land, which makes enforcement extremely challenging. That’s why community awareness and reporting are so important.”
Mayor Blomeley said Clarence’s bushland reserves were highly valued by the community for their environmental significance, natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
“We’re doing everything we can to stop these wood-cutting activities but we need the community’s help to make sure we don’t lose anymore ancient and threatened tree species,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We need to safeguard these natural places so wildlife can thrive and future generations can continue to experience the unique landscapes that make Clarence special.”
Landcare Tasmania CEO Peter Stronach said the loss of just one ancient tree in a natural area had devastating flow-on impacts.
“Illegal tree hooking in bushland reserves is not a minor offence, it causes long-term damage to fragile ecosystems. The loss of a mature Tasmanian Blue Gum at Pilchers Hill, potentially over two centuries old, is a serious blow to local habitat, including species like the Swift Parrot,” Mr Stronach said.
“Across Clarence, Landcare groups are doing the hard, consistent work to repair and protect these landscapes, from weed control and revegetation to rebuilding habitat and strengthening local stewardship. That work is slow, deliberate and easily undone,” he said.
“Protecting bushland is a shared responsibility, but it also requires accountability. We urge the community to report illegal activity, follow regulations and respect these places. A single act like this can undo years of restoration effort.”
Report it to Tas Police 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania 1800 333 000.