An early morning sting involving police, park rangers and timber workers has led to seven people being charged over alleged illegal firewood gathering in a reserve in southern Tasmania.
In a statement, police said a 33-year-old man from Oakdowns, near Hobart, was charged with 11 counts of trespass and 11 counts of stealing after he was allegedly caught in the Tin Pot Marsh Creek Reserve at Woodsdale cutting firewood at 4am on February 7.
It is alleged the man stole in excess of 50 tons of firewood with an estimated value of $10,000.
The man was arrested, charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.
Six other people identified during the operation will receive summonses to attend court for alleged stealing and trespass offences.
Police said they were tipped off about the illegal activities at Tin Pot Marsh Creek Reserve after conducting similar operations there in 2020, which resulted in the charging of 19 people.
Tasmania Police reminded the public that there are "processes involved in the gathering of firewood and that permits are available from Sustainable Timber Tasmania for the sole purpose of gathering firewood for personal use only".
"Police ask the public to be cautious when buying firewood and to ask questions to ensure that it has been sourced legally."
Anyone with information about illegal firewood gathering is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers through crimestopperstas.com.au.
