Environmental vandals causing problems in state forests

During the past month several large red gums have been felled without authorisation at Middle Beach in MIA Section 2 Forest near Yanco and Berry Jerry State Forest near Wagga Wagga.

Forests NSW acting sales/operations officer at Yanco, Rod Foster, said the trees were felled for no apparent reason.

“They were healthy green trees. One tree at Middle Beach, had been cut two thirds the way through, and was left standing near one of the most popular beaches in the area. If it had not been detected, a serious accident may have occurred,” he said.

Mr Foster said theft and vandalism were big problems in forests along the Murrumbidgee River.

“Recently about $2000 of railway iron was stolen from Middle Beach. The iron formed a barrier fence in the picnic area and was welded together.

“The thieves used oxy acetylene to cut the railway iron from the posts, which would have taken a fair amount of effort and time,” he said. 

Mr Foster said damage to garbage bins and signs was also a major problem in the area. 

“These types of infrastructures are put in place to help the public and to keep our forests free from rubbish. It is a shame that they are being vandalised by a small group of people, which in turn costs everyone in the community,” he said.

In an effort to stop the vandalism, Forests NSW is increasing its forest patrols in conjunction with the local police, who have indicated they will increase their patrols in the Middle Beach area, especially at night.

“When we catch these vandals we will not hesitate to prosecute them,” Mr Foster said.

Anyone seeing any form of vandalism in the forests should contact Forests NSW Yanco office on (02) 6951 2508 or 0427 262 257 (after hours).

Photos available.