Francis Carey, of Beechworth, pleaded guilty to three charges relating to taking forest produce for firewood from state forest without a permit.

Surveillance footage showed Carey and his wife Joanne entering the Dingle Forest Block, near Beechworth, in August last year.

The pair left the forest an hour later with more than the designated amount of firewood loaded in the rear compartment of their vehicle.

Surveillance cameras had been set up by The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning over two days as part of a state operation.

A warrant to search Carey’s property led authorities to the illegal firewood.

Carey and his wife were both charged with offences relating to the removal of more than two cubic metres of forest produce outside of the designated firewood collection areas.

As a repeat offender, Carey must now pay $3000 to Landcare Australia, however it could have been more with the same offences potentially carrying fines of up to $7380, along with one year imprisonment or both.

His wife was remitted to the diversion scheme which gives first-time offenders the opportunity to avoid a criminal record by undertaking conditions that benefit the offender, victim and the community as a whole.

Department district manager Ovens Jarrod Hayse said the case acted as a timely reminder in the lead up to the Autumn firewood collection season which begins in Victoria tomorrow.

“We understand that some households rely on firewood for winter energy, however, it’s important that people collect firewood from designated areas, within the collection period and stay within collection limits,” Mr Hayse said.

“People are only allowed to take a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year from designated collection areas.

To check designated collection areas visit delwp.vic.gov.au/firewood.