The collection of illegal firewood is being targeted in Operation Hollows.
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Two Wangaratta men were fined more than $1500 each this year for illegally taking trees from the Warby Ovens National Park.
Compliance checks involving Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Parks Victoria rangers are targeting those attempting to illegally cut or remove trees for firewood.
The ongoing operation also targets people selling large quantities of illegal firewood.
The maximum penalty for people caught illegally destroying habitat trees is $8261 and/or one year in prison.
From March to November 2020, 183 people were fined a total of $98,801 for illegally removing wood from widespread areas across the state.
These fines ranged from $165 to $661.
Rangers and officers are patrolling public land across the state, enforcing the law and educating people about firewood collection rules.
Parks Victoria enforcement and regulatory services senior manager Ron Waters said it was important to remember cutting trees for firewood is habitat destruction.
"Anyone illegally taking firewood is taking a home away from one of our threatened native wildlife species," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Do the right thing: source your firewood legally and help our native species survive."
The community can report suspicious behaviour by calling 136 186.
Those purchasing firewood can help preserve habitat and heritage by ensuring they buy from reputable sources.
For details of where, when and what firewood can be collected, visit www.ffm.vic.gov/firewood.
