In the USA, for the first time ever, investigators have used tree DNA as evidence in court to help convict a wood poacher. In July 2021, two men were convicted of conspiracy, theft of public property, depredation of public property, trafficking in unlawfully harvested timber, and attempting to traffic in unlawfully harvested timber.

They had the temerity to steal Maple trees from a national forest by sawing them into manageable rounds. These trees were especially valuable because they're used to make musical instruments. The most coveted musical maples have special marks, called "figuring," that indicate they're of higher value for musical use. There are several types of figured maple, all with distinctive patterns.

It may sound strange that tree genes were used in court; however, plants are made of cells that contain genetic information, just like humans and animals. Plant cells are set apart by qualities like their cellulose cell walls.

It is only a matter of time before the tree gene technology hits Australia, so knocking off roadside wood could become perilous, but logs for the open fire will have a modicum of protection.

COSTLY BEHAVIOUR

The activist who was fined one dollar after stealing a goat from a Gippsland farm will need to arrange bridging finance if he and his ilk do not rein in their obnoxious behaviour. The penalties included in a bill to hit the Victorian parliament next week will put to bed frivolous fines.

Under the new laws, farm trespassers will face on-the-spot fines of $1272 for an individual or $8178 for an organisation. More serious offending includes fines of up to $10,904 for an individual and up to $54,522 for an organisation. Of course, activists will use Cloud Funding, but the fines will have an impact greater than the small change in a money box.

A smooth run through parliament would see the new fines applicable in 2022.