Earlier this month, an investigation into illegal tree harvesting was started by Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development on a Crown land plantation near Marchand, Manitoba.
The investigation began after a tip was received from the public. Later, on December 13th, conservation officers observed a suspect bringing trees out of the plantation. The plantation itself is a valuable test area that grows high-quality trees for forestry renewal projects in southern Manitoba.
30 black spruce trees and a chainsaw were seized, along with 18 trees that had been cut but not yet removed. All together, 167 trees were cut and the majority of them were between 20 and 30 feet tall.
The suspect said that he was selling the trees at his business in the city of Steinbach. He now faces charges under the Forest Act of Manitoba and if convicted, faces a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail.
Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development reminds Manitobans that a tree permit is needed to cut trees on crown land. Once you have that, you can cut a coniferous tree up to three metres high with a limit of one per household.
The harvested trees were donated to a Ukrainian church in Winnipeg.
