Three Warragul men are among a growing number of people being fined this year for illegally removing firewood from state or national parks.

The men faced multiple charges for offences in October and November 2018.

All matters have been heard in the Korumburra Magistrates’ Court this year.

In the first matter, a Warragul man was fined $2000 after facing four counts of taking two cubic metres of more of timber without authority.

In a separate matter before the court, the other two men were fined $4000 and $3000.

One of the men was charged with two counts of taking two cubic metres or less of timber without authority, and six counts of taking two cubic metres or more of timber without authority.

The second man was charged with one count of taking two cubic metres or less of timber without authority, and five counts of taking two cubic metres or more of timber without authority.

Their offences related to the theft of firewood from Mirboo North National Park.  The timber was removed from trees that were illegally felled and removed in old growth forest known to support the endangered Powerful Owl and Greater Glide.

From March to November 2020, 183 people were fined a total of $98,801 for illegally removing wood from widespread areas across the state.

This year, court results for illegally cutting or taking trees have included the two Warragul men as well as a Koyuga man fined $2000, two Wangaratta men fined $1500 each and a Tinamba man fined $800.

Firewood theft from state and national parks is an ongoing issue and Friends of Rokeby-Crossover Trail members recently raised concerns about offenders entering the park area, cutting down trees and removing firewood.

Conservation Regulator authorised officers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Parks Victoria rangers have combined for Operation Hollows, targeting people attempting to illegally cut or remove trees for firewood.

The ongoing operation also targets people selling large quantities of illegal firewood.