Don McDonald can't believe Squamish has yet to see serious accidents as a result of illegal firewood harvesting.
"It really surprises me I haven't found somebody stuck under a tree," the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations compliance and enforcement officer said. "Guys get killed by [falling trees] correctly and it's obvious from some of the cuts, these guys don't know what they're doing."
Although it's an ongoing issue, over the past three months the Squamish Forest District officials have noticed a significant rise in illegal wood harvesting. The economy is down, the snow level is high and the winter has been cold - all factors that could be contributing to the surge, McDonald said.
"All of a sudden there are more stumps appearing."
The ministry issues free permits, which specify where one can go for firewood. The application system helps the ministry educate people on harvesting rules and gives the Province an idea of how much volume is acquired.
The free firewood permits aren't intended for commercial use, he noted. As with the firewood permits, commercial tenders can be obtained through the Squamish Forest District office at 42000 Loggers Lane or online at www.for.gov.bc.ca/dsc/Permits/Firewood.htm.
A lot of times, illegal harvesters target live trees, which is unnecessary, said Mark Scott, a compliance and enforcement officer who works out of Powell River. The ministry keeps track of previously harvested areas and rights-of-way in which fallen trees can be claimed.
"We are adding extra resources to it [catching illegal harvesting]," Scott said.
Wood harvesting without permits can result in a minimum fine of $173. If there's additional environmental damage, the fine amount quickly rises. The public can do its part to crack down on the damaging activity, McDonald said. When purchasing firewood, ask where the wood is from and insist on getting a load slip. Firewood bought and sold without the proper documentation can be seized and removed by compliance and enforcement officers.
McDonald encourages citizens who see suspicious tree falling taking place to email him at [email protected].
"It is a very hard thing to catch," he said.
