The City of Clarence has reported the illegal felling of a Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) estimated to be between 200 and 400 years old at Pilcher’s Hill Reserve, near Geilston Bay and Risdon Vale. The tree, which is listed as habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot, was cut down as part of a broader pattern of illegal wood-cutting activity affecting the council’s bushland reserves.

Council says the activity — commonly referred to as wood-hooking — is now impacting almost all of Clarence’s 18 bushland reserves, where trees are being felled, presumably for firewood. Many of the affected trees are protected under legislation.

Mayor Brendan Blomeley described the loss as devastating for both the reserves and local wildlife. “Mature trees with hollows are incredibly important ecosystems in themselves. In a single old tree you could have at least ten different animal species living, nesting or sheltering inside it at any one time,” he said.

The Mayor acknowledged the enforcement challenge posed by the geography of the reserves. “Many of our reserves can be accessed from multiple locations, including adjoining private land, which makes enforcement extremely challenging. That’s why community awareness and reporting are so important.”

Landcare Tasmania CEO Peter Stronach said the incident underscored the long-term damage that a single illegal act could inflict on fragile ecosystems. He noted that Landcare groups across Clarence undertake painstaking restoration work — from weed control and revegetation to habitat rebuilding — that can be undone rapidly by activity of this kind.

Council is asking residents who witness trees being cut, timber being removed, or vehicles entering and leaving bushland areas to report the activity to Tasmania Police. Council officers are actively monitoring the affected reserves.