Were you bush camping this weekend?
Our Authorised Officers from the Conservation Regulator and FFMVic were kept busy over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, with multiple reports of destructive and dangerous behaviour by campers and vehicle users.
Authorised Officers checked-in with more than 1200 people across the region, most of whom were doing the right thing over the extended break. There were, however, a number of offences committed, including:
Seasonal gates breached days prior to planned opening Littering offences A dozen unattended campfires Off-road vehicle use (including unregistered vehicles) Camping within 20m of a waterway including on a Tambo River island subject to flash flooding Tree fellingIn one case, environmentally sensitive alpine areas around Big Plain and Low Plain within the Nunniong Natural Features and Scenic Reserve were driven on, despite clearly being too wet for vehicle access.
If you see illegal or dangerous behaviour, take note of vehicle make, model, registration and the time and date. Report illegal activity to us on 136 186.
For more information about rules in state forests, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests
