Publicity about trees stolen from the Warrington and
Waikouaiti reserves has led to "quite a few calls" to the
Dunedin City Council and the information is now being
investigated by police.
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board member Geraldine Tait raised
concerns last week after she noticed about 10 pine trees had
been felled and removed from the Warrington reserve during
the past six weeks.
Some trees had also been taken from Waikouaiti reserve.
It is illegal to remove trees from a reserve.
Constable Jon-Paul Tremain, of Waikouaiti, said police were
following a couple of lines of inquiry.
Council reserves officer Renee Gordon hoped investigations
would lead to court action or trespass notices being issued.
The trees provided some erosion protection and Ms Tait said
the "towering grand-daddy pines" provided an important
recreation area, as the city did not have many large trees.
Ms Gordon said the council was investigating placing more
signs at the reserves to make people aware felling trees was
illegal.
The present signs were old and not placed in the best
position, she said.
There had not been problems with trees being illegally felled
at other reserves.
edith.schofield@odt.co.nz
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