A man selling stolen trees at his Steinbach business is facing fines and possible jail time if he is convicted of breaching the Forest Act of Manitoba.
Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development conservation officers began an investigation into illegal tree harvesting on a Crown land plantation north of Marchand after receiving a tip on December 13, 2022.
Officers went to the plantation and witnessed a suspect removing trees from the area. 30 Black Spruce trees, a chainsaw and an additional 18 trees that had been cut down but not removed were seized. Investigators found that 167 trees had been cut and the majority of those were 20′ to 30′ tall with only the tops removed.
The suspect told officers that he was selling the trees at his business in Steinbach.
The trees were taken from an area that is used as a test area to grow high-quality trees for use in forestry renewal projects.
If convicted an individual faces a fine of up to $50,000 or up to six months in jail or both. A corporation faces fines of up to $250,000 for a first offence. In addition, there will be a requirement to pay provincial forestry dues.
The seized trees were donated to a Ukrainian church in Winnipeg to help newcomers enjoy their first holiday season in Canada.
Officials say that the plantation’s missing and damaged trees are a significant loss that negatively impacts long-term sustainable forest management projects in southern Manitoba.
