Forestry Department seizes more illegally harvested timber

The Forestry Department says it seized an additional 600 pieces of lumber on Monday that were illegally cut from the Cockpit Country Forest Reserve.

The team from the department was supported by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) during the eight-hour operation to retrieve the planks, which were reportedly hidden several miles inside the forest reserve accessed from Quickstep in St Elizabeth.

"The operation on Monday was conducted without any adverse incident. There was no civil disorder, and the police ensured the safety of the officers of the State Agency," the department said.

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Since the operation began on Friday, the Forestry Department has seized over 750 planks taken from various native trees, including the Jamaican mahogany, blue mahoe, bitterwood, bitter damsel and prickley yellow.

“Given the scale of the operation, it was evident that the activities were organised. It is clear that this is a well-coordinated and funded activity that had been executed over several weeks,” Ainsley Henry, Chief Executive Officer and Conservator of Forests said.

"Despite our efforts, it is clear that some planks were taken out prior to the commencement of our operations on Friday, and so we are encouraging Jamaicans to question the source of local lumber being purchased. Anyone who is trading in locally produced timber must have a valid and current sawmill licence. If you're unsure of what it looks like, you can visit our website for an example,” Henry continued.

Henry added that the agency continues its investigations in partnership with the JCF and remains resolute in the protection and management of Jamaica's forest resources. 

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