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Conaf Detects Million-Dollar Illegal Logging of Lenga on Public Land in Aysén
Extensive illegal logging of native forest was discovered in the Lago Frío sector of the Aysén Region during a joint inspection by the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Carabineros, and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of National Assets.
At the site, unauthorized logging of 32.11 hectares of lenga was confirmed, with an estimated volume of over 5,200 cubic meters of firewood, valued at more than 104 million pesos.
The operation lacked an approved forest management plan, leading to the arrest of six individuals in flagrante delicto, along with the seizure of vehicles and tools used for logging, processing, and transporting the material. The affected land belongs to the state, and the case details have been submitted to the Coyhaique Prosecutor's Office, which is leading the investigation.
Ronald Valenzuela, Regional Director of Conaf Aysén, highlighted the role of citizen collaboration in detecting the illegal activity:
"When purchasing firewood, we must demand the Free Transit Guide, the only document that certifies the product's legal origin. If it is not provided, the wood likely comes from unauthorized logging," he stated.
Valenzuela urged the community to report such practices to the Prosecutor's Office and Conaf. Illegal logging of native forests is penalized under Law No. 20,283, and since the enactment of Law No. 21,488, it can also be classified as timber theft.
