Conaf halts operations due to illegal intervention of native forest in Curarrehue

The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) ordered the immediate suspension of forestry operations on a property in the commune of Curarrehue, after detecting the execution of works outside the scope authorized in a current management plan.

The measure affects the property known as "Lote Tres," located in the Puala Alto sector, where an unauthorized felling of native forest was confirmed, associated with the construction and widening of a forest road.

According to the technical report, part of the road's route was built outside the area covered by the management plan approved by Conaf, and it also exceeds the authorized width, which was 6 meters, reaching over 20 meters in some sections.

"As Conaf, we have the legal mandate to protect native forests and ensure compliance with current regulations. In this case, interventions were detected outside the established and authorized ranges in the management plan, specifically regarding the construction widths of the proposed road, constituting an unauthorized felling of native forest, which led to the immediate suspension of operations. These types of actions aim to prevent further damage to native forests, soil, water, and other potential environmental harms, and to ensure that any intervention in native forests is carried out under the technical and legal criteria defined by law, thus protecting our ecosystems," stated Héctor Tillería, regional director of Conaf.

Likewise, the removal of native vegetation, the spillage of material into surrounding areas, and slopes exceeding established parameters were evidenced, which could generate environmental impacts, especially in terms of erosion and ecosystem damage.

Given these findings, and in accordance with current regulations aimed at promoting sustainable management through the use of management plans, bonuses, and preservation, safeguarding biodiversity and soil, Conaf resolved to order the immediate suspension of all operations at the site, including felling, exploitation, logging, and removal of forest products.

The instruction was also communicated to Carabineros de Chile, with the aim of ensuring compliance with the measure.

From the institution, they indicated that these actions seek to safeguard forest heritage and ensure that interventions in native forests comply with approved management plans and current environmental regulations. Likewise, the community is invited, if they have doubts or questions, to approach Conaf offices in the region, which will allow them to receive guidance on forest resource management.

In parallel, new field inspections are being evaluated, incorporating technology to more precisely measure the affected area and determine potential responsibilities. Conaf maintains permanent monitoring of the region's forest resources through digital tools, such as high-resolution satellite imagery and drones, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

This case reinforces the importance of strictly complying with forestry legislation, considering that unauthorized interventions can lead to administrative, civil, and even criminal sanctions.