Two Rotorua men could face up to two years' imprisonment and a $100,000 fine after they were caught stealing 54 ponga logs from public conservation land recently.

Part of an ongoing surveillance operation, Department of Conservation compliance officers caught the men cutting and removing ponga logs from the Rotoehu Conservation Area recently.

Two men will appear in the Rotorua District Court next week after they were caught stealing 54 ponga logs from the the Rotoehu Conservation Area recently. Photo File.

Along with the 54 logs, officers also seized a trailer and a chainsaw. The two men are set to appear in the Rotorua District Court next week.

Operations manager Jeff Milham says DOC believes the ponga logs taken from DOC land are being sold commercially across the central North Island.

'Theft of timber, firewood and ponga logs from public conservation areas is a nationwide issue which has ongoing effects for conservation values” explains Jeff.

'It's an issue DOC takes very seriously and we are actively working with the community and using ongoing surveillance measures to combat this illegal activity.”

Jeff says investigating illegal activity like this can be challenging without support from local community.

He is urging the public and landscaping or firewood merchants to check the source of any ponga or firewood they buy to ensure it is from a legitimate source on private land.

'It is an offence to remove or knowingly receive any vegetation from public conservation land. The maximum sentence for the offence is two years' imprisonment and a $100,000 fine, and offenders risk forfeiture of vehicles, trailers and equipment,” says Jeff.

If you sees any suspicious activity around local reserves or conservation areas call the Department of Conservation of its toll free number 0800 DOCHOT (362 468)