SHIRE of Mundaring is reminding the community that picking wildflowers in State forests and reserves is a fineable offence.
The warning comes after an incident was reported at Lake Leschenaultia which involved visitors picking and attempting to remove large quantities of wildflowers from bushland surrounding the lake.
Located on a Crown Reserve in Chidlow, Lake Leschenaultia is managed by the Shire and is a popular recreation site in the Perth Hills.
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READ NOWRecreation and leisure services manager Kirk Kitchin said the incident was reported to a staff member at the lake on September 17.
“On this occasion a person camping at the lake witnessed two other visitors carrying bunches of wildflowers to their car,” he said.
“The camper confiscated the flowers and reported the incident to Lake Leschenaultia staff.
“Unfortunately by this time the perpetrators had moved on and the damage had already been done with a significant number of flowers uprooted and removed from their natural habitat.”
The native wildflowers surrounding the lake are one of the site’s major drawcards and one of the reasons Lake Leschenaultia is renowned for its picturesque bushwalk trails.
Mr Kitchin said wildflowers were a protected species under provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.
A person taking or selling protected flora without authority of a licence could incur fines of up to $10,000.
”When it comes to native plants ‘look but don’t touch’ is the best approach to ensure longevity of the native plants that make the lake and other sites so special,” he said.
The Shire is investigating signage to deter visitors from picking flowers at the lake.
Incidents of flora removal can be reported to the Shire or Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
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