RANGERS are investigating after dozens of native trees were poisoned at Lake Macquarie.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed it would investigate after 70 native trees were poisoned in the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area.
Ranger Andrew Hampstead said the Nords Wharf discovery was being taken very seriously.
"This is a concerning find and we're working hard to get more information," he said. "The area is an endangered ecological community, and these trees provided important habitat for local fauna.
"This space exists to protect our natural environment for the future, so to see that someone would go to such lengths to purposely destroy that same environment is disappointing to say the least.
Poisoning native vegetation is a crime under the National Pars and Wildlife Act. It carries penalties of up to six months imprisonment.
The area has previously been the focus of rangers after illegal campers cut down trees in the area for firewood.
Illegal vehicle access in the area has also been a focus.
Anyone who has information or saw something is urged to come forward to the parks authority by calling 4972 9000.
