The investigative police in Chile are looking into a report of illegal logging in a native forest for the construction of a road to a dam on the Cuervo River, a project of the Energía Austral company. Peter Hartmann, regional director of the National Committee for the Defense of Flora and Fauna, filed a complaint with the regional attorney general’s office.

It involves 10 to 20 hectares of native forest, “including the protected cypress of Guaitecas (Pilgerodendron uviferum), which is environmental harm against the heritage of all Chileans. The government must uphold this right and apply the corresponding sanctions,” Hartmann told Tierramérica.

Energía Austral has an agreement with the Ministry of Public Works for the construction of the road, despite the fact that the proposed dam has not yet been approved by the Regional Environmental Commission.