Updated: 104 trees vandalised - Mellieha council promises to double them

Josef Laspina

Apr 30th 2010, 15:44

Maltese Orcs come with fire, they come with axes...
gnawing, biting, breaking, hacking, burning. Destroyers and usurpers, curse
them.

V Falzon

Apr 28th 2010, 21:27

@ Carmel Saliba
So it would appear that by your standards no woodland or forest on earth is "decent", as trees happen to dislike to grow in straight lines.

Thank God you are not nature's architect, or there would be a huge version of Versailles Gardens in Brazil... instead of the Amazon rainforest! :)

Carmel Saliba

Apr 28th 2010, 18:16

I condemned the attacks held in at the Foresta 2000 woodland in Mellieħa.

But I mostly condemn those who planned this Foresta 2000.

Why the trees were not planned in straight lines so that we will have a decent place where our children can go for some fresh air. In case of a fire, the way how the Foresta 2000 is planned - if planned, there will be no accessibility for a fire-engine.

Is the Maghtab Project in the same line?

HOPE NOT.

Rene Savona Ventura

Apr 28th 2010, 13:50

Just cannot understand these irresponsible people. Why would someone do such offense.Disgrace. I agree with a cctv installation. Maybe we find this/ these cowboys. I suggest the Police and local wardens patrol these areas more frequent.

mf vincenti

Apr 28th 2010, 11:02

This is nothing but egoistic childish spite: You can't teach those whose mentality is set in ignorant bliss. The only good thing is that the fools who carry out this kind of vandalism are a dying breed - thanks to education & awareness. Another 15 years and we'll have far less of these idiots running around throwing two year old tantrums - pity that in the meantime we'll all have less trees for shade, more soil erosion and less oxygen for all to breathe.

D.Caruana

Apr 28th 2010, 10:42

http://forum.huntinginmalta.org.mt//YaBB.pl?num=1272443181

I urge everyone to pay extra attention to the 4th paragraph!
The 3rd paragraph is also very significant.

Patrick Sacco

Apr 28th 2010, 01:09

These ecoterrorists should be given an exemplary punishment! Shame on whoever did this criminal offence to all the Maltese people.

ita nudelman

Apr 27th 2010, 22:06

When I come to think of it I ask myself: Why would someone do such a thing? Well some people might think just the opposite. I don’t. Why would someone need to do such a thing? For fun? Or for something else? First it was the wooden horses in Valletta and now this. We need trees to breath and in my opinion we are not doing a good job. Everyone needs to breath and to breath we need trees so please can we cut down as little trees as possible. Trees are alive so please be careful with them. Please do not disagree if you want to breathe and stay alive. As far as I believe trees have feelings and if we had good hearing senses then maybe they make a sound when we cut them down. I would like this all to stop. Thank you very much and please agree with me.

Steve Borg

Apr 27th 2010, 20:00

I think that rather than expressing hypotethical comments regarding who committed this hideous crime against nature, it would be opportune for the Government to announce that it shall provide controlled open access and a CCTV on the whole Foresta 2000 site and the Għadira nature reserve. A reserve control depot should also be built out of public funds to help monitor the human traffic flow to within the area - build a bunker if need be.

All those that do not want protection, be it by physical presence and CCTV to be increased at this site should raise their hands and state why they disagree.

Let no one be intimidated by this stupid act of vandalism.

K FARRUGIA

Apr 27th 2010, 18:51

shame on you, who ever did this. which by the way it is not so hard to come to conclutions. where do you think you re reaching by this??grow up you coward peaple!!!

D.Caruana

Apr 27th 2010, 16:37

What do you mean by ......"or is it?"

Carmel Cilia

Apr 27th 2010, 16:21

I have got a valid suggestion for Birdlife. Instead of getting foreignors to go around the country at night to discover some decoy in a remote part of a field would'nt
t it be wiser if their energies were sentt in going round and guarding such places as natura 2000 reserve. These beutiful places are ours to enjoy and the work done by these foreigners would surely be appreciated by all.
In the present circumstances it seems that priorities are being switched. These reserves should be guarded day and night . Birdlife should leave the roaming after hunters for the ALE and it should take care of its own.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Apr 27th 2010, 15:12

..........and do any of you seriously think that the Police will make any difference? My cousin Paul Debono, an active member of Birdlife, was beaten up last week by two people. The case is in court.
Whoever vandalised the trees is giving very very very bad PR to the FKNK and turning more and more people against them which am sure is the last thing FKNK wants...........or is it?
Don' t tell me please that you intend holding this country to ransom?

Samwel Bezzina

Apr 27th 2010, 12:24

Ignorance...pure, sheer ignorance. I cannot believe how some people can be so witless and so 'low' these days. Doing an act which will harm everyone, including themselves...who can be more dumb?! It is as if one burns his own home, thinking it belongs to someone else. Well done for the approach of the authorities. We need the trees for our own benefit, and for the benefit of those who did the act...what shall I call them...shortsighted?...or should I write: xortsajtid?

M.Bonnici

Apr 27th 2010, 11:08

& perhaps some should stop being defense lawyers:)
Andrew
Your colleague MMB below wrote
''I leave it up to people's intelligence to draw conclusions as to who strangely enough, vandalizes trees to coincide with the banned season in 2007''

like one really needs to be some overqualified rocket scientist to know what he's trying to say

So we're just drawing our conclusions,backed by qualifications. diplomas,degrees,a sane mind & absolutely no quarrels or qualms with anyone.

F.Mizzi

Apr 27th 2010, 10:50

A simple CCTV system could solve this ongoing problem. I am sure it will cost much less than having to re-plant new trees. This is heart breaking.

Mgr.Victor Zammit McKeon

Apr 27th 2010, 10:10

Just a reminder to the perpetrators:

Some-day, whether you like it or not, you have to face your God and give an account of your actions.

Confessing this sin is not enough. Divine forgiveness depends not only in admitting this grave-mortal shameful vandalism and being repentant, but one has to repair-restitute the damage caused.

May the Just God have mercy on you all.

Andrew Gatt

Apr 27th 2010, 09:55

This story was carried by the Times on 9th April 2010.

"A pensioner from Paola turned himself in after setting fire to a vineyard in a nature reserve in Mġarr, confessing he was a pyromaniac.....pleaded guilty to starting a fire in a number of fields, including a vineyard, in the Riviera Nature Park on Tuesday at about 2.30 p.m.He also admitted to destroying a number of protected plants."

Makes one think, so KINDLY STOP JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS AND LASHING OUT AT THE HUNTING COMMUNITY. There are a dozen other possible motives.....personal quarrels, mental health problems, land disputes and so on. Until these sick people are caught and charged, some of you should stop being armchair judges, juries and executioners!

anthony vella

Apr 27th 2010, 09:25

birds love trees and people should plant trees not cut them. when i was younger, i used to go hunting for gamiem until i emigrated at the age of 19. i remember how early in the morning, people were shooting on these birds until sunrise. on a few occasions you could see the gamiem all day. there were those days when it was very clear weather and on such days i remember the sky would be covered with these birds flying high above. i spent 19 years away from malta and gozo and somehow the problem of kacca vs birdlife hurts from both sides. i have friends who are kaccaturi and i can sympathise with them. i often tell my friend that he has to change his love of hunting birds to his love of watching them on trees and flying above, in the sky. whatever, this topic is very sensitve to people because its their hobby, pastime, sport...i have seen the gamiem decrease in numbers every year over the last 20 years and it seems the number of hunters has increased. when one gets older one goes in the fields, make some fruit trees, vineyards and some wine, peace

joe borg

Apr 27th 2010, 09:23

where was the watch man? let alone the maintenance needed to maintain 104 trees? + arn't trees good for hunters? more trees more birds! who can gain from this silly endeavor? what about the water supply needed to water these trees? where does it come from? its funny how its always the same spot over and over. who supplies the trees?
this is what needs to be asked not tell every one that we are going to plant 208 trees in the place of 100 is does int make sens? but what does a politician know about tree's or sens.

GianCarlo Borg

Apr 27th 2010, 08:18

planting double the number of tree is surley a bad and not professional. trees need to be spaced out and looked after. These trees were living in a desert. it is clearly visable that these trees were sawed and not cut down by a garden scissors or a grass cutter. In that place plenty of people go for walk and previously that land was used for off roading and camping which is illegal and vallyes are still being destroyed today by off roaders and no one says anything about them, so please we must not judge people (hunters) without any proof and investigation. how can any one cut 104 trees in a night without ant one noticing?

Robert Cutajar

Apr 27th 2010, 06:12

Mellieha Local Council has committed itself to planting 208 trees at the Foresta 2000 site in Mellieha to replace 104 young pine trees which were vandalised overnight. This will be held during a tree planting event in October. Anyone who would like to partecipate can call the Mellieha Local Council on 21 521333 - 21 523230 for more information. Thanks in advance for your support.

D. Farrugia

Apr 27th 2010, 00:38

LOCAL COUNCIL please note!

I think at this stage planting more trees would be a waste of resources (and by resources I specifically refer to the replacement trees themselves) unless the entire area is first and foremost fully secured. The entire Foresta 2000 area should be enclosed with a double or triple layer barbed wire to prevent access until these trees reach a certain height and trunk thickness. Once such tree height is attained, security cameras should be installed in undisclosed locations and only then should the barbed wire be removed. I feel this is the only way we can prevent such vandalism from reoccurring. 34U does not stand for tree for you to saw but to cherish and preserve for all of us and future generations. Apart from having value in their own right, some may also have sentimental value as they could have well been planted in memory of loved ones. What a cowardly act.

Stephen Borg Cardona

Apr 27th 2010, 00:24

Where were the Police ? Who is going to take responsibility and resign or pay for them out of his own pocket ? The Maltese tax payer is fed up.

E Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 23:41

A sad proverb says: "A tree gives shade even to its killer"

Meanwhile, can he who thought himself of a hero by doing this vandal act, step forward, and be a greater hero to our nation by confessing his acts to the police. Also, when he does so, I'll be the first to nominate him for 'Gieh Hejjulu t-Triq ghal go Ward 10' Award of the year. You stupid ill-brained little idiot.

Pule' Carmel

Apr 26th 2010, 23:32

I say that the best investments under the circumstances that we are living, is to teach every body to invest one's money and effforts in solar and wind energy and to plant trees to purify the air we breath.
The destruction of these trees seems to have been done by someone with a mentality that if he quarels with his girlfriend it was proper to vent his anger by killing his own loving pets and plants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Apr 26th 2010, 22:15

This is appalling and nonsensical. Shooters need trees to attract birds so destroying them makes no sense. There are hunters (sic) and hunters! There are those like my friend and ex-classmate Mark Mifsud Bonnici whose hunting is carried out within the strict parameters of the law and who in this blog is trying to make a point. Then there are the shooters of the type who own 4x4 s with the legend " If you fly, you die" above its back bumper; the type whom I saw stage a blitz at Salib ta L-Ghloja killing protected raptors before our horrified eyes. We were a group of artists painting landscape and not Birdlife members but since then I advocate ZERO tolerance. Unless my other ex-classmates Lino Farrugia and Joe Perici Calascione adopt the same attitude with ther FKNK members then there is very little anyone can do. The bad PR is doing nobody any good.
This is a VERY small isand and the countryside (what's left of it) belongs to us all...............

Steve Borg

Apr 26th 2010, 22:14

What a cowardly act of vandalism. I have been to several nature reserves around Europe. It is quite evident that some miscreants with pea-sized brained think that they can intimidate a nation by chain-sawing harmless pine trees. I propose that all roads and footpaths leading to the Foresta 2000 site should have controlled open access as I witnessed in when entering the Pico Arreiro natural site in Portugal.

http://madeiraislanddirect.com/blog/2009/10/hiking-from-pico-do-arieiro-to-pico-ruivo/

On approaching the access road we encountered a military post, manned by two soldiers who asked for our documentation and ordered us to open our vehicle's luggage space. Obce we were cleared, a drop-bar was raised and in we went to enjoy the park. We had to go through the same procedure on our way out.

Surely we can spare some soldiers on fixed points around this Natura 2000 site.

I sincerely hope that the vandal/s are caught and handed the appropriate punishment in this crime against our nation. The ideal punishment should include hundreds of hours of community work clearing rubbish left in the countryside by other pea-brained creatures.

David Caruana

Apr 26th 2010, 22:13

You don't need to be very clever to realise who the culprit is. I can't imagine any environmentalist doing such a disgusting act, and on the other hand the hunters have been claiming themselves that some of them are losing their heads and taking medication because of the LIMITED Spring season.

Dr.Gonzi, BAN HUNTING FOR GOOD, the majority will support your decision!

Martin Formosa

Apr 26th 2010, 20:38

Forest rangers, game wardens, whatever you want to call them are needed to patrol the little nature reserves you have on the island. What's it going to take. Here in Canada you will find a game warden miles from anywhere in the middle of nowhere. Why is it so difficult to watchdog such a small place like Malta, smaller than the city we live in Canada, it boggles my mind.

C Bartolo

Apr 26th 2010, 20:12

Jekk il-Pulizjia ma jirnexxiliex issib lil min ghamel dan l-att kotard u iggibu/hom quddiem il-Qrati tkunu hatja daqshom ta' dan is-sacrileg kontra il-poplu Malti. Dwar il-kas tat- 2007 qatt ma nstema xejn!! Jew dan jaqa taht petty crime?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 26th 2010, 20:09

This is indeed a disgraceful act! The perpetrators should be caught and punished! Certain contributors below have been quick to point fingers at hunters, including N Calleja who preferred to: "Jitfa' l-gebla u jahbi jdejh". Insinuations are as bad as accusations, Mr Calleja! Since responsible individuals do no accuse others without having proof, I suggest that the Malta Police start by questioning all those commenting below who seem to know as to who committed this vandalism!

I have just heard Mr Ray Vella on TVM's news commenting on this issue. Even Mr Vella stated that since you do not catch anybody in the act, you cannot accuse anyone!! Yet certain "heroes" below point fingers! Therefore, these must have witnessed something. I again urge the Commissioner of Police to question them all!!

Carmen V Gauci

Apr 26th 2010, 19:52

Am I the only one asking, why is this particular site vandalized again ? Why not Buskett, Kennedy Grove, Mizieb etc etc? Could it be because this particular site is a common project between Birdlife Malta and another foundation. ??

charlo' sammut

Apr 26th 2010, 19:29

tal misthija dawn iridu terga tiftah il kacca??????????????

Joseph Tonna

Apr 26th 2010, 19:28

MIN INEHHI IL HAJJA TA SIGRA GHANDU JIGI IKKASTIGAT BIL QAWWA KOLLHA AHSEB U ARA TA 104 SIGRA !
ATT VANDALU LEJN IL-POPLU MALTI KOLLU DAN KIEN , GHAX IN-NATURA HIJA GHAL KULHADD
PROSIT L MIN GHAMEL DAN L-ATT...POVRU !

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 26th 2010, 19:28

Birds settle on trees..if trees grow fast at Foresta 2000, birds will be attracted to that site. Hunters are obviously not allowed to hunt there. So it makes sense to destroy trees at the Foresta 2000,, so birds will have to land on trees in the adjoining areas which are accessible to hunters. QED

Phil Humphries

Apr 26th 2010, 19:20

Reading between the rhetoric and thinly-veiled accusations below, it appears that the hunters and their opponents are ( for once ) sharing a small piece of common ground here. Thankfully, both sides seem to agree that whoever did this disgraceful act is stupid beyond belief.

It's just a thought, but if both sides are genuinely serious about bringing the culprits to justice, then perhaps they should consider joining forces over this one issue and pressing the Government into taking action ?

Who knows, Dr Gonzi might even listen for once ? And if he did, then he might be persuaded to offer a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. If that happened, then not only would the culprits receive punishment and public condemnation ( and hopefully a long prison sentence ) but the evidence given at the trial might also serve to reveal the motivation behind this crime and any others involved.

Until then, people will continue to point fingers and play the 'balance of probability' blame game.

As I said... It's just a thought !

R Z

Apr 26th 2010, 19:12

Well done to the Mellieha council for this statement now please keep the promise, it will be a great message.

Andre' Xerri

Apr 26th 2010, 19:00

I cant believe that such stupid and zero minded individuals still exist! this is a shame for the Maltese people and for Malta. I hope that these morons are brought to face justice and not the usual laugh off of a fine but real justice put behind bars for a long time so maybe if they dont learn the lesson at least they are closed up and cant do it for some time. Morons

V Falzon

Apr 26th 2010, 17:52

@ R Sammut So in your dictionary, "full-time" means employed 24 hours a day, right! Oh clever, clever! As for the "noisy chainsaws", man you clearly watch too much Discovery Channel! These were young pines, the kind you can easily lop in half with a common garden branch-cutter. This cowardly crime was done in total quiet in the middle of the night.

Jesmond Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 17:47

Indeed, please do not point fingers here. This act here is indeed an act of sabotage and no one knows for sure what the obviuosly deviant intentions are, here. One thing forsure, whoever did it is very sick indeed.

d gilford

Apr 26th 2010, 17:46

I pray to god, perpetrators to be caught!

P.Spiteri

Apr 26th 2010, 17:45

For sure this is not exceptable by anybody's standard. Vandalism from wherever it comes is wrong and I expect is condemned by all but alas as usual here there are quite a few ready to blame not one person or three but all hunters and pro trappers and family including their children.Someone has to be blamed and why not us}This morning I visited Mizieb where I hunt....in AUTUMN. and as I walked among the trees I felt proud that I am one who helps to plant and clean and all the other things we do there to see the trees grow. yes apart from going for walks there with my family I hunt there too.And I feel sad too.WHY because I took a few SHOTS with my camera at how Mizieb is looking like an Indian Reservation [with respect to the Indians]with circles of stone burnt black as coal in some areas 20 ft sq there are even 3 of these, apart from the rubbish.plastic bottles and plates and so on .[lets not mention the obliterated hides .Is that not vandalism? The trees are of all the Maltese wherever they are. Protect them.

Jurgen Bugeja

Apr 26th 2010, 17:38

@Jean Paul Galea Kemm hawn min hu vojt jahasra!! Jista' jkun kont int li ghamilt il-vandalizmu sur Galea hadd ma jaf min, x'ghandu x'jaqsam il-kaccaturi?? Taf kemm sar vandalizmu dan l-ahhar,imma ghax sigar wehlu l-kaccaturi.Ahna nhawlu s-sigar mhux nkissruwom.

M.Brincat

Apr 26th 2010, 17:18

Nehhew 104 u nhawwlu 208! Ghidulna fejn naghtu d-donazzjonijiet!

Michael Spiteri

Apr 26th 2010, 17:15

Perhaps all those insinuating who did this barbaric act should give names to the police...or make a favor to the more intelligent readers.

Tony Gatt

Apr 26th 2010, 17:10

There sure are some sick people out there!

Joseph Calleja

Apr 26th 2010, 16:57

This is a clear act of vandalism and hatred. Why would anybody go through these acts just to protest against something not going his/her way? This is an act of vandalism that violates every citizens right. These trees especially never harmed anybody.The perpetrator/s must be caught and punished to the full extent of the law. Offer a handsome reward to whoever gives any information that might help catch and convict the scumbags that did this vandalism. In the meantime please don't point any fingers unless you have positive proof of who did this.

E. Azzopardi

Apr 26th 2010, 16:47

Will the police or whoever it is please catch one person? We have had so many instances of vandalism by these stupid morons (and that is something!!!!) that it is unacceptable that no one was ever caught and brought to justice. But that is not enough. A good lesson must be given to this person or persons besides paying up. Unbelievable!!!!

EDWIN DE MARCO

Apr 26th 2010, 16:41

This has been going on far too long. Any kind of message won't do the trick. Not even CCTV. They could wear masks, why not? Quit all this pussy-footing & take forceful action! Why not put UNuniformed soldiers in camouflage to catch these lily-livered vandals red-handed. If the culprits try to run away, instruct the soldiers to shoot at the legs Sending uniformed wardens would surely give the game away.

Vincent Scerri

Apr 26th 2010, 16:23

Min ghandu ghadma xi jgerrem ghal xi raguni jew ohra m'ghandux jinfexx f'atti vadali bhal dawn. b'dfaqshekk x'seta ha jew hadu?

r sammut

Apr 26th 2010, 16:19

This is nothing but a cowardly act! But how are such vile deeds done in a place where not only a full time warden patrols the place but also CABS teams roaming all over, at the climax of their watch camp? How can wrongdoers with noisy (?) chainsaws get away without being caught red-handed?

Then targeted areas extend further from Foresta 2000, to the middle of the Ghadira Reserve! This is what BLM has shown in a documentary supplied to RAI and aired TWICE on Geo & Geo … adding further to the mystery! The same warden was then filmed picking loads of dead birds from in and around the same reserve!

Can this be really true? Can poachers get away with anything, even things done in front of BLM noses?

Smells fishy!?!

Ch. Conti

Apr 26th 2010, 16:17

The Mellieha Local Council should install CCTV Cameras - they will be cheaper in the long run and we will have the pleasure of seeing these vandals spend some time locked up.

ps - The same goes to the Sliema Local council icw their playing field being vandalised a couple of days ago

J.Calleja

Apr 26th 2010, 16:17

It could be a better idea to install a CCTV system before planting new trees. What's the point to plant trees and after a year they will be vandalized again? These people must be caught in time before they act again.

N.Calleja

Apr 26th 2010, 16:16

@G.Bonnici/Joe Aquilina
If you read my comment properly you would find that I never used the word 'hunter/s'. But because of your replies, I can now say that you gave the bird away. If this barbaric act was was made by those who think they have a right to hunt, then it must surely be irresponsable people with a shot gun that did the act. I am not putting all hunters in the same pot, but 'al buon intenditor poche parol!!'

J Brownie

Apr 26th 2010, 16:16

I wont condem these nonsense acts anymore - I simply factor in the lack of serious action to curb these horrendous acts into my calculation in the next general election . Votes is the only language Governments of day understands so let' speak to them in vote terms.

Chris Finch

Apr 26th 2010, 16:11

If anyone knows anything about this disgusting act, and lets face it, Malta is too small, then please turn them in.
Whoever did this is beneath contempt.

J. Borg

Apr 26th 2010, 16:10

Are CCTVs only viable near Speed Cameras ??

joe muscat

Apr 26th 2010, 16:09

Ma nistax nifhem kif certu nies jaslu ghal konkluzzjonijiet daqshekk mghaggla, issa diga sabu f`min iwahhlu....fil-kaccaturi , imma ghal informazzjoni ta` kulhadd il-kaccaturi jiehdu hsieb li jhawlu is-sigar u mhux jeqirduhom , u rigward il-kumment aktar l-isfel li dawn is-sigar kienu f`kompetizzjoni mas sigar fejn il-kaccaturi imorru jikkaccjaw hija totalment zbaljata, ghal informazzjoni ta` kulhadd l-ghaqda tal-kaccaturi sezzjoni Mellieha kienet offriet l-ghajnuna taghha fit`thawwil tas-sigar u bini tas-sejjieh fis sit ta` foresta 2000. Dan qieghed kollu dokumentat anke fil minuti tal-Kunsill lokali Mellieha, ghalhekk qabel tasslu ghal konkluzzjonijiet mghaggla , ahsbu sew dak li se tkunu tghidu.

barbara Attard

Apr 26th 2010, 16:07

Cowardish act!!

C.Scicluna

Apr 26th 2010, 16:02

At times I really doubt it if these vandals have a heart that beats and a mind that thinks...I can't stand such ignorance in this so called civilized island. This is insane, hope they get caught and justice is made!!!Like someone else said these people are ruining their kids' environmental future but I am sure such action won't dishearten those of good deed.

Joe Azzopardi

Apr 26th 2010, 16:01

What a pain in the heart to see trees that have fought their way through this hard and dry winter being put down like that. Not to speak of the care put in by volunteers of all ages. Who can have gained anything from such foolishness?

Paul Borg

Apr 26th 2010, 15:59

3 days ago the A.L.E. rebutted claimes made by birdlife that it lacks the resources, stating that the situation was under controll. Hahahahahahahaha. A.L.E. should try investing in mobile surveillance equipment , cause this situation is for a longhaul.

D Buttigieg

Apr 26th 2010, 15:58

Kumbinazzjoni kull meta jkun hemm problema bil-kacca jigru dawn l-affarijiet u nieqaf hemm - imma kumbinazzjoni ta' u xejn aktar !!!! Tal-misthija

Chris Galea

Apr 26th 2010, 15:57

some bloggers are pointing their fingers at hunters.......... the ironic thing about is that hunters would definately benefit from trees - a fact !

C.C.Borg

Apr 26th 2010, 15:44

@ ALEX ELLUL,

It is true that trees attracts birds. But please note if in Malta we have more tree we might have more birds (using your same argument). What you don't know but that birds staying in trees have to fly and pass from over other land and does not vanish from our island, i.e. they still give us (us hunters) to shoot on birds that stay their.

I am a hunter and proud to be and I condemn this vandalism. This is pure ignorance and the person/s who did this should be brought to justice.

Please don't point fingures......... (Kull min jgholli idu ghandu xi jxomm)

Another thing, we already pay ECO Surcharge plus VAT on the cartridges we buy. Also note that to buy EMPTY cartridges we have to pay minimum 9 Euros / 100.

Place a CCTV Camera.....

V Falzon

Apr 26th 2010, 15:43

It is admirable of Mellieħa LC to promise help in replanting the dead trees. But nothing of course will bring back the lost time in years that those trees had already grown: some of the larger specimens that hacked down were 6-8 years old and already providing shade. It seems the criminal actually selected the larger ones!

The sickness is unfathomable.

M Tabone

Apr 26th 2010, 15:40

Kemm hawn min hu barbaru.... COWARDS

Enya Tanti

Apr 26th 2010, 15:37

The best time to sow a tree was
fourty years ago,

the second better time
is today.....

sure that if relative ministry/local authorities were to campaign for funds to aid
34U
they will manage to collect enough for
2010 trees.....

K.Anastasi

Apr 26th 2010, 15:30

PROUD TO BE MALTESE... NOT!

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 26th 2010, 15:28

I leave it up to people's intelligence to draw conclusions as to who strangely enough, vandalizes trees to coincide with the banned season in 2007 and the opening of this year's season.

It might either be those that oppose hunting (which according to some is the majority of Maltese) or those happy to see that spring hunting has reopened!

Such coincidence deserves proper investigation, since whoever perpetrated such a crime deserves to be severely punished.

Thankfully both moral and financial support seem to be forthcoming in the same expedient way they did in 2007. After all, no one wants less trees, least of all the hunters.

Gary Bonnici

Apr 26th 2010, 15:25

Why there is always a great attention when trees at the Foresta 2000 are vandalized???

The same happens at Mizieb. Trees are vandalized together with hunters' hides. But no one care for Mizieb vandalisms. Why?
Where are the tree lovers and the environmentalist when these trees are vandalized?
Where are the news reporters when Mizieb is vandalized?

Maybe because hunters use the place? But after all the Mizieb belongs to all the Maltese citizens although hunters take care of it. Or when we want, Mizieb doesn't belong to all the Maltese citizens.

The public needs to wake up and realize whose playing with our intelligence.

Adrian Cachia

Apr 26th 2010, 15:21

Well done to the Mellieha Mayor!

From the other end of the island, I give you my word I will be there planting two of those trees you need!

I also expect all other local councils to condemn this cowardly act and show solidarity with the Mellieha Council.

S Grech

Apr 26th 2010, 15:15

I doubt whether these people have got children - if they do, they would simply think twice about their wrong actions. They are destroying their kids future environment. Shame on them.

Hugh Morris

Apr 26th 2010, 15:10

These scandalous acts anger me immensly.

The ignorant, insecure and impotent scum who did this should be apprehended and made an example of.

These are TERRORISTS of nature and should be named, shamed and humiliated!

Henry J Bonett

Apr 26th 2010, 15:08

Shock, sadness and indignation are feelings that come naturally on learning about these despicable actions. But the worrying thing is not what happened as much as the helpless feeing one gets that this will happen again and again and the perpetrators' intentions will keep prevailing without hindrance. Replacing the trees, no matter how good an action that is, is not the solution. It is the ability and freedom of being able to hold on to what we have and increase it if we need that will give us a sense of living in the land of the free.

Anthony Formosa

Apr 26th 2010, 15:04

Extracted from the EU Environment Nature and Biodiversity:

Sustainable Hunting within and around the Natura 2000 Network

The EU Birds (Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds) and Habitats directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) fully recognise the legitimacy of hunting as a form of sustainable use. They do limit this activity to certain species and provide rules governing their exploitation.

SHALL WE BLAME THE ANTIS?

NO FURTHER COMMENTS

tiffany brincat

Apr 26th 2010, 15:02

Edwin Mifsud: you're right about the stupidity some people manifest. It is also a severe lack of civic spirit and love for one's country.

M. Cachia

Apr 26th 2010, 14:58

The proper terminology to best describe the person/s who did it:

SOCIAL MISFITS!

walter caruana

Apr 26th 2010, 14:52

I think that the government should employ part time policemen and use them for special occasions when the normal complement of policemen is not enough.

I Cassar

Apr 26th 2010, 14:40

So these people do their best to give us a greener Malta with more trees and hopefully more birds and some think they have the right to go and ruin their work. Until the culprits are cough it would be irresponsible to accuse anybody. But one would assume the police should have an idea in which circles to investigate. The law enforcement in the countryside is pathetic and the Police Commissioner should take a personal interest in rectifying this situation.

All me support to DLH. I simply hope they do not give up their invaluable work.

Paul A Vella

Apr 26th 2010, 14:40

Shame on whoever vandalised these trees, not pointing any fingers here but there are similar 'coincidences' between the two cases!! There should be a resident ranger placed there or at least have CCTV installed!
On a different note, I also noticed two bus shelters in Marsa which were also vandalised, at least one glass pane of each shelter was smashed to pieces...guess some idiots still roam our streets after all!!

Edwin Mifsud

Apr 26th 2010, 14:38

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Albert Einstein

"My greatest battle was to educate a fool. I failed." Napoleon

V Falzon

Apr 26th 2010, 14:36

@ ASpiteri
The victim is not only the ranger alone.
The victims were all of us who happen to love trees.
The victims were members of the public, many of them children, who planted or sponsored these young trees in October 2007.
The victims are future generations who were supposed to enjoy the maturity of these afforestation projects.
The victims were the trees too: a hundred vigorous young Aleppo Pines, which now lie dead.
So please save us the snide, puerile remarks.

M Farrugia

Apr 26th 2010, 14:33

Shame who did this . I wonder why these vandals are never aprehanded ? Could it be some kind of a frame up ?

Andrew Paris

Apr 26th 2010, 14:26

Who ever destroys nature must feel like the King of the World right now and laughing at all these comments.
How sorry I feel for these vandalise and what unmeaning full life they must lead to resort for public attention.

M.Gauci

Apr 26th 2010, 14:23

This article adds more wood to the fire.
Is the ranger employed on a full time bases. At what time was the discovery made. What arrangments are there to guard against such acts etc. etc.

Steve Jones

Apr 26th 2010, 14:18

The poor individual that carried out this act was obviously dropped on his head when he was a baby.

F Spiteri

Apr 26th 2010, 14:14

Complete ignorance ! At times like these i am truly ashamed to say i am Maltese. How much worse can we get as a nation !

Manwel Borg

Apr 26th 2010, 14:09

No doubt the incident will add a little punch to BirdLife’s report to the Commission regarding enforcement DURING the period of the so-called hunting season. What a happy coincidence!
How come nobody ever gets caught? Any bets next week we’ll have George Pullicino appealing for donations to replace the trees? Come on, everybody …… are you all so naive?

S Vella

Apr 26th 2010, 14:04

Hunters plant and cultivate trees not destroy them. In fields where we go hunting we need trees, so stop accusing hunters unless you know who did it. Even last time it happened hunters were accused but no one was arraigned and that is malicious to blame someone unless you have proof. Who knows who might be interested in that area maybe some land developer...?and did this act now to divert attention. If you know who it was just come forward and mention the person/s so that whoever did this barbaric act will be prosecuted and punished. i am a hunter and condemn such barbaric cowardly acts of violence.

C Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 13:53

Let's plant 1040 trees in their place and send a strong signal back.
and remember, it takes only a few people to perform such an act, lets not blame all farmers/hunters for this!

mark sultana

Apr 26th 2010, 13:50

@Mark Mifsud Bonnici

Once again you and others blinldy pro hunting at all cost, have sickened everyone findng lame excuses one after the other.

* illegal hunters and poachers not hunters
* shot birds killed by birdlife members not hunters
* aggressive hunters were farmers not hunters
* shots heard during closed season could be scare shots used by farers in fields
* trees vandalised must have been by birdlife members
* birdlife footage and videos shown all fabricated and not real
* car vandalised could be a set up

it is really as hilarious as a comedy and as sad as a dead bird.

Bert Muscat

Apr 26th 2010, 13:45

You can take a horse to the water, but you cannot force it to drink.
What a bunch of Ingnorant people.

C. Mallia

Apr 26th 2010, 13:44

Apart from the obvious damage and repercussions already mentioned, have these perpetrators considered the devastation and feelings of all the children that had these tress planted in their names,especially those who took time to attend to these tress ?

s sciberras

Apr 26th 2010, 13:44

viva il-kacca!

The Mellieha trees get always vandalised when there are problems with hunters and trappers

Maurizio Abela

Apr 26th 2010, 13:42

Shame on whoever did this vandalism... ISTHU!!!!

Franco Farrugia

Apr 26th 2010, 13:41

This news reminds one of various previous incidents ... such as that of Hagar Qim, such as that of Torri l-Ahmar. Now, I wonder what is the common factor - but I need wonder no more. The truth is there for those who want to see.

Paul Barrett

Apr 26th 2010, 13:41

It is extremely wrong to draw conclusions and blame the Hunters, Bird Life or any other organisation for this malicious vandalism. The culprit(s) are actually very, very sick, mentally retarded and indeed in need of life long tender loving care (ideally in a mental institute).

m.delicata

Apr 26th 2010, 13:40

A security camera would have done the job this time. But funnily enough this was never done especially after 3000 trees were previously vandalised. Why? Why Dr Gonzi you are not enforcing security and laws in this country? Why are you putting this country in a pathetic state?

Anthony Formosa

Apr 26th 2010, 13:40

I can't understand why most of you are already blaming hunters for this kind of vandalism. When for many centuries hunters were the protagonists in planting trees.

Who is to be blamed for the recent vandalisms?

Pope Billboards
Sliema Playground.
Mellieha gardens and just recent one.
Cars on fire.
Mizieb hunting hides and tress, which FKNK never pointed any fingers.

There are many other Foresta 2000 sites in other localities, why is it that just this is targeted? is there other motive behind it? are we asking for more funds?

In your own words if trees are vandalised it's the hunters and the rest is the Maltese population, therefore we are all savages, ignorant, arrogant, selfish, etc etc.

J.P. Bajada

Apr 26th 2010, 13:37

What a shameful and barbaric act.

P. Vincenti

Apr 26th 2010, 13:31

I cannot understand the ignorance of these vandals. Some here are suggesting that this act of vandalism was carried by disgruntled hunters. If this is the case, it makes no sense really as in the end, having less tress means less birds. What a shame. Maybe it is time to set up 24 surveillance cameras to protect these trees? All that is needed are cameras that start to record when set off by motion detectors. One need only survey the road leading to the site and not the entire plantation to catch the people responsible

Jeffrey Muscat

Apr 26th 2010, 13:31

Shame -- simply cowards & stupid

James Brincat

Apr 26th 2010, 13:31

Primitive and cave peoples used to value nature and trees and ‘modern’ peoples do not. If any body caught doing such barbaric acts to trees please tie him or her up in the tree and leave them till they die! Having more trees are more beneficial than having theses type of peoples!!

Mario Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 13:30

Jekk xejn vera persuna/persuni ta' livell baxx jistghu jaslu ghal dan l-att vandalu!! il-vera prosit!!!

JOHN O SCERRI

Apr 26th 2010, 13:30

Whoever resorts to such acts of vandalism is a sick , cowardly, stupid, selfish, arrogant, selfcentered A... hole, egoistic, egocentric, ignorant IDIOT.

It is not fit to use the word human for all those who do these things , spill motor old on other people's doorsteps, scratch other peoples cars , throw hydraulic oil on other peoples cars, break public garden furnishings, and all imaginary disgusting deeds which no ANIMAL will do .

These individuals are of an inferior species when one puts them on the animal classification chart.

A.Zahra

Apr 26th 2010, 13:27

Ergajna !! Reget waslet ir=rebbieha konbinazzjoni dejjem meta tinqala il- kwistjoni tal-kacca isiru il-vendikazzjonijiet fuq dan il post .
ISTHU MIN IWETTAQ DAWN L-ATTI VILJAKKI !!!!!

Mark Galea

Apr 26th 2010, 13:24

Nahseb li dawk kienu tal-Birdlife, biex ikunu jistghu iwahhlu fil-kaccaturi!!!

K Mifsud

Apr 26th 2010, 13:22

Ghax ma tinstallawx xi cctv halli naqbdu lil daw loggieba wiehed taqbdu u taghtu ezempju bih forsi dan l-imbarazz jieqaf darba al dejjem!!!!!

carmen difesa

Apr 26th 2010, 13:20

Ingnorant people never learn. shame on them.

a spiteri

Apr 26th 2010, 13:16

Same old story and as always same old martyr St Ranger

George Pace

Apr 26th 2010, 13:14

What a sick nation we are ! What a shame , poor Malta, how sad !!

John Pace

Apr 26th 2010, 13:12

The vandals must have been provoked by the trees.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 26th 2010, 13:12

3000 TREES DESTROYED AT THE SAME TIME THE SPRING HUNTING SEASON WAS INEXPLICABLY TERMINATED IN MAY 2007.

104 TREES DESTROYED 2 DAYS AFTER THE SPRING SEASON WAS REOPENED.

DOES THE UPROOTING OR VANDALSING OF TREES IN THE WELL GUARDED FORESTA 2000 SITE HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON THE PUBLIC'S PERCEPTION OF HUNTERS?

POOR TREES.

Noel Saliba

Apr 26th 2010, 13:11

Meta naqra u nisma b'dawn l-affarijiet, nisthi nghid li jiena Malti.

L.Bugeja

Apr 26th 2010, 13:09

Kumbinazzjoni beda l vandalizmu!! Xorta ha tibqaw b xejn...........

ACachia

Apr 26th 2010, 13:09

We have so many ARROGANT and SELFISH people here on this island.

Go on Gonzi, you will have to fork out more money out of the TAXPAYERS pocket to replace the trees again.

Malta will never learn. The only one who ever suffers are the taxpayers.

Ivan Camilleri

Apr 26th 2010, 13:08

There are alot of idiots in this country

Chris Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 13:07

Mhux b' sorpriza li b' dan it-tip ta' nies dan il-pajjiz qatt ma jmur il-quddiem. Injoranza grassa.

Jesmond Micallef

Apr 26th 2010, 13:04

Environmental Terrorism !!!

marthese mussett

Apr 26th 2010, 13:03

Only last week I wrote about this.When the 3000 pine tres were destroyed,it was also spring.If I remember right it was May 8th.Only one way to catch the culprits.The government should put up a 5000euro reward..Then they can pay for their actions.Where can the government find the money?Easy.Just reduce the amount of the monthly VAT Lottery and give it to whoever spills the beans.Bet you ll get more than one anonymous phonecall.This is sad,and we cant possibly let them get away with all this vandalism.

Stella Calleja

Apr 26th 2010, 13:01

let me guess...who's angry at Birdlife and the government at the moment?

J. Psaila

Apr 26th 2010, 12:59

maybe it was a farmer this time not some simple minded kaccatur like last time!

Jean Paul Galea

Apr 26th 2010, 12:53

SAME OLD SAME OLD stop hunting burn the tree...

Karl Camilleri

Apr 26th 2010, 12:53

Imma kemm ghad baqa nies ta livell baxx u injoranza, u minghajr ebda edukazzjoni fdan il pajjiz. Ghanda pajjiz bhal dan nies bhal dawn jitfawh lura pajjiz. Inbad qabel lelezzjoni kulhadd jibda jgerger kontra dak u l-iehor, ahjar raw xaghmlu huma..

Paul Savona

Apr 26th 2010, 12:53

What could anyone possibly gain from this?

m.seager

Apr 26th 2010, 12:53

TOSSERS !!!

LIKE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF TREES IN THE FIRST PLACE !!!!

N.Calleja

Apr 26th 2010, 12:52

Those involved in this barbaric act should be called savages! Only savages create such vandalism. If caught, they should be punished and not simply given a suspended sentence!
Most probably its those who are frustrated at the moment!

Liana Cremon

Apr 26th 2010, 12:52

What a shame!

Reuben Abela

Apr 26th 2010, 12:51

Who will be the first one to blame the government for lack of supervision ?

H.Attard

Apr 26th 2010, 12:51

:O Unbelievable !! What a disgrace . Trees are one of OUR most important resources , they belong to every one of us Maltese citizens , a very selfish act indeed ! Shame on who ever did this

a.sciberras

Apr 26th 2010, 12:50

not yet again.WHY? cant the government get the AFM to guard this place

Jason Attard

Apr 26th 2010, 12:50

This country will NEVER learn.!!

Ignorance reigns supreme...

Was it the hunters?

Edric Micallef Figallo

Apr 26th 2010, 12:47

What a despicable and disgusting act!