The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is taking legal action against the Government-owned timber agency, Vicforests.

The DSE says unauthorised logging of rainforest and buffer areas took place in forest near Orbost, in Gippsland.

A hearing will be held in the Orbost magistrates court later this month.

A spokesman for Vicforests, David Walsh, says he is reluctant to comment on the details of the case before it reaches court.

"The charges relate to harvesting operations in East Gippsland and particularly around rainforest in the area," he said.

"Vicforests plans to strongly defend ourselves in relation to this matter."