With winter well under way, many central west residents are stocking up on firewood and State forests are a great source for firewood – so long as you have a permit and stick to the rules.
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Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Stewardship and Fire Supervisor, Melanie Klootwijk, reminded people to arrange a permit online before collecting firewood from any State forest and to only collect fallen timber.
“We have opened up some areas in the central west State forests for people to collect fallen timber to use as firewood over the winter period,” Ms Klootwijk said.
“You must have a permit to collect firewood from State forests, which you can arrange online for a small fee at forestrycorporation.com.au.
“If you’re collecting firewood from a State forest, please remember that you can only collect fallen timber – the permits do not allow you to cut down any standing trees, even if they are dead.
“Firewood is not always available from all areas due to environmental rules and operational considerations, so if you have collected firewood from a local forest in the past you will not necessarily be able to collect firewood from the same location.
“Our online permit system shows where you can collect firewood this season and when you arrange a permit you’ll receive a map indicating the collection area the permit is valid for.
“Forestry Corporation will be undertaking patrols of local forests and conducting surveillance to detect illegal firewood collection. For your own safety, and to avoid a hefty fine, please stick to the rules, make sure you pay attention to any warning signs and notices and don’t enter closed areas.
There are significant penalties for removing timber from a State forest without a permit and Forestry Corporation constantly monitors State forests using surveillance cameras and patrols.
For more information, or to arrange a firewood permit, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au