Permits
Permits are required for a range of activities including research, organised events & activities, hunting, filming, firewood collection, grazing and apiary sites.
What are the benefits of permits?
The permit system allows Forestry Corporation to manage the competing demands on our forests. Permits enable Forestry Corporation to:
- Keep track of usage of our forests
- Ensure activities are not incompatible with one other
- More effectively deal with emergency situations
- Manage the risk of environmental damage to forests
- Ensure recreation activities are compatible with the operational timber harvesting business of Forestry Corporation
Why are there fees for permits?
FCNSW is a government trading enterprise and delivers services that generate income or at least are cost neutral to the organisation.
Related information
- Forestry Corporation Recreation and Tourism Policy 2010-2014
- Forestry Corporation Recreation and Tourism Policy Fee Structure.
Forests excluded from events
Some forests are not available for organised events and tours due to forestry operations. The following map shows these exclusion zones. Please click on each zone in the Macquarie Region map for more details of the forest excluded.
For information about which forests are excluded in other regions please contact the relevant Forestry Corporation regional office.
Types of Permits
Research Permits
NSW State forests offer many opportunities to increase our understanding of natural ecosystems through scientific research. Properly designed research projects which involve systematic investigation or survey of forests are a valuable source of knowledge. External researchers are encouraged to undertake appropriately targeted research in State forests.
More about research permits
Hunting permits
Authorised hunting in declared NSW state forests occurs under a special licensing system administered through the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002.
Permits must be applied for through the Game Council.
More information about Hunting
Filming permits
Permits are required for photography and filming in State forests. Fees apply.
The application form and procedure is the same as for "Organised events and activities" outlined below.
Firewood permits
To purchase a domestic firewood collecting permit and find out what forests are available for collection you will need to first register online.
There are rules and guidelines for Collecting firewood and craft timber from State Forests [PDF].
If you would like to enquire about commercial firewood collection, you can contact the relevant regional office.
Fossicking permits
To purchase a fossicking permit you need to complete Forests permit - application form [Word] (complete sections as applicable) and contact the relevant regional office to process payment.
More information about Fossicking
Grazing/apiary permits
Permits are available for grazing cattle and keeping bees in some State forests. Fees apply. Contact your nearest regional office for further information.
Organised events and activities permits
Forest Permits are required for all organised events and activities (including fossicking) in State forests.
Download & complete the following forms:
- Forests permit - application form [Word]
- Medical evacuation and emergency plan [Word]
- Site safety plan [Word]
- Incident report form [Word]
- Forest permit - activity standard conditions [pdf]
- Large events checklist [Word]
Note: a copy of your public liability insurance will also be required. Additional information may be requested by the regional office. Additional conditions may be placed on your permit.
You are able to apply for a permit with the NSW Forests regional offices located in Bathurst, Batemans Bay, Bombala, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Grafton, Tumut and Wauchope.