Aboriginal people practised forest management with skill using fire for hunting and to stimulate new growth.

Half of NSW is forested when the First Fleet arrives. New settlers need timber for homes and clear forests for farming.

Timber cutting licences are issued by the government 'to persons of good character'

83 sawmills in NSW

Areas of forest are set aside by the government for future timber production.

Australia’s first national park, the Royal National Park in Sydney, is established

The first Forestry Commission nursery opens near Gosford. Seeding production begins and plantations are established.

Poet Henry Kendell is appointed Inspector of Forests

1.4 million hectares of forest in reserve for future timber production.

Wages for sawyers and mill workers for an eight hour day, 5.5 days a week is one pound, 16 shillings and eight pence. Today this would be equal to less than $4 an hour

A sawmill near Bombala is powered by a water wheel

The Department of Forestry is established

Longworth’s tramway near Laurieton opened for horse traction in 1913 and steam engines in 1916

The Forestry Act is passed and the Forestry Commission is established. Under the Act, the Commission is responsible for the management of State forests, Timber reserves and some Crown land.

World War II places heavy demands on the State’s forests. Timber is needed for planes, ships, rifles and building projects

A building boom begins and World War II ends in 1945 and soldiers return

Scientific research is used to draw up management plans for koalas

Public perception of forests begins to change. More than just a source of timber, State forests are also seen to contain a rich variety of plants and animals, clean water and air, and recreation sites

NSW’s first Regional Forest Agreement or 20-year plan for the conservation and sustainable management of native forests is completed

Forests NSW is established as a public trading enterprise within NSW Department of Primary industries; 311 sawmills in NSW

Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management plans published. These describe how Forests NSW will provide for uses such as timber supply and recreation while maintaining ecological processes and environmental values.

The Forestry Act 2012 was enacted and Forestry Corporation of NSW was established 1 January to manage NSW State forests

2016 marks a centenary of operations for Forestry Corporation of NSW

Keeping forests healthy and productive for now and the future remains a complex and challenging task