The Mason Hill section at Mannus State Forest, used by the Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park, has reopened to the public.

Forestry Corporation has concluded a scheduled harvest thinning program of the commercial plantation.

Thinning is a standard practice across pine plantation sawlog producers in Australia.

FCNSW Tumut Regional Manager Roger Davies thanked the public for its patience and understanding during the closure saying the thinning operation was a success.

“The safety of our staff, contractors and public is our highest priority and it is important to note that harvesting operations are a high-risk activity, where specialised heavy equipment, trucks and falling trees and limbs can all pose a risk to any unauthorised personnel accessing the site,” Mr Davies said.

“The selective removal of the lowest quality stems supports improved growth of the remaining, best trees at clear-fell, as competition for sunlight, nutrients and water reduces.

“For this reason, we are very thankful to the people of Tumba and visitors alike for following safety instructions and staying clear of the harvest site.

“We would like to thank the community at large for its understanding and cooperation. Please refer to Cycle Tumbarumba for information about re-opening of the MTB trails,” he said.

To find out more about Forestry Corporation’s state forests, please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au