With Christmas and New Years Eve fast approaching, Forestry Corporation of NSW is reminding visitors and locals that there are some restrictions remaining on visiting Blowering Dam.

While the camping area on Blowering Camp road remains open over the break, access to the rest of Blowering Dam’s western foreshore remains restricted due to ongoing hazards.

Forestry Corporation’s Stewardship and Fire Manager Charlie Taylor said that visitors are welcome to the open area, but should remain aware of restrictions and hazards.

“Harvesting and roading crews have been working for the past 18 months to restore access to Blowering Dam’s western foreshore and we were able to safely reopen part of the foreshore area in June,” Mr Taylor said.

“The reopened area remains limited to the camping area on Blowering Camp road. Access will be via Snubba Road and Yellowin Access road, via Batlow or Laurel Hill.

“There is no access from Talbingo due to the condition of the roads.

“We welcome visitors back to the reopened area but must stress that all other areas of the western foreshore are still dangerous and remain closed, and that roads heading off into the burnt pine remain closed for safety reasons.

“If you are planning to visit the area, please pay attention to signage in the forest and stay away from closed areas.”

The main risk is dead trees falling or dropping limbs. Visitors may notice some of the pine trees are losing their bark, which is a clear sign the tree is rotten, but any of the trees in the impacted areas may fall or drop limbs without warning.

“There are also significant hazards on the closed roads and access through to Talbingo on Yellowin Access remains closed due to land slips on the eastern end,” Mr Taylor said.

“For the safety of you and your family, and for the safety of those who may be asked to volunteer to rescue you, we ask that no one ventures past any signs or closed-off areas.”

There is no booking system for campers at Blowering Dam’s western foreshore. Fires are currently permitted, however visitors should check for solid fuel fire bans at www.forestrycorporation.com.au, and observe any total fire bans.

Map of Blowering Dam Camping Access.

Media contact: Rod Campbell