Forestry Corporation of NSW is reminding Riverina residents that only a selection of State forests are available for public firewood collection, and that people need a valid permit or face on the spot fines.

These rules are in place to manage both the volume of firewood available for future years, and also to protect a range of ecological communities in State forests and the species within them, said Forestry Corporation District Manager, Andrew McCurdy.

“Many areas of State forests are off-limits for firewood collection, as their ecological value can be damaged through unchecked timber removal,” Mr McCurdy said.

“If you want to collect firewood in State forests, please get a valid permit via our website or face on the spot fines.

“Many people have been caught taking firewood this season without a permit, or taking amounts beyond the permit volume, and been issued with fines of up to $1000.”

Firewood collectors must comply with permit condition, which includes completing the table on the permit of loads taken.

The forests are patrolled and under surveillance with cameras in place; penalties apply for people caught collecting firewood illegally.

To find out more about the rules and guidelines on collecting firewood from State forests, please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au/firewood

Media contact: Rod Campbell