Partial camping access to Blowering Dam over the Easter long-weekend
Forestry Corporation of NSW will temporarily cease salvage operations in the State forests bordering Blowering Dam western foreshore area over the Easter long weekend.
This means a limited area will be open to the public for camping and recreation from 12 noon Thursday 1 April 2021 until strictly 12 noon Tuesday 6 April 2021. Visitors need to have vacated the area by this time.
Harvesting and roading crews have been working for the past 12 months to make the area safe, with this work well tested with recent strong winds and torrential rain, said Forestry Corporation’s Snowy Regional Manager Dean Anderson.
“The area we have made safe is limited to the camping area on Blowering Camp road,” Mr Anderson said.
“All other areas of the western foreshore are still dangerous and remain closed.”
Access will be via Snubba Road and Yellowin Access road, via Batlow or Laurel Hill, and the gate will be unlocked at 12 noon Thursday 1 April 2021. The area will be closed and relocked at 12 noon Tuesday 6 April 2021.
There is no access from Talbingo due to the condition of the roads.
“The area cannot be left open as we still have significant activity resuming after Easter, with log and gravel trucks constantly working in the area,” Mr Anderson said.
“Forestry Corporation has two contractors working full-time in the area, except for the Easter break, on repairing roads and making silt dams safe.”
There is also a harvesting crew working on the steep slopes salvaging the burnt pine trees. They will be resuming their work on Tuesday morning 6 April 2021
“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, as we still have significant risk from falling burnt trees and branches and washed out roads.
“There is no booking system so we ask everyone to be courteous and work together with your fellow visitors to share the spots available. Of course, also be mindful of COVID health guidelines and social distance.
“Campers, will need to self-notify or ‘check-in’ on the Forestry Corporation website as part of our COVID protocols.”
For more information about the impact of bushfires and storms on the State forests surrounding Blowering Dam, please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au
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Media contact: Rod Campbell