Forestry Corporation is reminding members of the public to review the conditions of their firewood collection permits after recent fines were issued for illegal firewood collection in State forests.

Firewood collection permits can be purchased for a small fee allowing members of the public to collect firewood from designated areas within State forests.

The permits carry a one tonne limit and specify that all firewood must be collected from the ground within designated areas shown on maps.

Forestry Corporation's Bathurst-based Ranger Paul Robb said while most people follow the conditions of their firewood collection permits, unfortunately, there are always a few who do not.

“The two conditions we find that are most commonly ignored by permit holders are taking more than the one tonne firewood limit on their permit, which is evidenced by footage captured on surveillance cameras of the same vehicles collecting numerous ute or trailer loads of firewood over consecutive days from State forests,” Mr Robb said.

“The most concerning practice is people cutting down standing trees, which is not permitted.

“This is a very dangerous activity and the way in which people are doing this is not safe and they obviously have not been trained to cut standing trees safely.

“Standing trees are very important, serving as habitat for many animals in state forests,” he said.

Rangers have recently issued $200 penalty infringement notices to firewood cutters who felled standing trees in Falnash State Forest.

Forestry Corporation advises all members of the public to review the conditions of their permits and familiarise themselves with collection point maps.

To find out more about Forestry Corporation’s firewood collection permits please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au