Our operations and sustainable forest management

Sustainable forest management is about finding a balance between all the different ways people use forests, while maintaining the unique forest features the community values.

Renewable timber

We manage around two million hectares of native forests for sustainable timber production, recreation and biodiversity. We supply timber to sawmills throughout NSW and beyond, as well as facilitating a number of commercial recreation and ecotourism-based businesses, events and activities within NSW State forests.

Renewable timber is harvested in carefully planned operations from softwood plantations, hardwood plantations and native forests. Only a tiny percentage of State forest land is harvested each year to ensure a sustainable supply of timber into the future and many areas have been harvested and regrown several times over the generations.

Active worksites

From time to time, some areas may be closed to the community for the safety of forest users and workers. Forests may be closed or partially closed for a range of reasons, including during timber harvesting, plantation re-establishment, weed control, hazard reduction burning or for events managed under permit such as car rallies.

It is extremely unsafe to enter a closed area and penalties apply. Please visit our closures and notice page to plan your trip and pay attention to signage in the forest and instructions from staff.