State forests are managed for multiple uses. 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 pay attention to signage in the forest and instructions from staff.

Plantation harvesting and replanting

Forestry Corporation is the largest manager of commercial timber plantations in NSW. Plantations are continually harvested for renewable timber and replanted with seedlings to regrow for the future.

Find out more about hardwood plantations.

Native forestry operations

Forestry Corporation of NSW has been appointed to manage State forests for a range of uses including tourism, environmental conservation and renewable timber production. The same State forests have been continually harvested and regrown for more than 100 years and are carefully managed to ensure they will continue to provide habitat during and after operations and deliver environmental, economic and social benefits for future generations.

Before a single tree is harvested, there is a long process of careful planning. For more information about the planning process, visit the native forest operations page or see the video below. Visit our Plan Portal to view a harvest plan.

Fire management

Forestry Corporation is a statutory firefighting authority and is responsible for firefighting and hazard reduction activities. Find out more about fire management.

Weed management

Weed control is carried out across the landscape, and is particularly important during plantation establishment. Find out more about pest and weed management.

Current forest closures

Always check the current list of closures before visiting a State forest for the latest updates. See a list of current closures.