Central West residents collecting firewood from a state forest without a permit risk a maximum fine of $2200, advises the Forestry Corporation of NSW.
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It’s promoting the online permits that range in price from $8 to $30 per tonne.
Forestry Corporation of NSW stewardship and fire supervisor, Melanie Klootwijk, reports of illegal activity in the region’s state forests and its concern for the safety of people collecting firewood.
“Each year there are people who collect firewood illegally,” she said.
“When we come across this behaviour in the Central West forests our staff issue a warning and reminder of the rules around firewood collection. Firewood can only be collected from the ground and trees are not allowed to be cut down, even if they are dead.
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“We have had instances lately where we have found evidence of trees being cut down for firewood in Newnes and Blenheim state forests and this is not a safe activity.
“Permits are available for firewood to be collected from certain forests but sticking to the rules and doing it safely is critical for the firewood collectors themselves as well as other forest users.”
Ms Klootwijk said the online permit system showed where to collect firewood this season and provided a map of the collection area.
She said the Forestry Corporation would be patrolling state forests and conducting surveillance to detect illegal firewood collection.
The cost of permits depends on “circumstances and location”. Pensioners get a discount.
For more information, or to arrange a firewood permit, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.
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