The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has reminded park visitors that it is illegal to collect firewood from national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves without a permit.
The reminder follows reports of trees being cut down for firewood in the Yurammie State Conservation Area (SCA) on the State’s south coast.
Manager of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Andrew Wall said Yurammie State Conservation Area protected important Aboriginal sites and Aboriginal traditional pathways to the coast.
“NPWS is working with Bega Valley Shire Council to prevent illegal activities and illegal firewood collection, dumping of garden refuse and general household waste as well as illegal trailbike riding,” Mr. Wall said.
“Regular patrols by Rangers will be made and infringement notices will be issued if illegal activities are detected.”
Mr. Wall said that it was important for people to know that on-the-spot-fines applied and that very large fines could also be handed out by the courts.
“The recent $30,000 fine handed out by the NSW Land and Environment Court reinforces how important it is that people follow the rules,” he said.
“Many ground dwelling animals and threatened species use tree hollows for nesting and even fallen trees and deadwood is important habitat.”
He said people could report incidents of illegal firewood collection to the NPWS on 1300 072 757 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
