The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued its annual warning to residents across the Central West that it’s illegal to collect firewood in the region’s national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves.
Central West Area Manager with NPWS, Fiona Buchanan said the warning to residents around Condobolin, Bathurst, Dubbo, Forbes and Grenfell was timely as it followed a man being fined $30,000 for illegally collecting firewood in the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park.
“We are getting the message out there that removing firewood, including deadwood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” Ms Buchanan said.
“We want people to know the rules around firewood collection, particularly during the school holidays when more people are visiting national parks,” she said.
“It’s important people are aware that on-the-spot-fines apply but also very large fines can be handed out by the courts.”
She said the $30,000 fine imposed by the NSW Land and Environment Court reinforced how important it was that people follow the rules.
“Many ground dwelling animals and threatened species use tree hollows for nesting so when fallen trees and deadwood is taken illegally, it destroys their habitat,” Ms Buchanan said.
“This fallen timber is part of these animals’ natural ecosystem.”
She said firewood collection was permitted in many state forests, however those wishing to collect firewood must obtain a permit before doing so and ensure that they follow the associated permit conditions.
