Forests NSW has safety concerns after a number of trees have been illegally felled for firewood in Yambulla State Forest south west of Eden.

Forests NSW Southern Region operations manager, Marty Linehan, said a number of illegally felled dead trees had fallen across various forest roads including Yambulla, Stanley and Falkner Roads.

In addition, he said a number of trees alongside roads had been scarfed and backcut, but left standing, presenting a very dangerous situation for people working in or visiting the forests.

Mr Linehan said limbs and tree heads of some of the felled trees had been left lying across forest roads, presenting a safety issue for log trucks and other road users.

"Forests NSW is undertaking weekend patrols to monitor the illegal collection of firewood," he said.

"Forests NSW is reminding people that a permit is required to collect firewood from designated forests in the region.

"Permit holders are permitted to collect only dead wood from the forest floor. No standing timber, dead or alive, can be cut."

Mr Linehan said another problem with people illegally cutting and removing wood from the forests was that they may be doing so in sensitive areas, disturbing native vegetation and destroying habitats.

"Permit allocation allows us to suggest the best sites for collecting firewood in the forest and helps prevent any unnecessary damage being done to the environment," he said.

Applicants for a firewood permit will also be asked to complete a form in relation to chainsaw competency. People using a chainsaw must be competent in its use and wear protective boots.

Forests NSW also recommends that people wear a safety helmet, hearing protection, cut-resistant leg protection trousers or chaps and have access to an approved first aid kit. Chainsaws must be fitted with a chain brake and anti-vibration mounts and be properly maintained.

Firewood cutters must carry their permits with them when they are in the forest, so that they can be presented to the rangers patrolling the forests.

Firewood permits are now available from https://firewood.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ or from Forests NSW offices at Bombala, Eden and Batemans Bay.

More information

Collecting firewood and craft timber from State forests

Chainsaw operation and maintenance - PROfarm course

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669