Permits required for firewood collection in state forests (Monaro region)

As the weather gets colder and we think more about our heating needs, Forests NSW Monaro Region is reminding people that they need a permit to collect firewood.

“We are happy for people with permits to collect firewood for their own personal use. Forests NSW can’t condone people collecting wood without a firewood permit or using the permits to illegally collect wood to on-sell,” Forests NSW forester based at Bombala Keith Woodward said.

Mr Woodward said one problem with people illegally cutting and removing wood from the forests was that they are often 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 damage being done to the environment,” he said.

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

Firewood collection permits for forests in the Bombala area may be purchased for $11 for one tonne, $22 for two tonnes or $33 for three tonnes by telephoning Forests NSW Bombala office on (02) 6458 3177 or from Forests NSW office, Jonas Street, Bombala.

Alternatively, firewood collection permits for forests in the Eden area may be purchased for $11 for one tonne, $19.80 for two tonnes or $26.40 for three tonnes by telephoning Forests NSW Eden office on (02) 6496 1500 or from Forests NSW office at 13b Bass Street, Eden.

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 Forests NSW officers patrolling the forest.