With winter on the way, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding residents across the Central West and North West NSW that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Castlereagh Area Manager John Whittall said firewood collection removes important habitat.
'Collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,' Mr Whittall said.
'It is important that residents around Gunnedah, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Narrabri and Baradine are aware of why it is illegal and also the heavy fines that apply.
'Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals including barking owls and glossy black cockatoos which live in this area.
'Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival,' he said.
NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and larger fines can be handed out by the courts.
Firewood can be collected with a permit from some state forests or purchased from a reputable supplier.
