Autumn firewood collection opens in North

Thursday 7 March, 2013

The Autumn Domestic Firewood Collection season opens on public land this Friday 8 March and residents in some parts of Northern Victoria have a new alternative available to them.

Parks Victoria River Red Gum District Chief Ranger Daniel McLaughlin said legislation now permits local residents to collect sawlog harvesting residue as firewood in some former logging coupes at Barmah National Park.

“Several designated collection areas will be open at Barmah National Park to help meet local demand for domestic firewood in the community,” said Mr McLaughlin.

“The collection of firewood in Barmah National Park will be restricted to residents living in the Shire of Campaspe, Shire of Moira and the Greater City of Shepparton, as well as the Yorta Yorta people.

“People collecting firewood at Barmah may be asked for their name and address to confirm eligibility.”

Mr McLaughlin confirmed no live or dead standing trees will be felled to produce firewood in Barmah National Park. The firewood available is residue off-cuts that remain from previous logging operations prior to the establishment of the national park.

“Only timber lying on the ground can be collected and people are asked not to damage, disturb or destroy any wildlife habitat such as hollow logs or standing trees,” said Mr McLaughlin.

Designated firewood collection areas in Victoria are carefully located to avoid impacts on environmental and cultural values, and strict regulations apply to the collection of domestic firewood.

Firewood can be collected for personal use, without a permit, from designated firewood collection areas within state forests or parks and reserves where collection is allowed. Collection limits apply.

“DSE Officers and Parks Victoria rangers will be on patrol to ensure people adhere to the regulations. Heavy penalties will apply to those who do not comply,” said Mr McLaughlin.

“Typical on the spot fines are around $560. Offences that go to court may be liable for fines up to $7042, one year imprisonment or both,” he said.

Maps of designated firewood collection areas and regulations are available on the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au/firewood. The season runs until 30 June, if not closed earlier.