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Make Firewood Collection Safe And Sustainable

To help ensure the sustainable management of Victoria's forests, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) controls the amount of firewood collected and the areas that are available for collection.

By DSE - 16th April 2009 - Back to News

Firewood collection is not allowed in National Parks, Flora and Fauna Reserves, Special Protection Zones and some areas set-aside for conservation.

Collection is also prohibited from most Shire and VicRoads roadsides – check with your local council for regulations in your area.

The collection and removal of firewood from State forests for domestic use requires a licence or permit issued by DSE or an agent acting on behalf of DSE. Permits and maps are available at DSE offices or through a number of retail outlets across the region.

A licence or permit is typically issued for a short term and for small quantities of timber only. The firewood must be paid for in advance of collection and a map of areas for collection and other basic conditions are provided.

Firewood is sold on a cubic metre basis, which is roughly a 1.8 metre x 1.2 metre trailer stacked 45 cms high (6’ x 4’ and 18" high). An average family burns around 10 cubic metres over the cooler months.

The cost per cubic metre of firewood varies, depending on the species of trees and where the firewood is to be collected, but in general it is about $10 to $20. Concession rates apply. Firewood bought on a domestic permit is for personal use only and not to be sold to a third party.

Please remember only to collect fallen timber - you must not cut down any standing tree (either dead or alive) or cut or break off any part of a standing tree for firewood.

The department would like to remind people that firewood patrols are carried out on a regular basis. Anyone caught illegally removing firewood without a permit or felling trees in Parks, Reserves or other protected areas will be liable for a large fine and possibly a court appearance.

DSE will work with local government in areas affected by the 2009 fires to make timber available to replace firewood and fence posts burnt during the fires.

Where practical, this wood will be sourced from trees felled during fire suppression activities that are not needed for rehabilitation requirements.

For more information visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or call 136 186 or email firestrat.publicland@dse.vic.gov.au

Safety

Please take care when collecting firewood and:

• watch out for hazards, in particular broken branches and dead standing trees
•  if using a chainsaw, be competent in its use
• wear appropriate safety clothing and equipment
• avoid working alone
• have a first aid kit on site

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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