Although firewood collection can seem like a harmless activity, it can cause significant environmental impacts and is considered a key threatening process. The NSW Scientific Committee defines the removal of dead wood and dead trees as:
- Collecting fallen timber for firewood
- Burning on site
- Removal of fallen branches and litter
- The removal of standing dead trees
It is prohibited to collect firewood within any council area including natural area reserves, parks and roadside reserves. Heavy fines may apply for anyone caught collecting firewood on Council or Public land.
The impacts of removing dead wood and trees
- Habitat loss - Dead wood and trees often contain hollows used by many native species for shelter. Removing this important piece of habitat can risk the survival of our local wildlife
- Food loss - a diverse range of specalised insects and fungi species depend on dead wood and trees to survive. Our local wildlife feeds on these species, causing a decrease in available food within the ecosystem.
- Soil erosion – The removal of dead wood from the ground can expose the soil to wind and water, leading to an increase in soil erosion and sedimentation.
Report it
If you see someone collecting firewood or other material such as plants or rocks from our reserves or roadsides, please report it to Council. Phone: 1300 292 442 Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
What information do you need to report?
- Date and time
- Location
- A description of the activity observed
- Vehicle make, model, colour and registration
Responsible firewood collection
Residents who rely on wood heaters for warmth may collect firewood on private property with permission from the landholder or purchase firewood sourced in accordance with sustainable management principles to protect biodiversity and ecosystem processes;
- Firewood must not be collected from areas where it may have significant impact on listed threatened species or listed EEC
- Firewood must be collected in a manner that conforms to regional vegetation and catchment management/natural resource management plans and other relevant plans.