The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has reminded locals collecting wood in public road reserves, travelling stock routes and private land without permission reduces the number of nesting places for birds and mammals.

OEH threatened species team leader Damon Oliver said the high level of timber removal from living, dead and fallen trees cannot be sustained in areas where there was relatively little native vegetation remaining.

“Of real concern is the ongoing loss of dead standing trees that provide important breeding habitat for a number of threatened birds and mammals. 

“People who collect firewood from roadsides and other rural locations may be breaching NSW threatened species laws and can be prosecuted if caught.”

If you see illegal firewood collection in your area, contact the NSW Enviroline on 131 555.