Follow wood rules

STATE forest firewood collection has commenced in the Yarra Valley, and residents are being urged to adhere to collection regulations.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is again providing areas in Yarra State Forest for the public to collect firewood.
DSE manager for the Yarra State Forest Wally Notman said residents should be aware of the rules before venturing out for wood, including the need to obtain a firewood permit.
Permits are available from Yarra Junction Tyre and Fuel, True Value Hardware in Warburton, Mt Little Joe Nursery in Millgrove and the Powelltown General Store.
Mr Notman said a map would be supplied with the permit, outlining areas where firewood collection was permitted.
He urged people needing firewood to get in early, before the winter rain starts.
“The best access to firewood is likely to occur on dry days in the next four or five weeks. After that the forest tracks tend to stay wet and so does the wood on the ground,” he said.
“Even with dry weather, direct vehicle access to the firewood will not always be possible, particularly with two-wheel drives, so a wheelbarrow may be necessary to relay firewood.”
Firewood is not allowed to be collected in national parks, flora and fauna reserves, special protection zones (SPZ) and other areas set aside for conservation. Collection from any VicRoads or Shire roadsides is also prohibited.
Mr Notman said firewood could be collected from dry and green wood already on the ground in the designated areas. Collectors are not allowed to fell trees, live or dead.
The firewood must be for personal or household use, and not for resale. Commercial operations require a special licence from DSE.
Mr Notman said failure to buy a permit could result in an on-the-spot fine or a court appearance with up to $5000 in fines.
Permits are only valid on the day shown on the permit. They must be carried when collecting wood and presented if requested by a DSE forest officer.
For more information, contact the DSE Powelltown office on 5965 9901.