The Department of Parks and Wildlife is pushing a message out to South West residents and visitors encouraging them to collect firewood from their local collection areas so as to help curtail illegal activity.
Selling and buying firewood illegally is common practice in the region with many people unaware that they are doing anything wrong.
People are encouraged to contact DPAW if they are unsure if they are allowed to sell wood or to check if someone is a licensed seller.
DPAW operations officer Katie Pettersen said there was plenty of firewood available from the collection areas, but there had still been a spike in illegal activity.
“Over the past year there has been an increase in unauthorised firewood collection, which impacts on the environment and causes a safety hazard,” she said.
“Surveillance is being increased over the coming months and people should ensure that they are collecting wood correctly or purchasing wood from a licensed seller, as fines do apply for these offences.
“We have been in touch with some of the local Buy, Swap and Sell Facebook pages, because that is where a lot of firewood is being sold illegally.
“The administrators of these sites have been really good in regard to asking for licences because a lot of people didn't realise that they had to have one to sell wood from their own property or from bushland.
Consumers are advised to check if someone is a licensed seller so as to prevent being fined for buying illegal wood.
“People should be aware that if they buy firewood from a non-licensed seller, they are supporting the impact illegal firewood collection has on forests and the natural environment,” Ms Pettersen said.
“If you are unsure if someone selling wood is licensed, please contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The Forest Products Commission also has a list of licensed firewood sellers.”
Ms Pettersen said wood could only be collected from the ground, as it was illegal to fell trees and it was dangerous to cut down dead standing trees which provide habitat for wildlife.
“The firewood that you are allowed to collect is sometimes a bit further in the bush from the road, so it is a good idea to take a wheelbarrow, as vehicles should stay on roads to help prevent the spread of dieback,” she said.
“We also remind people that collecting firewood in national parks and nature reserves is not permitted, as it is important that these environmentally sensitive areas are conserved.”
The local collection areas this year for people in Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Quinninuip are Mack, Sutton, Collins, Topanup and Flubrook forests blocks.
Information about firewood collection areas can be found on the Parks and Wildlife website at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/forests/forest-produce/68-gathering-domestic-firewood or by phoning the Pemberton office on (08) 9776 1207.
