A BURNING desire for firewood to heat our homes has seen a significant increase in reports of illegal firewood collection in rural areas made to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).
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Illegal firewood collection can lead directly to the homes of threatened birds and mammals literally going up in smoke.
Farmers and other locals, particularly in the Yass, Boorowa and Goulburn areas, report a steady stream of vehicles and trailers laden with firewood driving through their regions.
“Locals are observing firewood being collected illegally along public road reserves, travelling stock routes and even on private lands without permission,” OEH Threatened Species Team Leader Damon Oliver said.
“Of real concern is the ongoing loss of dead standing trees that provide important breeding habitat for a number of threatened birds and mammals, including the iconic Superb Parrot and Squirrel Glider.
“Dead trees that have hollow branches provide perfect nesting places for Superb Parrots.
“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 happening in your area in NSW, contact the NSW Enviroline on 131 555. Reports can be anonymous.”
