Many households across Ararat Rural City rely on firewood for winter energy during the colder months, but did you know the reasoning behind specific seasons for firewood collection in public land?
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Designated firewood collection areas and restrictions help keep residents safe and help protect native habitat places in State forests during winter and fire danger periods.
As the autumn firewood season is now closed, residents can look to collect firewood from State forests from 1 September to 30 November.
"We want to remind residents to collect firewood responsibly. Firewood can only be collected from designated areas in State forests during certain times for personal use," Ararat Rural City Council, CEO Dr Tim Harrison said.
"Using chainsaws and machinery during wet and slippery conditions and during fire danger periods is discouraged due to the risk to personal and public safety.
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"During the collection season people can collect firewood in collection areas from native trees that are already on the ground, having either fallen over or from limbs that have dropped.
"Cutting down trees is prohibited and collection limits of two cubic metres per person per day are in place to keep this resource sustainable and ensures everyone gets a fair supply.
"Collection of fallen timber from the roadsides is also prohibited without a permit as there is considerable safety risks for people stopping on roadsides to collect wood and environmental benefits for retaining fallen timber.
"If you need to source wood outside the collection period, be sure to purchase wood from a reputable supplier as there are serious penalties for failing to follow firewood collection rules."
Under the Forest Act 1958, residents who collect firewood outside designated collection areas or season can face fines of up to $8,261 or up to 1 year's imprisonment.
For details on firewood collection visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood or phone the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186.
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