As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves.
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NPWS Central West area manager Fiona Buchanan said it was important that residents were aware of the heavy fines that apply.
"We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks," Ms Buchanan said.
"Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival.
"NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.
"A number of people have received fines totalling thousands of dollars in recent times for illegally collecting firewood from local national parks and nature reserves."