Firewood collection on public land
Autumn 2012 firewood collection season has opened
Firewood collection from designated firewood collection areas on public land is allowed from 1 March 2012 to 30 June 2012.
Firewood collection areas will be published on the collection area map web page from 1 March 2012.
Firewood collection on public land
Firewood collection from public land is now more affordable and straightforward for the community. Collection of firewood for personal use from State forests (and those parks where collection is allowed) no longer requires a permit.
Seasons and collection areas apply to safeguard the environmental sustainability of our forests and parks and mitigate safety risks.
Collection areas
Firewood collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areas. These are clearly marked by signs and boundary tape.
Rules apply when collecting firewood.
Collection areas are located, where possible, to avoid sites of environmental and cultural significance, and to make use of the by-products of activities such as commercial timber harvesting and road construction.
Seasons
Firewood collection is allowed in an autumn season (1 March – 30 June) and a spring season (1 September – 30 November).
If a fire danger period is declared before 30 November, the spring firewood collection season may be closed early.
The seasons are consistent across the state and aim to minimise risks to people, the environment and infrastructure by avoiding firewood collection during winter and during the highest fire hazard periods.
Roadside collection
Management of roadside vegetation remains with the road management authority, usually VicRoads or local government. Permission from VicRoads or local government is needed for the collection of firewood from roadsides under their management. VicRoads do not currently allow firewood collection on roadsides they manage.
Roadside collection of firewood in State forests is only allowed in a designated firewood collection area.
Forests Amendment Bill 2012
The Forests Amendment Bill 2012 has been introduced into Parliament. The bill will create clear, legislatively defined rules for collecting domestic firewood from public land without a permit. Further information on the Bill is available at this page.
Further information
Firewood collection on public land
[PDF File - 176.2 KB]
Firewood collection on public land (accessible)
[MS Word Document - 420.5 KB]
For further information or assistance call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.