Bermagui timber harvest ends

THE timber harvest in the latest two spotted gum compartments of Bermagui State Forest has been completed.
“The prohibited area has been lifted, but forest users are urged to take extra care and be aware of overhead and trip hazards in the newly harvested area,” Forests NSW Southern Region planning manager Kevin Petty said.
“Firewood permits will not be available on the internet until April next year to ensure public safety.
“The majority of the timber harvested, 65 per cent, was sawlogs which will go into high-end value-added products.”
Petty said Forests NSW had excluded timber harvesting from both sides of Wallaga Lake Road immediately north-west of Bermagui township.
“The canopy of the spotted gum trees in this area forms an arch over the road and we have preserved that image for visitors and residents as promised,” Petty said.
The area south of Scenic Drive adjoining Wallaga Lake Road, a length of 500 metres, was excluded from harvest for a depth of 100m, and more at the southern end.
A hazard reduction burn may be considered in the harvest area during the autumn or winter months next year to reduce fuel loads and the severity of wildfires.