In the letter Mrs Pickford referred to starting her working life with the then Forestry Commission and the pride she had for the “wonderful works” that were achieved during that time.

Mrs Pickford concluded that she understood the Forestry Commission no longer existed and therefore was saddened that there was no longer anyone to prevent the fires which recently impacted Mount Canobolas and surrounding areas.

I’d like to assure Mrs Pickford that while no longer called Forestry Commission of NSW, the organisation still remains today and is now known as the Forestry Corporation of NSW.

The organisation proudly celebrated 100 years of continuous forest management in 2016.

The plantations that were established during Mrs Pickford’s time with the Forestry Commission have become a significant legacy for the Central West and today provide the basis for employing hundreds of people and an ongoing supply of raw material to a vibrant and prosperous timber industry.  

In terms of the Mount Canobolas fire, Forestry Corporation and its staff were a significant contributor and worked tirelessly along side staff from NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fire and Rescue NSW to contain the fire.

As the regional manager I’m extremely proud of the expertise they provide and there tireless contribution to minimising fire not only within State forests but also the surrounding areas.

I can also assure Mrs Pickford that today’s staff, while lesser in number, still share the same pride that she recalls from her time with the Forestry Commission.

I’d be pleased to provide Mrs Pickford with a copy of a publication developed to celebrate the 100 years of State forest management in NSW, if she were to provides her contact details to the Bathurst Office on 02 6331 2044.