Last week three Central West residents were fined a total of $12,000 after being caught on CCTV taking the wood from Crown lands.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Central West area manager Fiona Buchanan said the hefty fines should serve as a reminder that unauthorised firewood collection can be costly.

“Collecting firewood is not permitted on national parks, nature reserves and state conservation areas in the Central West,” she said.

“It is the responsibility of the person collecting the wood to determine what land they are on and be aware of what regulations are in place.”

Ms Buchanan said the three men fined had committed offences including “cutting and removing vegetation”.

“Unfortunately it’s not an isolated incident, and anyone breaking the rules should be aware NPWS staff are patrolling national parks and conservation areas regularly, including weekends,” she said.

“We are also using surveillance cameras and other methods, so the chances of getting caught are high.”

Ms Buchanan said while some people believed taking firewood would have no negative impacts, they were mistaken.

“It destroys important habitat for native fauna,” she said.

“Fallen trees, logs and small branches are an essential part of the natural ecosystem and provide shelter and homes to many small ground-dwelling animals and ground feeding birds, frogs and lizards.”