'Living, working, playing... forests 2005-2009'

Sustainable recreation, sport, tourism and training in State forests

One of the most significant community benefits that State forests provide is the opportunity to participate in an extraordinarily wide range of nature-based recreational, sporting, tourism and training pursuits.

During 2003 and 2004, Forests NSW developed a sustainable recreation, sport, tourism and training policy and strategic framework in collaboration with the peak groups that use State forests, as well relevant Government agencies. The community was also invited to comment on the draft policy document over a two month period, with many of the practical suggestions received incorporated into the document.

The outcome is the document Living, working, playing … forests. The key strategic objectives are:

1. Provide access to State forests for current user groups, as appropriate, without limiting the options that future generations may have for forest-based recreation, sport, tourism and training in State forests.
2. Develop partnerships with stakeholders, government agencies, businesses and community groups, which encourage the safe and appropriate use of State forests for recreation, sports, tourism and training experiences and opportunities.
3. Communicate, educate and promote Forests NSW as the providers of forest-based recreation, sport, tourism and training opportunities and the recreation, sporting, tourism and training uses that may be undertaken in State forests, to the broader community.
4. Implement efficient and consistent management and administration of State forests for recreational, sporting, tourism and training uses.
5. Improve our understanding of the benefits and impacts of nature-based recreation, sports, tourism and training and promote to the community the benefits that can be achieved through these activities in State forests and adapt management practices accordingly.