The Forestry Corporation is considering segregating the Attunga State Forest, to separate bushwalkers from off-road motorists for safety reasons.
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District Manager Conan Rossler said they're also considering restricting the use of fire trails by motorists, out of concern overuse could leave them unusable by firefighters during an emergency.
One driver, recently bogged on a fire trail, was only prised out with a bobcat, he said.
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"What we're finding is the motorbikes and the 4WDs are getting onto these trails, obviously very challenging for them, great fun for them.
"But it's obviously damaging [the trails]. Going forward we'll probably put some restrictions on people getting onto those trails. If and when we do need them when we get a fire event, it doesn't help if RFS or ourselves get there with our fire crews and they aren't traffickable because they've been damaged."
The additional restrictions under consideration come in the wake of a policing crackdown by the corporation on misuse of the state forest.
With extra signs, cameras and police presence in the area, they have recently caught a number of people for driving unlicenced or unregistered cars, stealing firewood or dumping rubbish. They have been issued fines.
Mr Rossler said he wants people to use the forest the right way, but said misuse of the Attunga forest is getting worse.
"Going forward we're going to be putting up some serious signage probably in the next 4 to 6 weeks.
"We'll definitely be also stepping up the level of camera surveillance out there. So for those who get involved in activities they shouldn't be, that obviously will help to capture those people."
The Corporation is considering how to get "physical separation" between 4WD and motorbike drivers in the forest, he said.
"We're investigating at the moment how we might physically separate forest users so there's no possibility of motorcycles or 4WDs coming in contact with bushwalkers or birders.
"Once some decisions have been made in the next couple of months we'll certainly come back to the public and let the public know what's going on there."
That would likely mean designating specified areas for different activities, he said.
Forestry Corporation recently spend significant money upgrading the fire trails through Attunga State Forest.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
