Drones to monitor Fossikers - Torrington State Conservation Area (NSW)

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Drone technology used to target illegal fossicking in the Torrington State Conservation Area (NSW)


The NSW Resources Regulator has teamed up with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to target illegal fossicking in the Torrington State Conservation Area.

Resources Regulator’s Director of Compliance Steve Orr said signs have been installed in the conservation area encouraging reporting of illegal fossicking, and drone technology will be used to detect the practice being carried out.

Fossicking is a lawful activity in NSW however, recent reports suggest that some fossickers in the Torrington State Conservation area are using powered equipment which is prohibited under the fossicking guidelines and the mining laws. “The use of powered equipment can cause significant damage to the environment, erode creek beds and destroy native ecosystems.  Mr Orr said.