THE Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and Parks Victoria are urging responsible recreation as Victorians take a well-earned break this holiday season.

Over the holiday period some closures will be in place across the Grampians region.

This includes Firth Park which remains closed due to storm damage, as well as local road closures in place at Mt Lonarch Road, and Chettle Road.

There will also be heavy machinery working on forest roads across the summer with local traffic management in place so please be mindful of this if you’re planning to visit any state forests.

Flood and storm recovery works are also taking place at the Wail State Forest and around the Rocklands Reservoir.

There is reduced camping capacity at the Rocklands Reservoir due to the foreshore area being underwater.

Please keep this in mind if you plan to visit over the holiday period, allow some extra time to find a campsite and have a plan B in case the area is at capacity.

Flood events have impacted many parts of Victoria recently, and with more rain possibly on the way, the condition of dirt roads have been affected.

Many tracks in state forest and parks will remain closed until further notice to allow repair work to be completed and prevent further serious road damage. It is an offence to use them while closed.

Be sure to check local closures before you leave home on the Parks Victoria website or mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic

With many forests and parks impacted by the recent floods, it is recommended visitors have an alternate option in case their preferred location is closed.

“If you are taking the opportunity to get away these holidays and enjoy our state forests and parks, please obey all rules and signage to protect yourselves, others and the environment and have a wonderful time,” Grampians acting deputy chief fire officer, David Sayce said.

Trail bike-riding, four-wheel driving, and camping are all fun ways to get out and enjoy this summer but there are important rules to keep you and others safe.

Authorised officers will be patrolling forests, parks, and reserves targeting illegal off-road activity, littering, and unsafe campfires.

Trail bike-riders and four-wheel drivers are reminded they must be licensed, vehicles registered, and can only use formed roads and tracks to protect the environment and other forest users.

Anyone caught illegally riding or driving vehicles off-road in state forests can face on-the-spot fines of $185 or up to $500 if the matter is taken to court.

Damaging, disturbing, or destroying wildlife habitat carries a maximum fine of more than $9000.

Visitors are also responsible for building and keeping safe campfires, including where and what they use and never leaving it unattended, even for a short period of time.

Campfires should be put out with water, not soil, and should be cool to the touch before leaving.

All rubbish must be taken home, not dumped, or burned.

Anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle use or rubbish dumping on public land is encouraged to report it on 136 186.

For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use, visit vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests

With the recent floods in many areas across Victoria, the risk of mosquito breeding is also high - learn more about how to protect yourself and your family at bit.ly/3hBzwqq

For real-time updates, follow Conservation Regulator on Twitter @ConservationReg, Forest Fire Management Victoria on Twitter @FFMVic, and Parks Victoria on Twitter @ParksVictoria