Natural Resources
January 15, 2009

Domestic Cutters Advised to Obtain New Permits

The Department of Natural Resources, Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, is issuing new domestic cutting permits to replace permits formerly issued by AbitibiBowater.

The Provincial Government will authorize people to cut wood on land formerly owned by AbitibiBowater. However, permit holders must bring a copy of the AbitibiBowater permit to their local forestry district office before a new permit will be issued. The new permit will incorporate the terms and conditions of the former permit. The department will not issue any new permits on former AbitibiBowater land.

"As we work through the issues related to the transfer of timber and hydro assets to the province over the next few months, we want to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible to those who have traditionally accessed AbitibiBowater lands," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency.

"In the case of those who have domestic cutting permits from AbitibiBowater for harvesting fire wood off their former lands, we will honour those permits this winter, provided people come into our offices and receive new permits. Next season, individuals will have to obtain a regular cutting permit from the department."

The Provincial Government passed Bill 75, which revoked timber and water rights from AbitibiBowater and returned them to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, on December 16, 2008. AbitibiBowater can no longer issue domestic cutting permits on lands affected by Bill 75.

Permit holders should visit their district forestry office to receive a new permit. Please contact the office for information on location and hours of operation: Bishop�s Falls, 709-258-5334; Lewisporte, 709-535-2706; Gambo, 709-674-4625; Clarenville, 709-466-7439, and Gander, 709-256-1450.

For a complete list of district forestry offices, locations and telephone numbers please visit: //www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/contact/district.stm

A Crown domestic cutting permit is required to harvest and transport fuelwood from Crown or public land for personal use. There is no charge for permits issued to replace AbitibiBowater permits. After April 30, 2009, domestic cutters must obtain a Crown domestic cutting permit from district forestry offices at a cost of $21.

Conservation officers are conducting patrols to check on permit holders and assess illegal activity. For more information on domestic cutting permits, please visit: //www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/permits/licence.stm

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2009 01 15                                                    1:30 p.m.
 


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