Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
January 4, 2017
Modernizing the Forest Industry
Government Launches Pilot Project for Renewal of Domestic Cutting Permits
A pilot project was launched today which will enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who harvest wood in a number of districts to renew their own personal Domestic Cutting Permits online.
“This pilot project will make it more convenient for anyone wishing to obtain a personal Domestic Cutting Permit as well as improve the efficiency of forest management and delivery of public services. I encourage residents who harvest wood in these areas to use this online tool and I thank staff for their hard work and dedication to this project.”
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
The online permit process is now available for residents who harvest wood in Districts 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23. Remaining areas will be released at a later date.
Residents who plan to renew their own personal Domestic Cutting Permit online will need the nine digit permit number found on their previous Domestic Cutting Permit, as well as a valid credit card for payment. To complete the process, permit holders will also need to input harvesting information for the past year.
Residents who plan to renew online must:
- Have had a valid Domestic Cutting Permit issued the previous year;
- Not be applying for the senior age discount for the first time; and
- Not need to change their helper information (if applicable). They can keep the same helper or remove the helper from the permit however, they cannot add a helper through the system.
If approved, the 2017 Domestic Cutting Permit will be mailed to the address provided within five to 10 business days. Residents are still welcome to visit any Forestry Branch District Office to obtain a new permit or to change helper information.
The minister’s mandate letter highlights growing and modernizing the forestry industry by leading the implementation of the Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy. The Provincial Government's The Way Forward document commits to increasing timber allocations and harvest levels by 2020 to help shape the forest industry well into the future.
The online renewal application and a map of available cutting areas will be available on the Provincial Government website at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/permits/license.html#domestic
QUICK FACTS
- A pilot project starting today will enable residents who harvest wood in a number of districts to renew their own personal Domestic Cutting Permits online.
- Residents who plan to renew their personal Domestic Cutting Permit online will need the nine digit permit number found on their previous Domestic Wood Cutting Permit, a valid credit card for payment, and must input harvesting information for the past year.
- If approved, the 2017 Domestic Cutting Permit will be mailed to the address provided within five to 10 business days.
- The online renewal application and a map of available cutting areas will be available on the Provincial Government website at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/permits/license.html#domestic
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Media contact:
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Connie Boland Media Relations Manager Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods 709-637-2923, 640-6409 connieboland@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
- Under the Forestry Act, Cutting of Timber Regulations, a Domestic Cutting Permit is required to cut and remove timber from Crown or public land for personal use. This timber is not for sale, barter or gift.
- Permits expire at the end of each calendar year requiring approximately 25,000 domestic cutters to apply at the beginning of the new calendar year.
- The department enforces all conditions and measures associated with the Domestic Cutting Permit. Conservation officers routinely patrol areas to check on permit holders and assess illegal activity.
- Domestic cutting operations fall within the scope of the Forestry Branch Environmental Management System which is certified to ISO: 14001:2004 standard.
2017 01 04 10:30 a.m.