Natural Resources
December 3, 2014

Public Advisory: Regulations in Place for the Cutting of Christmas Trees

Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will soon be travelling into the woods in search of their Christmas tree. Keeping the festive season in mind, the Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to remember the rules and regulations that govern the cutting of trees.

A permit is not required to cut a tree. However, under the Cutting of Timber Regulations it is illegal to:

• Cut any tree within 102 metres of the centre line of any highway;
• Cut trees in any forest improvement or preservation area, such as “No Cutting” or silviculturally treated areas; and
• Cut a large tree just to obtain the top portion.

Residents are encouraged to decide on their tree before cutting it, as it is also illegal to cut trees down and leave them in the forest.

Selling Christmas trees is a seasonal industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Venders who plan on cutting trees to sell are required to obtain a commercial cutting permit which can be obtained from any District Forestry Office throughout the province.

A list of District Forestry Officers can be obtained at www.gov.nl.ca/nr/department/contact/forestry/forestry.html#region.

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Media contact:

Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2014 12 03                              10:05 a.m.