Forest Tenures
Last updated on May 5, 2025Approximately 95% of the province's timber is publicly owned. The B.C. government authorizes the rights to harvest Crown timber through forest tenures.
Private timber marks are required to transport logs from privately-owned land and are administered by the B.C. government.
Timber Harvesting Rights
Forest tenures are the agreement between a company, a community or an individual and the B.C. government that grant the rights and outlines the conditions (through licences and permits) under which timber is harvested from provincial land.
- Learn more about timber licences and permits, including rights and obligations
- Timber Tenure Brochure (PDF 3.4MB)
Wildfire Timber Salvage
Proactive, early planning is an essential component of wildfire timber salvage, retention and reforestation. It establishes a shared understanding between the forest tenure holder and the decision maker regarding cutting permit application requirements and the acceptable conditions and targets to be achieved on the land base prior to reacting to a catastrophic wildfire event. The cutting permit remains the primary authority issued to existing tenure holders for wildfire timber salvage. For non-tenure holders, the Forestry Licence to Cut and Occupant Licence to Cut may also be issued to address specific circumstances. The following documents will assist both FOR staff, First Nations and tenure holders in the planning and harvesting of fire impacted areas.
- Wildfire Timber Salvage Planning and Administration Guide vs 2
- Ribbonless Boundary Tool Interim Guidance
- Post Wildfire Fibre Recovery Guidance
- Wildfire Salvage Opportunity Agreement
- Letter Wildfire Salvage Planning and Administration Guidance v2 Feb 27 2025
Opportunities to Harvest Crown Timber
The majority of Crown timber harvesting rights are held by forest companies, market loggers and First Nations. In addition, a significant volume of timber is auctioned each year through BC Timber Sales.
The B.C. government may advertise opportunities, within specific areas of the province, to harvest minor volumes of timber.
For opportunities to access timber within a particular area contact
New entrants to the forest sector, particularly First Nations and Community licensees are encouraged to review the following document:
Additionally, new entrants to the forest sector are encouraged to establish "business to business" purchase agreements with those individuals or companies who hold rights to harvest Crown timber.
- Major Forest Companies (PDF, 89KB)
- BC Timber Sales
- Woodlot licence holders, Community Forest Agreement holders and First Nations Woodland Licence holders:
Administration
The B.C. government administers and maintains the forest tenures system and the legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that address the occupation of Crown land and harvesting of Crown and private timber.
Apportionment & Commitment Reports—AAC
The allowable annual cut of each timber supply area and tree farm licence is determined by the chief forester, at least once every ten years.
Harvesting Timber on Private Land
Timber harvested on private land has its own set of rules, regulations and practices to guide it, including the need for a private timber mark when transporting logs from privately owned land.
When forestry operations occur on private land, the Private Managed Forest Land program protects the rights of property owners while also protecting other things like fish and wildlife habitats, water quality, soil conservation and reforestation.
The program is managed by a council that sets standards for private forest land.
Electronic Applications & Submissions
When submitting applications or other documentation send your submission to the appropriate natural resource district:
Contact information
Contact us if you have questions about timber tenures.