Free Use Permit - Forestry
Last updated on February 25, 2025A free use permit gives the right to remove minor volumes of Crown timber for personal purposes such as:
- Firewood collection
- Christmas tree cutting
- Using timber to develop a mining claim
- Traditional or cultural activities
Contact us for current free use permit templates.
Free Use Permit for First Nation Traditional & Cultural Activities
- Information for First Nations Requiring Timber for Traditional and Cultural Activity (PDF)
- Application for First Nation Traditional and Cultural Activity (PDF)
- Draft Policy Memo - May 2010 (PDF)
- Draft Policy Memo - Dec 2009 (PDF)
- Free Use Permits for First Nation Traditional and Cultural Activities Administrative Guide (PDF, 1.1MB)
Free Use Permits for Mining Activities
The Inspector of Mines has the authority to issue free use permits for up to 50 m3 associated with the clearing of trees for exploration and mining activities. If a proponent is completing a notice of work, the free use permit is linked to this electronic application and will be generated as part of that process. If a person already has a Mines Act permit, they should submit a notice of work to amend the permit to include tree cutting. If greater than 50 m3 wood is to be harvested an Occupant Licence to Cut application should be completed and submitted to the local Natural Resource District office for approval by the District Resource Manager.
Contact us for current free use permits for First Nations traditional and cultural activity templates at ForestTenuresBranch@gov.bc.ca.
Related Links
Contact information
Contact your local Natural Resource District office to apply for a free use permit.
Contact us if you have questions about getting a permit to use or cut wood for personal use on Crown land.