Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who wish to continue cutting wood for personal use can reapply for a permit as of Jan. 2, 2018, according to a news release issued Friday by the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.
Individuals applying online will need the nine-digit permit number found on their previous domestic cutting permit, as well as a valid credit card or Interac debit card for payment.
Permit holders will also need to input harvesting information for the past year.
To renew online, residents must have had a valid domestic cutting permit issued the previous year, not have any outstanding fines (forestry, traffic, etc.), not be applying for the senior age discount for the first time and not require changes to their helper information.
If approved, the 2018 domestic cutting permit will be mailed to the address provided within five to 10 business days. Residents can still visit any forestry and wildlife office to obtain a new permit or to change helper information.
Under the Forestry Act, Cutting of Timber Regulations, a permit is required to cut timber on or remove timber from Crown land or public land.
Permits for cutting timber for personal use, and not for sale, barter or gift, are referred to as domestic cutting permits. The fee for a domestic cutting permit is $25; however, senior citizens can avail of the reduced fee of $16.25.
The volume of timber to be cut and removed under a domestic cutting permit will depend on local annual allowable amounts and will be indicated on the permit.
Domestic cutting permits are valid for the current calendar year and can be obtained in person, by phone or mail through any forestry district office.
The online renewal application is available at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/permits/license.html#domestic
