Do I need a timber permit or licence?

If you are planning on cutting timber, you will need to follow federal and territorial legislation. The need for permits or licences is based on the volume of timber you would like to harvest (see list and criteria below).

All permits and licences are available in person from your local or regional Environment and Climate Change office.

Harvesting guidelines:

• Use caution in recently burned areas: there may be hotspots or a risk of falling trees.
• It is illegal to cut trees within 60 m of any body of water or public road.
• It is illegal to cut trees located on someone's property or private lands without permission from the land owner.
• Do not cut trees located on someone’s trapline.
• Harvesting must be done outside community limits unless permission is granted from the community.
• Harvesters can not leave a stump taller than 30 cm.

Free Timber Cutting Permit

You need this permit for all personal tree harvesting purposes, up to 60m3 (approx. 22 cords), including fuelwood, building logs, fence posts or timber.  The permit is also required when harvesting trees for transplanting (up to 20 trees).  If more than 60m3 will be harvested, a Timber Cutting Permit is required. A resident is eligible for one free timber cutting permit each year for each of the timber products listed in the regulations.

Cost

There is no charge for this permit.

Timber Cutting Permit

You need this permit for personal timber harvesting over 60m3 (approx. 22 cords), or if you intend to sell any amount of wood.  A timber cutting permit is required for up to 5000m3 of wood, and for a maximum of one year.  If you plan to cut timber for more than one year or more than 5000 m3, you can apply for a timber cutting licence.

Cost

Application cost is $20. Timber harvest is subject to timber cutting and reforestation charges based on the amount of wood cut.

Timber Cutting Licence

You need a timber cutting licence if you plan to cut more than 5000 m3 or would like authorization to extend beyond one year up to 5-year duration.  A timber cutting licence has additional planning requirements, such a maps of the planned harvest area and roads.

Cost

Application cost is $150. Timber harvest is subject to timber cutting and reforestation charges based on the amount of wood cut.

Timber Transport Permit

A timber transport permit is required to transport timber on public roads in the NWT.  The timber transport permit (or load ticket) proves that the wood is legally obtained and is included as part of a free timber cutting permit.

Cost

There is no charge for this permit.

Timber Export Permit

You need this permit if you plan to export timber harvested in the Northwest Territories.

Cost

Application cost is $25.

Scaling, Mill or Forest Research Licences

For more information on these licences, please contact your local or regional Environment and Climate Change office.

Forest Research Licence

You need this licence if you plan to conduct research about forests on public land. You may also need approval from the council of the municipality in or near the area where you are doing the research.

Cost

Application cost is $25.

Christmas trees

No permit is required to cut and transport up to two Christmas trees (less than 5m tall) for a person’s own use.

For more information:

• Legislation and regulations related to forest management.
• Commercial Timber Harvest Planning and Operations: Standard Operating Procedures Manual
• Visit your local or regional Environment and Climate Change office to obtain permits or licences.
• Call Forest Resources at 1-867-874-2009 for more information.