[Current to B.C. Regulations Bulletin March 1, 2004]

FOREST ACT — Continued 
[RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 157

Part 3 — Disposition of Timber by the Government

Division 1 — Forms of Rights to Crown Timber

Rights to Crown timber

11 Subject to the Land Act and the Park Act, rights to harvest Crown timber must not be granted by or on behalf of the government except in accordance with this Act and the regulations.

Division 2 — Forest Licences

Content of forest licence

14 A forest licence

(e) must provide for cutting permits with terms that do not exceed 4 years to be issued by the district manager, or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, within the limits provided in the forest licence and subject to this Act and the Forest and Range Practices Act, to authorize its holder to harvest the allowable annual cut, from specified areas of land within the timber supply area specified in the forest licence,

(f) [Repealed 2003-30-2.]

(g) may make provision for timber to be harvested by persons under contract with its holder,

(g.1) if the licence provides that it is entered into with a first nation or its representative to implement or further an agreement between the first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures, the licence must state that it is a condition of the licence that the first nation comply with the agreement, and

(h) may include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, determined by the regional manager.

Replacement

15 (1) In this section, "forest licence" means a forest licence other than one that provides that a replacement for it must not be offered.

(1.1) During the 6 months beginning on any of the fourth to eighth anniversaries of a forest licence, the minister or a person authorized by the minister may offer the holder of the forest licence a replacement for it, after first giving the holder at least 6 month’s notice of intent to offer the replacement.

(1.2) During the 6 months beginning on the ninth anniversary of a forest licence for which a replacement has not by then been offered under subsection (1.1), the minister or a person authorized by the minister must offer the holder of the forest licence a replacement for it.

(2) Despite subsection (1), if the minister or a person authorized by the minister determines that

(a) rights under the existing forest licence are under suspension, or

(b) the holder of the existing forest licence has failed to

(i) pay stumpage or other money payable in respect of timber harvested under the forest licence or a road permit associated with the forest licence,

(ii) provide security or a deposit required under this Act or the regulations or the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations made under that Act in respect of the forest licence or a road permit associated with the forest licence,

(iii) perform an obligation under the forest licence to be performed by the holder in respect of an area of land specified in

(A) a cutting permit previously issued under the forest licence, or

(B) a road permit associated with the forest licence, or

(iv) comply with a requirement of the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of an area of land referred to in subparagraph (iii),

the minister or a person authorized by the minister, to the extent provided in the regulations,

(c) may decline to offer a replacement for the existing forest licence until

(i) the suspension is rescinded,

(ii) the suspended rights are reinstated, or

(iii) the holder of the existing forest licence

(A) pays the stumpage or other money payable,

(B) provides the required security or deposit,

(C) performs the obligation to be performed under the existing forest licence in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), or

(D) complies with the requirement of the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), and

(d) may offer a replacement with special conditions.

(3) A forest licence offered under this section must

(a) have a term beginning

(i) on the earlier of

(A) the next anniversary of the existing forest licence being replaced under the offer, and

(B) the tenth anniversary of the existing forest licence being replaced under the offer, or

(ii) if the minister or a person authorized by the minister exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), on a date to be determined by the minister or a person authorized by the minister,

(b) be for a term equal to

(i) 15 years, or

(ii) if the minister or a person authorized by the minister exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), a period, not exceeding the period referred to in subparagraph (i), to be determined by the minister or a person authorized by the minister,

(c) specify the timber supply area specified in the existing forest licence,

(d) subject to takings, reductions and deletions authorized or required under this Act, specify an allowable annual cut that may be harvested under it equal to the allowable annual cut under the existing forest licence, and

(e) include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, set out in the offer.

(4) A notice of an offer of replacement made under subsection (1.1) or (1.2) and a notice of intent referred to in subsection (1.1) must be published in the prescribed manner.

(5) An offer made under this section may be

(a) amended, and

(b) accepted by written notice of acceptance served on the regional manager not later than 3 months after the offer is served.

(6) If an offer made under this section is accepted

(a) an agreement in the form of a forest licence containing the terms and conditions set out in the offer, including amendments, must be entered into by the regional manager and the holder of the forest licence, and

(b) the forest licence then in force expires on the commencement of the replacement licence.

(7) If an offer made under this section is not accepted, the existing forest licence continues in force until its term expires, after which it has no further effect.

(8) No forest licence is renewable.

Transition for forest licence replacement

15.1 (1) If an offer of a replacement for a forest licence

(a) was required to be made under section 15 within the 18 month period immediately preceding the date on which this section comes into force, and

(b) was not made within the 18 month period,

the offer of replacement, when made, must conform to section 15 of this Act as amended by the Forest (Revitalization) Amendment Act (No. 2), 2003.

(2) If an offer of a replacement for a forest licence

(a) was required to be made under section 15 within the 18 month period immediately preceding the date on which this section comes into force, and

(b) was made within this 18 month period,

the offer may be withdrawn if the person to whom the offer was made consents to the withdrawal of the offer.

(3) If an offer is withdrawn under subsection (2), the minister or person authorized by the minister must offer a replacement for the forest licence which offer conforms to section 15 of this Act as amended by the Forest (Revitalization) Amendment Act (No. 2), 2003.

Surrender of tree farm licence

16 (1) The holder of one or more tree farm licences or of any number of both tree farm licences and forest licences may apply to the minister to surrender all or part of them for replacement under

(2) If the minister has approved an application under subsection (1), the regional manager, in respect of the surrendered licences or surrendered portions of them, must enter with their holder into one or more forest licences

(a) for a term of 15 years,

(b) that specify one or more timber supply areas within which the holder may harvest Crown timber, and

(c) that, in total, specify an allowable annual cut equal to the total, or a lesser portion of the total that the regional manager and the holder agree on, of

(i) the allowable annual cuts specified in the surrendered forest licences, plus increases and minus decreases, if any, in the allowable annual cuts made by the government since they were entered into, and

(ii) the portion of the allowable annual cuts available to the tree farm licence holder at the time of the surrender that the chief forester determines is attributable to the Crown land in the portions of the tree farm licences that are surrendered and on which the timber is not otherwise encumbered.

(3) If part of a tree farm licence is surrendered under subsection (1), the minister, in respect of the portion that is not surrendered, must enter with the holder into a new tree farm licence.

(4) The minister must not enter into a new tree farm licence under subsection (3) until the chief forester approves a management plan for the proposed tree farm licence.

(5) A notice of the surrender and proposed replacement under subsection (1) must be published in the prescribed manner.

(6) If a tree farm licence to be entered into under subsection (3) is proposed to include Crown lands that were not comprised in a tree farm licence or part of a tree farm licence surrendered under subsection (1), the procedures specified in section 34 (2) to (7) apply.

Transfer to other timber supply area

18 With the approval of the minister and the consent of the holder of a timber sale licence that makes provision for one or more cutting permits or a forest licence, all or part of the cutting rights authorized under the timber sale licence or forest licence may be transferred from one timber supply area to another for a term determined by the minister.

Division 3 — Timber Sale Licences

Section Repealed

21 [Repealed 2003-31-12.]

Designated applicants

24 (1) In this section, "designated applicant" means the holder of a timber sale licence

(a) entered into under the former Act, that was in force on January 1, 1979, and

(i) to which section 17 (1a) of the former Act applied, or

(ii) that the regional manager has designated to be subject to subsection (3), or

(b) entered into pursuant to a request under subsection (3) by its holder or by a previous holder of the licence.

(2) Despite section 20, the regional manager or a district manager with the approval of the regional manager, without advertising or accepting applications from other persons, may enter into an agreement in the form of a timber sale licence with a designated applicant if the designated applicant makes a request under subsection (3).

(3) A designated applicant, within one year before the expiry of one or more timber sale licences referred to in subsection (1), may

(a) request one or more timber sale licences that would

(i) replace the timber sale licences that will expire within one year, and the timber sale licences that are surrendered under paragraph (b),

(ii) authorize timber to be harvested in one or more timber supply areas within which the areas covered by the timber sale licences described in subparagraph (i) are situated,

(iii) subject to subsection (6), specify the allowable annual cut for which the regional manager determines that the designated applicant is eligible in that capacity in respect of the timber sale licences described in subparagraph (i), and

(iv) have a term commencing

(A) not later than the expiry of the timber sale licence if one timber sale licence is being replaced, or

(B) on a date determined by the regional manager or district manager if 2 or more timber sale licences are being replaced, and

(b) surrender one or more timber sale licences referred to in subsection (1).

(4) Despite subsection (3), if the regional manager or district manager determines that

(a) rights under a timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) are under suspension, or

(b) the designated applicant has failed to

(i) pay stumpage or other money payable in respect of timber harvested under a timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) or a road permit associated with the timber sale licence,

(ii) provide security or a deposit required under this Act or the regulations or the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations made under that Act in respect of the timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) or a road permit associated with the timber sale licence,

(iii) perform an obligation under the timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) to be performed by the designated applicant in respect of an area of land specified in

(A) a cutting permit previously issued under the timber sale licence, or

(B) a road permit associated with the timber sale licence, or

(iv) comply with a requirement of the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of an area of land referred to in subparagraph (iii),

the regional manager or district manager, to the extent provided in the regulations,

(c) may decline to replace a timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) until

(i) the suspension is rescinded,

(ii) the suspended rights are reinstated, or

(iii) the designated applicant

(A) pays the stumpage or other money payable,

(B) provides the required security or deposit,

(C) performs the obligation to be performed under the timber sale licence in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), or

(D) complies with the requirement of the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), and

(d) may replace the timber sale licence with a timber sale licence containing special conditions.

(5) A timber sale licence referred to in subsection (1) must not be replaced if the regional manager or district manager makes a determination under subsection (4) and the timber sale licence expires before

(a) the suspension is rescinded,

(b) the suspended rights are reinstated, or

(c) the designated applicant

(A) pays the stumpage or other money payable,

(B) provides the required security or deposit,

(C) performs the obligation to be performed under the timber sale licence in respect of land referred to in subsection (4) (b) (iii), or

(D) complies with the requirement of the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of land referred to in subsection (4) (b) (iii).

(6) A determination made by a regional manager under subsection (3) (a) (iii) must be equal to

(a) the allowable annual cut in respect of the timber sale licences described in subsection (3) (a) (i) for which the designated applicant was eligible under section 17 (1a) of the former Act, plus increases and minus decreases, if any, in the allowable annual cut made by the government, and

(b) if the regional manager so designates, all or part of the allowable annual cut specified in the timber sale licences that were not subject to section 17 (1a) of the former Act.

(7) The holder of a timber sale licence issued under subsection (2), the "original licence", may apply for and, subject to the original licence being surrendered, the regional manager or district manager and the applicant may enter into a non-replaceable timber sale licence having a volume not greater than 10 times the allowable annual cut of the original licence.

Division 4 — Forest Licence and Timber Sale Licence Area Restrictions

Permanent transfer to adjacent timber supply area

25 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minister may

(a) direct that the right to harvest timber under a timber sale licence that specifies an allowable annual cut, or under any forest licence, be transferred from one timber supply area to an adjacent timber supply area specified by the minister, and

(b) amend the licence to give effect to the direction.

(2) The minister must not give a direction under subsection (1) transferring the right to harvest timber under a licence from one timber supply area to an adjacent timber supply area, unless

(a) the boundaries between the timber supply area specified in the licence and the adjacent timber supply area have been changed under this Act,

(b) the minister is satisfied that the change in boundaries increased the area of the adjacent timber supply area to a size sufficient to support the transferred right to harvest timber, and

(c) the holder of the licence consents.

Minister may impose area restrictions

26 (1) In this section, "original licence" means a timber sale licence or forest licence that is the subject of an order under subsection (2).

(2) If a timber supply area has been divided under section 7 (b), the minister may order that the allowable annual cut under a timber sale licence that specifies an allowable annual cut or under any forest licence

(a) be fully allocated to one of the timber supply areas resulting from the division, or

(b) be allocated, in the proportions specified in the order, between or among 2 or more of the timber supply areas resulting from the division.

(3) If an order is made under subsection (2), the regional manager, in accordance with subsection (4), must issue to the holder of the original licence one or more licences in substitution for the original licence.

(4) A licence issued under subsection (3)

(a) must specify one of the timber supply areas resulting from the division and authorize an allowable annual cut as necessary to give effect to the order of the minister under subsection (2),

(b) must be a timber sale licence if the original licence is a timber sale licence or be a forest licence if the original licence is a forest licence,

(c) must specify a term that expires on the expiry date of the original licence,

(d) is replaceable on the same terms and conditions as the original licence, if the original licence is replaceable under section 15, 23 or 24, and in that case, for the purpose of determining the obligations pertaining to replaceability under the new licence, the new licence is deemed to have been issued at the same time as the original licence, and

(e) subject to subsection (5), must otherwise be on the same terms and conditions as the original licence.

(5) After giving the holder of the original licence an opportunity to be heard, the regional manager, at the time of issuing a licence under subsection (3), may include in it terms and conditions that vary from those in the original licence to the extent only that the regional manager considers necessary in order to take into account the allocation referred to in subsection (2).

(6) A timber sale licence or forest licence issued to the holder of the original licence in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) is binding on the government and on that holder and is deemed to be an agreement, in the form of a timber sale licence or a forest licence, as the case may be, entered into by the regional manager and that holder under section 12.

(7) No compensation is payable by the government and proceedings must not be commenced or maintained to claim compensation from the government or to obtain a declaration that compensation is payable by the government in respect of the effect of this section on a forest licence or timber sale licence.

(8) This section applies to licences described in subsection (1) whether issued before, on or after September 22, 1993.

Division 5 — Timber Licences

Rights in tree farm licences

27 If a tree farm licence expires or otherwise terminates and is not replaced under section 36, a timber licence that is then in the tree farm licence area

(a) expires one year after the expiry or termination of the tree farm licence, and

(b) may be replaced by a timber licence under section 28.

Rights not in tree farm licence

28 (1) A person who holds a timber licence that is due to expire under section 27 (a) may submit to the regional manager, within 6 months after expiry or termination of the tree farm licence, a schedule proposing a time and a sequence for the orderly harvesting of the merchantable timber that is subject to the licence.

(2) After considering a schedule proposed under subsection (1), the regional manager, in a notice served on its holder within 3 months after receiving the schedule, must offer to the holder one or more timber licences that, subject to section 74,

(a) describe the Crown land subject to the timber licence, and

(b) expire on a date specified in the timber licence by the regional manager.

(3) The offer may be accepted by written notice served on the regional manager not later than 3 months after it is made.

(4) If the offer is accepted, the regional manager and the holder must enter into an agreement in the form of a timber licence.

(5) A notice of an offer made under subsection (3) must be published in the prescribed manner.

One timber licence

29 If the regional manager considers that efficient forest planning and management would be served, he or she must enter into one timber licence under section 28 (4) for 2 or more timber licences.

Consolidation of timber licences

29.1 (1) With the consent of the holder of a timber licence, the regional manager may consolidate 2 or more timber licences into a timber licence and, to achieve the consolidation, may do any of the following:

(a) partition or subdivide a timber licence into 2 or more timber licences;

(b) delete all or part of the licence area from a timber licence and add the deleted area to the licence area of another timber licence;

(c) cancel a timber licence if the area covered by the licence has been added to the licence area in another timber licence;

(d) amend a timber licence;

(e) enter into one or more timber licences covering the same land as was covered in the licences being consolidated, subdivided or partitioned.

(2) A timber licence that is amended or entered into under this section must not expire later than the latest expiry date of the timber licences it replaces or amends.

Content of timber licence

30 A timber licence must

(a) describe an area of Crown land over which it is to apply,

(b) be for a term determined under this Division,

(c) grant to its holder the exclusive right during its term to harvest all merchantable timber in the area of Crown land described in it,

(d) if the timber licence is in a tree farm licence area, require its holder to harvest timber in accordance with the tree farm licence and the management plan approved under it,

(e) provide for cutting permits with terms that do not exceed 4 years to be issued by the district manager, or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, within the limits provided in the timber licence and subject to this Act and the Forest and Range Practices Act, to authorize the holder of the timber licence to harvest Crown timber from specified areas of land within the area of Crown land described in the timber licence,

(g) include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, determined by the regional manager.

Extension of term of timber licence

31 (1) If the regional manager considers that forest management would be improved by doing so, the regional manager, with or without the consent of the holder of a timber licence, may extend the term of the timber licence.

(2) An extension of a term under subsection (1) does not give rise to any right or eligibility for compensation under this Act or otherwise.

Non-timber use

32 (1) Unless a timber licence is in a tree farm licence area, if the minister determines that all or any part of the area of land that is subject to the licence is needed for a purpose other than timber production, the minister, in a notice served on the holder of the licence, may require that the merchantable timber on that area or that part be harvested within the time specified in the notice.

(2) On the expiry of the specified time, or of an extension of that time granted by the minister, the minister may delete from the licence the area of land described in the notice.

Division 6 — Tree Farm Licences

Content of tree farm licence

35 (1) A tree farm licence must

(a) subject to section 36 (3) (a), be for a term of 25 years,

(d) require its holder to submit for the approval of the chief forester, once every 5 years, or more often if the chief forester considers that special circumstances require, a management plan that meets all the following requirements:

(i) it is prepared by a professional forester in accordance with the requirements of the tree farm licence,

(ii) it includes inventories, prepared in the manner, presented in the format and meeting the specifications required under the tree farm licence, of the forest, recreation, fisheries, wildlife, range and cultural heritage resources in the tree farm licence area,

(iii) it is consistent with

(A) the tree farm licence,

(B) this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, and

(iv) it proposes management objectives regarding

(A) management and utilization of the timber resources in the tree farm licence area, including harvesting methods and utilization specifications suitable to the types of timber and terrain specified in the tree farm licence,

(B) protection and conservation of the non-timber values and resources in the tree farm licence area, including visual quality, biological diversity, soils, water, recreation resources, cultural heritage resources, range land and wildlife and fish habitats,

(C) integration of harvesting activities in the tree farm licence area with use of the area for purposes other than timber production,

(D) forest fire prevention and suppression,

(E) forest health, including pest management,

(F) silviculture, and

(G) road construction, maintenance and deactivation,

(v) it includes proposals for meeting the proposed management objectives under subparagraph (iv), including measures to be taken, and specifications to be followed by the holder of the tree farm licence,

(vi) it specifies measures to be taken by the holder of the tree farm licence to identify and consult with persons using the tree farm licence area for purposes other than timber production,

(vii) it includes a timber supply analysis, prepared in the manner, presented in the format and meeting the specifications required under the tree farm licence, that analyzes the short term and long term availability of timber for harvesting in the tree farm licence area, including the impact of management practices on the availability of timber,

(viii) it includes an operational timber supply projection for the tree farm licence area that, in support of the timber supply analysis, indicates the availability of timber by

(A) identifying

(I) the net operable land base,

(II) harvested areas,

(III) existing and proposed road access within the net operable land base, and

(IV) areas subject to special management constraints, such as use of the tree farm licence areas for purposes other than timber production,

(B) categorizing areas within the net operable land base by

(I) the type and quality of timber, and

(II) the harvesting method suitable to the terrain, and

(C) setting out a hypothetical sequence of harvesting over a period of at least 20 years, consistent with the proposed management objectives under subparagraph (iv), and the proposals under subparagraph (v), and

(ix) it includes any other information on the development, management and use of the tree farm licence area that the chief forester requires,

(e) subject to the provisions of this Act, grant to its holder the exclusive right to harvest from the tree farm licence area during the term of the tree farm licence one or both of the following:

(i) Crown timber of one or more types specified in the tree farm licence,

(ii) Crown timber from one or more types of terrain specified in the tree farm licence,

(f) provide for cutting permits with terms that do not exceed 4 years to be issued by the district manager, or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, within the limits provided in the tree farm licence and subject to this Act and the Forest and Range Practices Act, to authorize its holder to harvest the portion of the allowable annual cut available to its holder from specified areas of land within the tree farm licence area,

(g) require its holder to implement management plans approved under this section,

(h) require that timber on the tree farm licence area, in an amount directed by the minister, having regard to reservations made by the minister for categories of  BC timber sales enterprises, for pulpwood agreements or for woodlot licences, are to be available for disposition under forest licences, timber sale licences or forestry licences to cut, or under Division 7 or 8 of this Part to persons other than the holder of the tree farm licence,

(i) make provision for its holder to use the services of one or more professional foresters to manage the tree farm licence area,

(j) require that each year during its term a volume of timber not less than

(i) 50% of the volume of timber harvested by or for its holder from the tree farm licence area during the year, multiplied by

(ii) the result obtained by the division of

(A) the portion of the allowable annual cut available to its holder during that year that the chief forester determines is attributable to Crown land referred to in paragraph (b) (i) and sections 37 (1) and (2) and 38 (1), by

(B) the allowable annual cut available to its holder during that year

are to be harvested by persons under contract with its holder,

(k) allow its holder to contract for the harvesting of more than the volume calculated under paragraph (j),

(l) provide that the minister, under the regulations, may relieve the holder, in whole or in part, from the requirement under paragraph (j),

(m) [Repealed 2003-30-2.]

(n) reserve to the government the right to enter into a free use permit on the tree farm licence area with a person other than the holder of the tree farm licence, and

(o) contain other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, determined by the minister.

(2) A disposition of timber under Division 3 or 7 of this Part pursuant to this section, or pursuant to a requirement referred to in subsection (1) (h), does not give rise to any right to or eligibility for compensation under this Act or otherwise.

Inventories

35.1 (1) In this section, "forest resources" and "recreation resources" have the same meaning as in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act.

(2) If, having regard to the factors listed in subsection (5), the chief forester determines that a management plan for a tree farm licence does not satisfactorily provide for an inventory of the forest, recreation and cultural heritage resources of the tree farm licence area, the chief forester may give a notice to the holder of the licence requiring the holder of the licence to compile and submit the inventories set out in the notice.

(3) The notice given under subsection (2) may specify the following requirements:

(a) the manner in which the inventories are prepared;

(b) the format in which the inventories are presented;

(c) the specifications the inventories must meet;

(d) the date the inventories must be submitted to the chief forester.

(4) In addition to compiling any inventories required under the management plan, the holder of the tree farm licence must compile and submit the inventories required in the notice given under subsection (2) and comply with any requirements referred to in subsection (3) that are set out in the notice.

(5) The chief forester may determine that a management plan for a tree farm licence does not satisfactorily provide for an inventory of the forest, recreation and cultural heritage resources of the tree farm licence area if, in the opinion of the chief forester, inventories prepared in accordance with the management plan would not provide sufficient information to adequately

(a) establish and carry out higher level plans,

(b) prepare and carry out operational plans,

(c) manage and conserve the forest, recreation and cultural heritage resources of the tree farm licence area, and

(d) assess the impact that managing the resources referred to in paragraph (c) would have on the timber supply for the tree farm licence area.

Replacement

36 (1) In this section, "tree farm licence" means a tree farm licence other than one that provides that a replacement for it must not be offered.

(1.1) During the 6 months beginning on any of the fourth to eighth anniversaries of a tree farm licence, the minister may offer the holder of the tree farm licence a replacement for it, after first giving the holder at least 6 month’s notice of intent to offer the replacement.

(1.2) During the 6 months beginning on the ninth anniversary of a tree farm licence for which a replacement has not by then been offered under subsection (1.1), the minister must offer the holder of the tree farm licence a replacement for it.

(2) Despite subsection (1), if the minister determines that

(a) rights under the existing tree farm licence are under suspension, or

(b) the holder of the existing tree farm licence has failed to

(i) pay stumpage or other money payable in respect of timber harvested under the tree farm licence or a road permit associated with the tree farm licence,

(ii) provide security or a deposit required under this Act or the regulations or the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations made under that Act in respect of the tree farm licence or a road permit associated with the tree farm licence,

(iii) perform an obligation under the tree farm licence to be performed by the holder in respect of an area of land specified in

(A) a cutting permit previously issued under the tree farm licence, or

(B) a road permit associated with the tree farm licence, or

(iv) comply with a requirement of the the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of an area of land referred to in subparagraph (iii),

the minister, to the extent provided in the regulations,

(c) may decline to offer a replacement for the existing tree farm licence until

(i) the suspension is rescinded,

(ii) the suspended rights are reinstated, or

(iii) the holder of the existing tree farm licence

(A) pays the stumpage or other money payable,

(B) provides the required security or deposit,

(C) performs the obligation to be performed under the existing tree farm licence in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), or

(D) complies with the requirement of Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), and

(d) may offer a replacement with special conditions.

(3) A tree farm licence offered under this section must

(a) be for a term equal to

(i) 25 years, or

(ii) if the minister exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), a period, not exceeding 25 years, to be determined by the minister,

(b) have a term beginning

(i) on the earlier of

(A) the next anniversary of the tree farm licence being replaced under the offer, and

(B) the tenth anniversary of the tree farm licence, or

(ii) if the minister exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), on a date to be determined by the minister,

(c) subject to sections 37, 38, 39, 56 (9) and 60, describe as a tree farm licence area the area subject to the existing tree farm licence, and

(d) include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, set out in the offer.

(4) A notice of an offer made under subsection (1.1) or (1.2), and a notice of intent referred to in subsection (1.1), must be published in the prescribed manner.

(5) An offer made under this section may

(a) be amended, and

(b) be accepted by written notice of acceptance served on the minister not later than 3 months after the offer is served.

(6) If an offer made under this section is accepted

(a) an agreement in the form of a tree farm licence containing the terms and conditions set out in the offer, including amendments, must be entered into by the minister and the holder of the tree farm licence, and

(b) the existing tree farm licence expires on the commencement of the replacement licence.

(7) If an offer made under this section is not accepted, the existing tree farm licence continues in force until its term expires, after which it has no further effect.

(8) No tree farm licence is renewable.

Transition for tree farm licence replacement

36.1 (1) If an offer of a replacement for a tree farm licence

(a) was required to be made under section 36 within the 18 month period immediately preceding the date on which this section comes into force, and

(b) was not made within the 18 month period,

the offer of replacement, when made, must conform to section 36 of this Act as amended by the Forest (Revitalization) Amendment Act (No. 2), 2003.

(2) If an offer of a replacement for a tree farm licence

(a) was required to be made under section 36 within the 18 month period immediately preceding the date on which this section comes into force, and

(b) was made within the 18 month period,

the offer may be withdrawn if the person to whom the offer was made consents to the withdrawal of the offer.

(3) If an offer is withdrawn under subsection (2), the minister or person authorized by the minister must offer a replacement for the tree farm licence which offer must conforms to section 36 of this Act as amended by the Forest (Revitalization) Amendment Act (No. 2), 2003.

Private tenure

37 (1) On the expiry of a timber licence that is held by the holder of a tree farm licence and that is in the tree farm licence area, the land that was subject to the timber licence remains in the tree farm licence area and continues to be subject to its provisions.

Division 7 — Pulpwood Agreements

Division 7.1 — Community Forest Agreements

Definitions and interpretation

43.1 In this Division:

"botanical forest product" means a botanical forest product as defined in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act;

"community forest pilot agreement" means a community forest pilot agreement entered into under section 43.5;

"long-term community forest agreement" means a long-term community forest agreement entered into under section 43.4;

"probationary community forest agreement" means a probationary community forest agreement entered into under section 43.2.

Section Not in Force

43.2 [Not in force.]

Content of community forest agreement

43.3 A community forest agreement

(a) must be for a term

(i) of 5 years if it is a probationary community forest agreement, or

(ii) of not less than 25 years and not more than 99 years if it is a long-term community forest agreement,

(b) must describe a community forest agreement area, determined by the minister or a person authorized by the minister, comprising Crown land and, if the area so determined includes land that is

(i) in a reserve as defined in the Indian Act (Canada), or

(ii) private land

also comprising that land,

(c) subject to this Act and the agreement,

(i) must give to its holder the exclusive right to harvest timber on the Crown land referred to in paragraph (b), for the term of the agreement, and

(ii) may give to its holder the right to harvest, manage and charge fees for botanical forest products and other prescribed products,

(e) must provide for cutting permits with terms that do not exceed 4 years to be issued by the district manager, or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, within the limits provided in the community forest agreement and subject to this Act and the Forest and Range Practices Act, to authorize the holder of the community forest agreement to harvest timber from specified areas of land within the community forest agreement area,

(f) must require its holder to

(i) submit for the approval of the regional manager or the regional manager's designate, at the times specified in the agreement, a management plan that meets the requirements of the community forest agreement, and

(ii) implement management plans approved by the regional manager or the regional manager's designate,

(g) must require its holder, in accordance with the community forest agreement, to

(i) carry out audits and make and submit reports concerning the holder's performance under the agreement, and

(ii) make information available to the public and carry out consultation activities with the public concerning matters relating to the community forest agreement,

(g.1) if the community forest agreement provides that it is entered into with a first nation or its representative to implement or further an agreement, the "other agreement", between the first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures, the community forest agreement must state that it is a condition of the community forest agreement that the first nation comply with the other agreement, and

(h) may include other terms and conditions that the regional manager or regional manager's designate determines are consistent with any proposal made in the application for the community forest agreement, this Act and the regulations, the Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and standards under that Act.

Replacement of probationary and long-term community forest agreements

43.4 (1) The minister or a person authorized by the minister must assess a probationary community forest agreement at the time and in the manner specified in the regulations.

(2) After the assessment, the minister or a person authorized by the minister may

(a) grant one extension of the term of the probationary community forest agreement for a period not exceeding 5 years,

(b) offer the holder of the probationary community forest agreement a replacement for the agreement in the form of a long-term community forest agreement, or

(c) refuse to offer to replace the probationary community forest agreement.

(3) If

(a) the minister or person authorized by the minister does not grant an extension of the term of, or offer to replace, a probationary community forest agreement, or

(b) an offer to replace the probationary community forest agreement is not accepted

the probationary community forest agreement continues in force until its term expires, after which it has no further effect.

(4) During the 6 month period following the ninth anniversary of a long-term community forest agreement, the minister or a person authorized by the minister must offer the holder a replacement long-term community forest agreement.

(5) A long-term community forest agreement offered under subsection (2) (b) or (4) must

(a) be for a term of not less than 25 years and not more than 99 years, commencing on

(i) in the case of a long-term agreement offered under subsection (2) (b), the expiry of the probationary community forest agreement, or

(ii) in the case of a long-term agreement offered under subsection (4), the tenth anniversary of the existing long-term community forest agreement,

(b) describe as a community forest agreement area the area subject to the existing community forest agreement and any change to the boundary or area made by the minister or person authorized by the minister under subsection (6), and

(c) include other terms and conditions that are set out in the offer and are consistent with this Act and the regulations, Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and standards under that Act.

(6) In accordance with the regulations and with the consent of the person to whom a community forest agreement is offered under this section, the minister or a person authorized by the minister, may change the boundary or area in the offered agreement from the boundary or area of the probationary community forest agreement or existing long term community forest agreement, as the case may be.

(7) Notice of an offer made under this section to replace a community forest agreement must be published in the prescribed manner.

(8) An offer made under this section may be

(a) amended, and

(b) accepted by written notice to the minister or a person authorized by the minister, not later than 3 months after the offer is served.

(9) If an offer made under this section is accepted

(a) an agreement in the form of a long-term community forest agreement containing the terms and conditions set out in the offer, including amendments, must be entered into by the regional manager or the regional manager's designate and the holder of the probationary or long-term community forest agreement, and

(b) the probationary or long-term community forest agreement expires on the commencement of the replacement agreement.

(10) A community forest agreement is not renewable.

Community forest pilot agreement

43.5 (1) The minister may

(a) invite applications for a community forest pilot agreement, and

(b) direct the regional manager or district manager to enter into a community forest pilot agreement with one or more of the applicants for the pilot agreement.

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), the minister, without accepting applications from other persons, may direct the regional manager or district manager to enter into a community forest pilot agreement if

(a) the community forest pilot agreement provides that it is entered into with a first nation or its representative to implement or further an agreement between the first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures, or

(b) the community forest pilot agreement is entered into under prescribed circumstances or its holder meets prescribed requirements.

(1.2) Before directing the regional manager or district manager, under subsection (1.1), to enter into a community forest pilot agreement with the representative of a first nation, the minister must be satisfied that the intended holder of the agreement is a person or other legal entity and has been appointed by the first nation as its representative.

(2) Sections 43.2 and 43.3 (a) do not apply to a community forest pilot agreement.

(3) The term of a community forest pilot agreement must not exceed 5 years.

(4) Section 43.4 applies to a community forest pilot agreement as if the pilot agreement is a probationary community forest agreement.

(5) This section, except subsection (4), is repealed on July 1, 2005.

Division 8 — Woodlot Licences

Applications

44 (1) In this section, "control" with respect to a corporation in subsection (6) has the same meaning as "control of a corporation" in section 53.

(2) On request or on his or her own initiative the regional manager or district manager, by advertising in the prescribed manner, may invite applications for woodlot licences.

(3) A woodlot licence must not be entered into under this section unless the regional manager or district manager advertises as provided under subsection (2).

(4) An application for a woodlot licence must be made to the district manager or regional manager in a form required by the regional manager and must include

(a) a description of any private land owned by the applicant contiguous to or in the vicinity of the area of Crown land described in the advertising, and

(b) a declaration by or on behalf of the applicant attesting to the qualifications of the applicant for a woodlot licence.

(5) A woodlot licence must be entered into only with

(a) a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is 19 years of age or older,

(b) a band as defined in the Indian Act (Canada), or

(c) a corporation, other than a society, that is controlled by persons who meet the qualifications referred to in paragraph (a).

(6) A woodlot licence must not be entered into with a person, corporation or band that

(a) owns or leases, or controls a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia, or

(b) holds another woodlot licence.

(7) The regional manager or district manager must evaluate all applications for a woodlot licence and, in evaluating the applications, he or she must consider

(a) the place of residence of every applicant and, if the applicant is a corporation, the place of residence of each of its members,

(b) the location and character of any private land, owned by every applicant, contiguous to or in the vicinity of the area of Crown land described in the applications, and

(c) other factors that the regional manager or district manager considers to be consistent with the goals of the woodlot licence program.

(8) After evaluating applications under subsection (7), the person who evaluated the applications may

(a) approve an application,

(b) decline to approve all applications, or

(c) designate 2 or more of the applications as eligible to proceed to competition under subsection (9) to decide which application will be granted.

(9) If a woodlot licence is to be granted by competition the regional manager or district manager must

(a) determine the form of the licence,

(b) specify a date by which tenders for the licence must be received by him or her, and

(c) consider every tender received on or before that date, delivered in a sealed container and consisting of an offer to pay to the government, in addition to other amounts payable under this Act and the regulations, stumpage under Part 7 and a bonus, if any, in the amount tendered.

(10) After considering the tenders the regional manager or district manager must approve the tender containing the highest bonus offer or, at the direction of the minister, decline to approve all tenders.

(10.1) If the person whose application is approved under subsection (8) or whose tender is approved under subsection (10) neglects or declines to enter into the woodlot licence or becomes ineligible to enter into the licence, the regional manager or district manager may approve the next best woodlot application or tender, or, at the direction of the minister, may refuse to approve any of the applications or tenders.

(11) Neither the regional manager nor the district manager is to enter into an agreement in the form of a woodlot licence until a management plan is approved by the government for the proposed woodlot licence area.

(12) The regional manager or district manager may reserve from disposition under this Act the timber in the area described in the advertising, pending the entering into of an agreement in the form of a woodlot licence or rejection of all applications made under this section.

(13) Subject to subsection (11), the regional manager or district manager must enter into an agreement in the form of a woodlot licence with every person whose application or tender is approved under subsection (8) or (10).

(14) [Repealed 2003-31-33.]

Content of woodlot licence

45 (1) A woodlot licence must

(a) be for a term not exceeding 20 years,

(b) describe a woodlot licence area determined by the regional manager or district manager to be composed of

(i) private land, if any, owned or held under lease by its holder or a reserve as defined in the Indian Act (Canada), and

(ii) Crown land, the timber on which is not otherwise encumbered, of not more than

(A) 400 ha if the Crown land is located in the Vancouver Forest Region or the North Coast Timber Supply Area, or

(B) 600 ha if the Crown land is not located in the Vancouver Forest Region or the North Coast Timber Supply Area,

(c) subject to the provisions of this Act, give to its holder the exclusive right to harvest timber on the Crown land referred to in paragraph (b), for its term,

(e) provide for cutting permits with terms that do not exceed 4 years to be issued by the district manager, or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, within the limits provided in the woodlot licence and subject to this Act and the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, to authorize its holder to harvest timber from specified areas of land within the woodlot licence area,

(f) require its holder to submit for the approval of the district manager, at the times specified by the district manager, a management plan that meets all the following requirements:

(i) it is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the woodlot licence;

(ii) it includes inventories, prepared in the manner, presented in the format and meeting the specifications required under the woodlot licence, of the timber resources within the woodlot licence area;

(iii) it is consistent with

(A) the woodlot licence,

(B) this Act and the regulations, the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, and

(C) any applicable objectives for resource management zones, landscape units and sensitive areas under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act;

(iv) it proposes management objectives, in accordance with the woodlot licence, regarding

(A) utilization of the timber resources in the woodlot licence area,

(B) protection and conservation of the non-timber values and resources in the woodlot licence area,

(C) forest fire prevention and suppression,

(D) forest health, including pest management,

(E) silviculture, and

(F) road construction, maintenance and deactivation;

(v) it includes proposals, in accordance with the woodlot licence, for meeting the proposed management objectives under subparagraph (iv), including measures to be taken and specifications to be followed by the holder of the woodlot licence;

(vi) it proposes an allowable annual cut for the woodlot licence area, and

(vii) it includes any other inventories and information regarding the development, management and use of the woodlot licence area that the district manager, in accordance with the woodlot licence, requires,

(f.1) if the licence provides that it is entered into with a first nation or its representative to implement or further an agreement between the first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures, the licence must state that it is a condition of the licence that the first nation comply with the agreement, and

(g) include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, determined by the regional manager or district manager.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the Crown land portion of a woodlot licence may exceed the limits specified in subsection (1) (b) (ii) (A) or (B) if

(a) the woodlot licence was entered into before January 1, 2003, and

(b) the excess Crown land was included in the woodlot licence as a result of mapping inaccuracies.

Transition for woodlot licence allowable annual cut

45.1 For a woodlot licence for which an allowable annual cut has not been determined under section 8, a reference in this Act or the regulations to an allowable annual cut authorized for a woodlot licence must be read as a reference to the volume of timber to be harvested from each woodlot licence area during each year or other period of the term of the woodlot licence as determined under section 8.

Replacement

46 (1) Unless a woodlot licence provides that a replacement for the woodlot licence must not be offered, the regional manager or district manager, during the 6 month period following the ninth anniversary of an existing woodlot licence, must offer its holder a replacement for the woodlot licence.

(2) Despite subsection (1), if the regional manager or district manager determines that

(a) rights under the existing woodlot licence are under suspension, or

(b) the holder of the existing woodlot licence has failed to

(i) pay stumpage or other money payable in respect of timber harvested under the woodlot licence or a road permit associated with the woodlot licence,

(ii) provide security or a deposit required under this Act or the regulations or the Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations made under that Act in respect of the woodlot licence or a road permit associated with the woodlot licence,

(iii) perform an obligation under the woodlot licence to be performed by the holder in respect of an area of land specified in

(A) a cutting permit previously issued under the woodlot licence, or

(B) a road permit associated with the woodlot licence, or

(iv) comply with a requirement of Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of an area of land referred to in subparagraph (iii),

the regional manager or district manager, to the extent provided in the regulations,

(c) may decline to offer a replacement for the existing woodlot licence until

(i) the suspension is rescinded,

(ii) the suspended rights are reinstated, or

(iii) the holder of the existing woodlot licence

(A) pays the stumpage or other money payable,

(B) provides the required security or deposit,

(C) performs the obligation to be performed under the existing woodlot licence in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), or

(D) complies with the requirement of Forest and Range Practices Act or the regulations or the standards made under that Act in respect of land referred to in paragraph (b) (iii), and

(d) may offer a replacement with special conditions.

(3) A woodlot licence offered under this section must

(a) have a term commencing

(i) on the 10th anniversary of the existing woodlot licence, or

(ii) if the regional manager or district manager exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), on a date to be determined by the district manager,

(b) be for a term equal to

(i) the whole original term of the existing woodlot licence, or

(ii) if the regional manager or district manager exercises the power conferred under subsection (2) (c), a period, not exceeding the original term of the existing woodlot licence, to be determined by the district manager,

(c) describe as a woodlot licence area the area subject to the existing woodlot licence, and

(d) include other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, set out in the offer.

(4) [Repealed 1999-10-5.]

(5) Notice of an offer made under this section must be published in the prescribed manner.

(6) An offer made under this section

(a) may be amended, and

(b) may be accepted by written notice to the regional manager or district manager not later than 3 months after the offer is served.

(7) If an offer made under this section is accepted

(a) an agreement in the form of a woodlot licence containing the terms and conditions set out in the offer, including amendments, must be entered into by the regional manager or district manager and the holder of the woodlot licence, and

(b) the existing woodlot licence expires on the commencement of the replacement licence.

(8) If an offer made under this section is not accepted, the existing woodlot licence continues in force until its term expires, after which it has no further effect.

(9) No woodlot licence is renewable.

Timber processing facility

46.1 (1) This section applies despite section 44 (6) (a).

(2) The district manager may enter into a woodlot licence with a person, corporation or band that owns or leases, or controls a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia if  the person, corporation or band

(a) meets the prescribed requirements, and

(b) complies with any conditions imposed by the district manager.

(3) The district manager may offer a replacement woodlot licence under section 46 to a person, corporation or band that owns or leases, or controls a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia if  the person, corporation or band

(a) meets the prescribed requirements, and

(b) complies with any conditions imposed by the district manager.

(4) On application in writing by the holder of a woodlot licence, the district manager may permit the holder to own or lease, or control a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia if  the holder of the licence

(a) meets the prescribed requirements, and

(b) complies with any conditions imposed by the district manager.

(5) If the district manager approves an application under subsection (4), the approval takes effect when the district manager and the holder of the woodlot licence enter into an agreement amending the woodlot licence in a manner that the district manager considers to be consistent with

(a) the holder of the woodlot licence owning or leasing, or controlling a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia,

(b) the prescribed requirements, and

(c) any conditions imposed by the district manager.

(6) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing

(a) criteria that the district manager must consider before

(i) entering into a woodlot licence with a person who owns or leases, or control a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia,

(ii) offering a replacement woodlot licence under section 46 to a person, corporation or band that owns or leases, or controls a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia, or

(iii) permitting the holder of a woodlot licence to own or lease, or control a corporation that owns or leases, a timber processing facility in British Columbia, and

(b) the types of conditions the district manager may impose for the purposes of this section.

Section Repealed

47 [Repealed RS1996-157-47 (2).]

Change in area or boundary

47.1 Subject to section 45 (1) (b) (ii), the district manager or regional manager, if permitted by the regulations and in accordance with the regulations, and with the consent of the holder of a woodlot licence, may change the boundary or area of the woodlot licence.

Woodlot licence term — transition

47.2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), on the coming into force of this section

(a) despite anything to the contrary in a woodlot licence, the term of the woodlot licence is 20 years, and

(b) for the purposes of section 46 (3), the original term of the woodlot licence referred to in paragraph (b) of that section is 20 years.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a woodlot licence that

(a) provides that a replacement for it must not be offered,

(b) section 46 (8) applies to, or

(c) is subject, on the coming into force of this section, to an offer of replacement under section 46 and the offer is rejected by the holder of the woodlot licence.

(3) On the coming into force of this section, despite anything to the contrary in an offer to replace a woodlot licence under section 46, the term of the following replacement woodlot licences is 20 years:

(a) a replacement woodlot licence that has been offered under section 46 and the offer has not been accepted;

(b) a replacement woodlot licence that has been accepted under section 46 (6) but whose term has not yet commenced.

(4) This section is repealed on July 1, 2009.

Division 8.1 — Direct Awards

No advertising required

47.3 (1) The minister, without advertising or inviting other applications, may invite an application for a forest licence, community salvage woodlot licence or forestry licence to cut and direct the regional manager or district manager to enter into the licence with the applicant if the licence

(a) provides that it is entered into with a first nation or its representative to implement or further an agreement between the first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures, or

(b) is entered into with a person to mitigate the effects on that person of

(i) a treaty,

(ii) a specification of a designated area under Part 13, or

(iii) an agreement with a first nation and the government respecting treaty-related measures, interim measures or economic measures.

(2) Before directing the regional manager or district manager, under subsection (1), to enter into a licence with the representative of a first nation, the minister must be satisfied that the intended holder of the licence is a person or other legal entity and has been appointed by the first nation as its representative.

Division 9 — Miscellaneous

Free use permit

48 (1) An agreement in the form of a free use permit must be entered into only with

(a) an occupier of land who requires Crown timber for developing the land for agricultural purposes,

(a.1) a person who requires a Christmas tree for their personal use and not for sale to others,

(b) a person who requires firewood for their personal domestic purposes and not for sale to others,

(c) a school board that requires firewood for school purposes,

(d) a person who requires Crown timber for the purpose of scientific investigation,

(e) an owner of a Crown grant of a mineral claim, authorizing the use of Crown timber on land described in the grant in a mining operation conducted on that land,

(f) a holder of a coal licence issued under the Coal Act, or a holder of a mineral title under the Mineral Tenure Act not in production authorizing the holder to cut timber, and

(g) a person who

(i) requires Crown timber for a traditional and cultural activity, within the meaning prescribed for the phrase "traditional and cultural activity", and

(ii) is not selling the timber to others.

(2) Despite subsection (1), a free use permit must not be entered into if, on land the applicant owns or occupies, there is sufficient timber that is reasonably accessible for the purpose specified in the application.

(3) If a person who requires Crown timber under subsection (1) (g) wishes to harvest more than 50 m³ under the free use permit, the person must

(a) apply to the district manager, and

(b) include in the application the information required by the district manager.

Issuance and content of free use permit

49 (1) The district manager or a forest officer authorized by him or her may enter into a free use permit with a person qualified under section 48.

(2) A free use permit

(a) must be for a term not exceeding one year,

(b) must give to its holder the right to harvest Crown timber from an area of land for the purposes specified in it,

(c) subject to subsection (2.1), must be limited to a volume not exceeding 50 m³,

(d) despite Part 4, Division 4, may be suspended or cancelled, or both, without notice by the forest officer if its holder fails to comply with its terms and conditions, this Act or the regulations,

(e) must not require its holder to pay stumpage for the timber cut, or to pay rent, and

(f) must contain terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, determined by the district manager or forest officer.

(2.1) The district manager or a forest officer authorized by the district manager, in prescribed circumstances, may enter into a free use permit authorized under section 48 (1) (g) for a volume exceeding 50 m³, but not exceeding 250 m³.

(3) The person in respect of whom or in respect of whose agreement a decision is made under subsection (2) may require a review of the decision by the regional manager and the decision of the regional manager is final and binding.

(4) Only sections 143 (3) and (4), 144 and 145 apply to a review under subsection (3).

Christmas tree permit

50 (1) A regional manager, district manager or forest officer authorized by either of them may enter into an agreement in the form of a Christmas tree permit that

(a) authorizes the permittee to harvest or grow and harvest Christmas trees on Crown land,

(b) requires the payment of the deposits and fees prescribed by the minister, and

(c) includes other terms and conditions, consistent with this Act and the regulations, Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and the standards made under that Act, as determined by the regional manager, district manager or forest officer authorized by either of them.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the minister may prescribe different deposits and different rates or amounts of fees.

Use by government employees and agents

52 (1) The regional manager, timber sales manager or district manager may, in writing, authorize

(a) employees acting in the course of their duties, and

(b) agents of the government acting in accordance with the terms of the agency

to harvest Crown timber or to use and occupy Crown land in a Provincial forest.

(2) An authorization under subsection (1)

(a) is an agreement under the Forest Act for the purposes of the definition of "forest practice" in Forest and Range Practices Act, and

(b) must include terms and conditions that the regional manager, timber sales manager or district manager considers appropriate and that are consistent with this Act and the regulations, and Forest and Range Practices Act and the regulations and standards under that Act.

(3) If the regional manager, timber sales manager or district manager so specifies in the authorization, Forest and Range Practices Act applies to the authorization as if the authorization were a forestry licence to cut.

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