The British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations this week announced changes to BC forestry legislation intended to enhance the effectiveness of BC Timber Sales.
Proposed amendments to the Forest Act will enable holders of pulpwood agreements to sell or transfer their agreements.
BC Timber Sales Changes
Amendments to forestry legislation introduced Wednesday will enhance the effectiveness of BC Timber Sales and allow the transfer of pulpwood agreements to increase fibre supply to pulp mills, according to a BC government release.
Acting on recommendations from the BC Timber Sales effectiveness review, the amendments will encourage more accurate timber pricing, help BC Timber Sales generate more revenue, and improve overall business practices. Collectively, the changes could increase BC Timber Sales annual net revenue by as much as $4 million.
As well, proposed amendments to the Forest Act will enable holders of pulpwood agreements to sell or transfer their agreements. Pulpwood agreements are non-replaceable volume-based timber tenures that provide a secure fibre supply to larger-scale pulp mills. The agreements provide pulp mills and particle board plants with access to a secondary source of lower-quality fibre when sufficient suitable, reasonably priced wood chips, sawdust or logs is not readily available.