Victoria, B.C. – The Ministry of Forests and Range has introduce a faster, more efficient permit approval process will allow small-scale salvagers to log dead and dying trees sooner.

 

"As part of the Ministry of Forests and Range commitment to improve utilization and cut red tape, staff have streamlined the permitting  process for small-scale salvage applications," said Forests and Range Minister Bell.

"Salvagers need quick decisions so that they can get out into the bush. This improved service will enable them to spend more time working in the forest."

 

The faster turn around  for permits  will  also  be  beneficial to the health of the forest.  As  the climate warms,  there is an increasing threat from fir and spruce beetles which prefer blown  down trees.  Because  those  pests typically take a two year cycle to have a hatch andmove to a new area,  Bell  says there is  an opportunity  to  make a difference.

 

As a result of a ministry review, processing times for small-scale applications will now be reduced to two working days following completion of any necessary consultations. Previously, turnaround times

could take as long as four weeks. Increased emphasis on professional reliance and improved information-sharing will reduce wait times for salvagers.

 

Each forest district will adopt best management practices for small-scale salvage applications. These include improved guidelines on what areas and what tree species are acceptable for small-scale salvage in

each district, better use of web-based information, and delegating from the district manager to the forest officer the authority to sign-off on permit applications for less than 500 cubic metres.

 

Areas logged by small-scale salvagers generally range from less than one-hectare openings to about 10 hectares. The average small scale salvage opening is less than five hectares. Salvagers log trees that

are wind-thrown, damaged by fire, beetle-killed or in imminent danger of being damaged or destroyed by beetles. Over the last few years the amount of timber harvested under the small-scale salvage program has

averaged about 1.3 million cubic metres of timber each year.

 

Across the province, the Ministry of Forests and Range processes as many as 800 applications each year. These small-scale salvage opportunities provide jobs for about 1,600 people, with the majority of

wood salvaged being sawlogs for local mills. Small-scale salvage is also expected to contribute to the future growth of British Columbia's rapidly emerging bioenergy sector. Minister Bell says the new rapid   permitting process could  see a  doubling of the jobs in the forests.