The Province is extending a log export exemption aimed at supporting the forest industry in the mid-coast, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

In January 2013, the Province reduced fees on log exports from the Mid-Coast Timber Supply Area in an effort to increase harvest levels. It is a difficult and expensive area to work in - with no local lumber mill, logs have to be sent to Vancouver to be cut or exported - and much of the wood is of low quality.

The reduced fee on low- and mid-grade logs is a minimum of $1.00 per cubic metre; typically, logging companies pay $8.00 per cubic metre on harvested logs. The reduced fee was to be in place for an initial two-year period, but the lower fee is being extended for another year, allowing more time to better review the impact of the fee reduction on harvesting and export activity in the area.

The reduced fee is based on recommendations from a 2012 review of B.C.'s log export policies.

Quick Facts:

• In 2013, the Province collected $34 million from log export fees.

• Cypress and cedar are not allowed to be exported.
  

Learn More:

Our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/forestsectorstrategy/Forest_Strategy_WEB.PDF

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261