Energy, Mines, and Resources
Forestry
Legislation
Yukon ushers in new era for forest management
The Forest Resources Act and Forest Resources Regulation became effective on January 31st, 2011, replacing the Timber Regulation under the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act. The Timber Regulation was originally developed by the federal government and inherited by Yukon through the Devolution Transfer Agreement in 2003. The newly effective legislation will steer future decision making and provide forest managers with the tools required to support long term forest health and facilitate opportunities for Yukoners to benefit from the resources present. Those who have questions are encouraged to contact the Forest Management Branch at 857.456.3999 or toll free in Yukon at 1.800.661.0408 ext. 3999.
Frequently Asked Questions >>>
The following legislation currently guides forestry activities in the Yukon:
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Developing the Forest Resources Act and regulation
Development of new forest legislation has been a priority since the Yukon government took over responsibility for Yukon's forest resources with the Devolution Transfer Agreement in 2003.
In 2004, the Yukon government released a discussion paper entitled, "Towards a Forest Policy Framework for the Yukon" that was developed in collaboration with First Nations, Renewable Resource Councils, and key stakeholders. From this document, the Forest Management Branch developed the concepts for the new legislation in collaboration with the Successor Resource Legislation Working Group established under the Devolution Transfer Agreement. This group was made up of representatives from the Yukon government, Council of Yukon First Nations, Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Ross River Dena Council and Liard First Nation.
In addition, there was also considerable input from two focus groups, the Forest Values Focus Group and the Forest Industry Focus Group. The Forest Values Focus Group is comprised of wilderness tourism operators, big game outfitters, Yukon conservation groups and wood harvesters, and was established in 2006. The Forest Industry Focus Group comprises a fuel-wood cutter, mill owners, a log home builder and timber harvesters from Dawson, Whitehorse and Watson Lake; and was established in 2007.
A 60-day public consultation on the concepts of the proposed Forest Resources Act was held in the spring of 2008. Once the consultation review was completed, the Forest Resources Act was introduced into the Legislative Assembly during the 2008 fall legislative session and received assent on December 9, 2008.
Development of the regulation began soon after the Forest Resources Act received legislative approval. The Forest Management Branch continued to work with the Successor Resource Legislation Working Group, as well as the Forest Industry and Forest Values Focus Groups during development of the regulation. Public consultation on concept documents for the regulation was carried out during the summer and fall of 2009. The final regulation was given formal approval on September 28, 2010.
