Forest Conservation (Tree) By-Law

Good Forestry Practices Permit

Obtaining a Good Forestry Practices Permit requires a prescription prepared by a designated Registered Professional Forester or Associate Member. Trees must be marked by a qualified Tree Marker, as defined in the by-law.

Diameter Limit Cutting Permit

• Diameter Limit Cutting allows harvesting down to a minimum tree circumference, as outlined in the by- law. Harvesting must not reduce the basal area below 15m2/ha.
• Diameter Limit Cutting is considered a poor forestry practice that can lead to long-term negative ecological and economic effects on your woodland.
• Diameter Limit Cutting is not permitted on lands benefiting from the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program.

How to submit a permit

1. Before submitting the Schedule A – Harvest Permit, please contact our Forest team to discuss your application.
2. After consulting with our Forest team, download and fill out the Schedule A – Harvest Permit.
3. To complete your application, email the completed Schedule A – Harvest Permit to the Forest team.

• Landowners that want to clear forest, or perform management activities that will injure or destroy trees and alter the forest so that it no longer meets the definition of woodland, must apply for relief from By-Law 2015-27 (Schedule “B”).
• The applicant must identify the area of trees to be injured or destroyed, and explain the rationale for this. Applicants should expect a minimum wait time of five weeks for application review and decision.
• Permits for clearing four hectares or more will require Council approval. At the County’s discretion, some permits under four hectares may also require Council approval.
• Approval of Relief from the By-Law does not constitute any other development approvals, and landowners must comply with all other regulations including, but not limited to, those of the municipality and conservation authority.

Submit a permit

Submit a permit – Before submitting a permit, please contact us to discuss your application.