How Do I Obtain Authorization To Top, Crown Thin Or Remove A Danger Tree On Crown Land Adjacent To My Property?

When you identify a tree(s), on Crown Land adjacent to your property, that you believe is a potential hazard to your safety or improvements, submit a package with the following to the South Island Forest District:

·         A letter briefly describing why you believe these trees are potentially hazardous.  Please include your full name, address and phone number, and legal description of your property.

·         Photographs that show how these trees are potential dangerous to your property or improvements, which include an identifiable object to indicate the scale of the photos.  Please indicate the location from which the photos were taken, on the map noted below.

·         Unless the tree(s) is dead or it shows obvious signs of instability or damage, submit a report from a wildlife/danger tree assessor* or a licensed arborist that concludes that the tree(s) is hazardous and, therefore, recommends the topping, crown thinning or removal of the tree(s).

·         A copy of a map that indicates the location of the hazard tree(s) in relation to your property boundaries.  Indicate the location of the trees by marking a ‘X’ at their location, and also include the species and diameter (at 1.3 meters above the ground) for each tree.

*wildlife/danger tree assessor – an individual who has successfully completed a wildlife/danger tree assessors course recognized by the Workers Compensation Board.

Please note it is your responsibility to ensure that your proposed tree cutting is in compliance with any applicable local municipal or regional district tree cutting bylaws.   Also, if you propose to cut trees located on a gazetted highway right of way, a permit (Permission to Construct Works Within Crown Land) must be obtained from the local Ministry of Transportation (MOT) prior to contacting this office.

If you were required, and have received a permit for works from MOT, please include a copy of your authorization letter in the above noted package.  Please note that MOT does not authorize the cutting of the tree(s) unless it is deemed to be an immediate safety hazard.

What Happens To The Crown Timber That I Am Authorized To Cut?

As part of the review that the district staff will conduct when we receive your request to remove danger trees, an assessment will be made of the quantity and quality of the timber that you propose to cut.   Generally for small volumes, you will be issued a Free Use Permit, which authorizes you to cut down the hazard tree(s) and utilize them for personal use firewood.  If the assessment determines that the volume and quality is marketable, you will be required to deck the timber at an accessible location for a future timber sale of harvested Crown timber.

If you are required to deck the timber for a future timber sale licence for harvested timber, a letter authorizing the danger tree cutting will be issued to you, with provisions indicating that this timber is to be decked, and cannot be sold or traded.

The Crown is not liable for the costs associated with the removal of the danger tree(s).  These costs must be fully borne by the proponent who wishes to cut and remove the tree(s).

Who Do I Contact If I Have Any Questions?

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