The provincial government is igniting awareness that Crown wood is not freely available for firewood.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations issued a reminder on Thursday that firewood can be obtained from Crown land, but proper written authorization must be obtained first.
"As the evenings begin to get cooler, many British Columbians will start lighting their fireplaces or wood stoves to help keep their homes warm," said a ministry statement. "However, people who cut, collect or use firewood must ensure that it was harvested legally."
Before members of the public collect any firewood, they must first obtain a "Free Use Permit for Firewood" to verify that gathering firewood is allowed in that area and to ensure that they adhere to local regulations.
"Cutting down trees on Crown land without an appropriate permit, or selling any such firewood, is an ongoing concern in British Columbia. This activity is illegal and could result in a violation ticket or fine," the statement warned.
It's not an empty threat. To underscore how the consequences are real, the ministry disclosed that in the past 18 months it had handed out almost $15,000 in violation tickets and collected a further $156,000 in administrative penalties for illicit firewood activities.
The reasons have their root in fair business practices - those who collect wood in any way by following the rules are done commercial harm by those who flout the rules - and in environmental concerns. Cutting wood can affect fish and wildlife habitat, impact ecosystems, and pose a public safety hazard.
The ministry stresses that getting the proper authorization is free of charge.
There is no fee for obtaining firewood permits. It is also easy to obtain: either at your local forestry office or online at www.gov.bc.ca/firewoodpermits. It must simply be signed and carried by the person who is physically doing the work of collecting the wood in the Crown forest.
"The public can do its part to stop illegal harvesting by purchasing firewood only from legitimate producers who sell wood obtained either on private land or through authorized Crown land harvesting tenures," said the ministry statement.
"Anyone buying firewood should ask where the firewood comes from - Crown land or private land - and ask for a record of purchase. For firewood that's been harvested on private land, the buyer should ask the seller for the district lot number and timber mark number. For firewood that's been harvested on Crown land, legitimate commercial firewood producers should have a 'Forestry License to Cut' document signed by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations."
