Whereas the Province assesses the same stumpage rates against small Tree Farm Licences as it does for large industrial forest tenures; And whereas smaller tenures near urban centres must manage for multiple resource users at higher costs and typically invest surplus funds within the community for the benefit of the general public and province: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province to consider new allowances to reduce market stumpage rates that account for the higher management costs required to effectively manage forest resources for municipally held Tree Farm Licences in urban interface areas.
Ministry of Forests The Ministry of Forests continues to explore ways to support local governments and expand opportunities for communities to benefit from the forest sector. Stumpage is the fee collected by the government when it sells trees to a licensee. The fees go to general revenue where it is used to fund critical programs like healthcare and education. Overall, stumpage supports the services all British Columbians depend on, and contributes to communities across the province. As part of the Modernizing Forest Policy - Intentions Paper project, government is looking at harmonizing stumpage with respect to area-based tenures.