The Government of Alberta is assigning more forest tenure through an open, competitive process that maximizes economic, environmental and community benefits, as well as benefits to local Indigenous communities.

“We know that forests need to be managed to remain healthy. Through our Forest Jobs Action Plan, we will keep forests healthy and help create jobs by reducing wildfire risk and pest infestations. This transparent, open competition will find the best fit for the needs of the area and create jobs right here in Alberta.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

The new timber quotas will allocate timber that is part of the annual allowable cut (AAC) in forest management units, but has not yet been issued to a holder or operator. There is currently about 51,000 cubic metres of unallocated deciduous AAC within Forest Management Unit G16, about 70 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie. There is an additional 21,000 cubic metres of unallocated coniferous AAC within Forest Management Unit S22, about 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.

Allocating this tenure for sustainable timber harvesting and reforestation will support public safety, reducing the risk of wildfire and growing younger forests that are more resistant to disease and insect outbreaks, including mountain pine beetle.

Access to a secure wood fibre supply supports investment in the province’s forest sector and supports stable, good-paying jobs for Albertans.

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s forest industry directly employs 19,500 people and supports more than 25,000 additional jobs in Alberta, contributing $1.7 billion in salaries and wages in 2019.
  • Alberta owns all timber located on provincial public lands. Under Alberta's Forests Act, the right to harvest Crown timber is allocated to companies and individuals through forest tenures.
  • Alberta’s government does not transfer land ownership rights through these forest tenures. Each forest tenure gives the holder specific rights and responsibilities to manage the forest and harvest timber for either short or long periods of time.
  • Under the authority of the Forests Act, Alberta has developed strict standards for forest management planning.