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Personal Use Forest Products Permit

Albertans can get a Personal Use Forest Products Permit to harvest small amounts of trees in designated public land areas.

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Tree cutting for personal use

Overview

Harvesting your own firewood, Christmas tree or poles is a longstanding Alberta tradition. You will require a free Personal use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP) to harvest, and the permit can only be used in designated areas. Before getting a PUFPP explore the interactive map to determine where you will be using your permit and understand the rules for use. 

The Government of Alberta also issues permits for commercial timber harvest. For information, see Timber Permits.

A colour coded map of Alberta listing the 10 forest areas and the National parks.
Figure 1. Forest Areas Map. Download larger image

Requirements

To be eligible to hold a Personal Use Forest Products Permit, a person must be:

  • 18 years of age or older;
  • a resident of Alberta;
  • in good standing with the Crown relating to timber, grazing and land use and not have any outstanding fines or dues owing to the Province of Alberta; and
  • aware and understand fully that there may be risks associated with harvesting trees and cutting and removing roundwood timber or firewood from Crown land. The permittee assumes full responsibility for the permittee and all persons accompanying the permittee when carrying out the activities authorized by the Personal Use Forest Products Permit.

Description

Personal Use Forest Products Permits (PUFPP) are for small-scale personal use only (no resale). The area-specific PUFPP document must be with you at all times while cutting or transporting trees from Crown land. In one 30-day period, a person can hold up to 4 permits – up to one permit each for:

  1. firewood
  2. Christmas trees
  3. roundwood
  4. transplants

The PUFPP authorizes Albertans to:

  1. Cut up to 3 Christmas trees under 2.5 m (approximately 8 ft) in height and no more than 15 cm in diameter at the stump.
    OR
  2. Transplant up to 20 trees less than 2.5 m in height.
    OR
  3. Cut up to 5 cubic metres (5 m3) of firewood. The number of trees cut depends on tree species and size and is approximately:
    • 5 to 7 large coniferous trees (generally trees with needles), or
    • 4 to 6 deciduous is approximately 1.5 cords (approximately 3 level 1/2 ton pickup truck boxes).
      OR
  4. Cut up to 5 m3 of roundwood timber (fence posts or poles).

Cost

PUFPPs are free.

Valid for

PUFPPs expire 30 days from the date of issuance.

Where to use a PUFPP

It is your responsibility to ensure you are harvesting in the correct location. You must not harvest in a restricted area where trees may be growing for commercial or research purposes. See the terms and conditions for site specific restrictions on where to use a PUFPP.

Interactive map

The PUFPP interactive map provides information about areas designated for PUFPP use subject to the terms and conditions.

Use the PUFPP interactive map

Tour the interactive map in this tutorial (2:20).

You can also print off a hard copy map for your forest area below.

Provincial map of 10 forest areas

Forest areas map

Rules for use

Rules for PUFPP use are found in the PUFPP Terms and Conditions.

  • Where tree cutting for personal use is not allowed

    In Alberta, tree cutting for personal use is not allowed:

    • outside of forest areas
    • in provincial Parks or Provincial Recreation Areas (except for designated Provincial Park areas)
    • in National Parks

  • Possession of a PUFPP

    You can get a PUFPP on someone else's behalf. However, they must be present and in possession of the PUFPP when the trees associated with that permit are being harvested.

  • Access to tree cutting areas

    Public land use zones (PLUZ) in Alberta have varying conditions, including restrictions on Off-Highway Vehicle use and access times. Be sure to contact your local Forest area office to ensure you have the most up-to-date information before accessing the PLUZ for firewood.

    A PUFPP may be used on agricultural public land within a forest area. If you wish to use your PUFPP on an agricultural disposition such as a grazing lease, you must contact the lease holder first to give them notice. For more information, see Recreation on agricultural public land or contact your local ministry office.

  • Transporting harvested wood

    Transporting any firewood or timber harvested from public land to destinations outside Alberta requires an export permit from Forestry and Parks.

  • Types of timber

    The PUFPP authorizes the permit holder to harvest green and/or dead trees for firewood.

  • Collecting deadfall for campfires

    To collect deadfall for firewood use onsite, you do not need a PUFPP; if you plan to transport the firewood (for example: back to your home) you will require a PUFPP.

  • Preventing the spread of forest pests and disease

    Do not transport trees with signs of insects or disease. Insects can emerge from wood piles and infest healthy trees nearby.

How to get a PUFPP

You can get a PUFPP online anytime, anywhere 24/7.

Plan ahead! Get your permit a few days before you plan to cut or transplant trees in case you require assistance with your application.

If you need help, email [email protected]. Allow 2 to 3 business days for a reply.

Get a PUFPP online

Your local forest area office can assist you with getting your PUFPP. Offices are open from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

Contact

Connect with us if you have any questions:
Email: [email protected]

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