Temporary Non-Commercial Timber Permits
In Alberta, a valid temporary timber permit (TM66) is required for small-scale, non-commercial or personal access to timber and trees on provincial Crown land.
This permit grants the holder the legal authority to harvest in designated areas.
Before You Buy Your Permit
Remember: Mountain Pine Beetle Infested Trees Must Not Be Cut or Transported for Firewood!
You can help manage Alberta's current mountain pine beetle infestation. Look for signs of mountain pine beetle activity before you begin cutting, and report any infestations that you find. For more details, see:
Who Is Eligible to Buy a Temporary Timber Permit?
If you wish to obtain a timber permit, you must
- be over the age of 18
- be a resident of Alberta
- be in good standing with the Crown relating to timber, grazing and land use
Types of Temporary Timber Permits
There are two types of temporary permits for non-commercial personal use:
Forest Product Tag (TM66)
| Cost | $5.00 (plus GST) |
| Valid For | 30 days from the time of purchase |
| Details | This permit entitles individuals to remove one of the following:
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Where Can I Purchase this Permit?
Forest Product Tag Timber Permits can be purchased online (see above), or at participating Agriculture and Forestry Offices. For details see: Where to Buy a TM66 Tree Cutting Permit.
Local Timber Permit (LTP)
| Cost | $21.00 (includes GST) |
| Additional Costs | A minimum security deposit of $1,000 is required in case of any site degradation. The deposit is refundable if no incidence of degradation occurs.
The holder must also pre-pay timber dues and the reforestation levy on harvested volume as stipulated in the Timber Management Regulation. To view the regulation, visit: Alberta Regulation 60/73 - Forests Act: Timber Management Regulation. After harvesting is completed, the permit must be returned to the issuing Agriculture and Forestry (AF) Office for the return of any prepaid timber dues, reforestation charges or deposits if the application is made within one year. |
| Valid For | Expires annually on April 30 |
| Details | This permit entitles individuals to remove up to 50 cubic metres of timber for personal, non-commercial use (no resale). The number of trees cut depends on tree species and size but it is approximately:
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Related Information
Commercial Tree Permits and Licences
Agriculture and Forestry (AF) issues permits and licences for personal and commercial use of the province's timber resources.
Tree Cutting Permit FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the TM66 Forest Products Permit, and about tree and wood cutting in Alberta.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Cutting Permits
Purchasing a Tree Cutting Permit
Where can I go to purchase a TM66 permit?
Alberta residents can purchase a TM66 permit in person or online.
In person: You can visit your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) office (please note that not all AF offices sell permits). See: Where To Buy Tree Cutting Permit.
Online: To buy your permit online, go to: Tree Cutting Permits - TM66 Login.
Can I purchase the permit online?
Yes. To buy online, go to: Tree Cutting Permits - TM66 Login.
Can I pick up a permit for someone else?
Yes. You may purchase a permit on someone else's behalf, however they must be present and in possession of the permit when you are cutting the trees associated with that permit.
Can I get more than one permit?
Each individual is entitled to purchase one permit per 30-day period for each type of product.
For example, in one 30-day period a person can possess 3 permits: one for firewood, one for Christmas trees and one for transplants. TM66 permits are only for personal use or non-commercial purposes.
How long is the permit good for?
A TM66 permit is valid for 30 days from the time of purchase.
Locations for Tree Cutting
Where am I allowed to go to harvest the firewood or Christmas tree?
Each Forest Area has designated areas where firewood or Christmas tree cutting is permitted. Maps can be found on our website, or at your local AF office, depending on the Forest Area. If you have further questions about the map, contact the local AF office.
When I'm there, how will I know I'm in the right area?
Maps provided by AF will show the areas designated for TM66 permit cutting. Sometimes there are conditions that will further specify locations, be sure to check with your local AF office with any questions regarding conditions in your particular area.
Do I need a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
It depends on the location and type of roads that are in your specific permit area. Talk to your local AF office for information regarding the area you wish to travel to.
Is there hunting allowed in the area I'm going to?
Go online to MyWildAlberta.ca to check the hunting regulations for the area you will be going to.
Conditions for Tree Cutting
How much firewood can I harvest?
Up to 5 cubic metres of roundwood timber.
How much is 5 cubic metres?
The number of trees cut depends on tree species and size, but it is approximately:
- 5 to 7 large coniferous trees (generally trees with needles) OR
- 4 to 6 deciduous trees (generally trees with leaves) OR
- 1.5 cubic meters per a level 8-foot half-ton truck box
What kind of firewood can I take?
See above.
Do I have to harvest dead trees or can I cut green trees?
The TM66 Permit entitles individuals to harvest green and/or dead trees, depending on the location and purpose.
Each Forest Area will have specific conditions on what types of timber can be harvested, and you should check with your local AF office before heading out.
Last time I was out I noticed a bunch of birch stacked along the side of a road can I help myself to that birch?
In some instances, stacked timber is left for public consumption. However, it often belongs to someone else, or there are conditions for its use.
If you see timber that is stacked in the bush, check with your local AF office to find out if it is someone else's property. Your local office may also be able to direct you to other sources of stacked timber.
Do I have to cut the tree or is it already cut?
In most cases, the person who obtains the permit is responsible for cutting the tree or firewood.
Transporting Harvested Wood
How far will I have to haul the firewood to my vehicle?
The distance will depend on the type of firewood you are looking for and the location you wish to harvest in. Contact your local AF office for specific information on your permit areas.
Can I use a OHV to haul the firewood out of the bush to my vehicle?
There are some forest land use zones in Alberta which do not permit OHV use within their boundaries. The local AF office can advise you whether your permit cutting area falls within one of these FLUZ's.
All use of OHV's must follow Alberta's Traffic Safety Act and Off Highway Vehicles Regulation.