Introduction
This fact sheet was produced by the Environmental Law Association to provide a plain language introduction to legal issues related to logging, including: landowner consent, timber licensing, logging plans, environmental impact assessment and operational standards set out in the national logging code of practice.
This fact sheet also describes legal mechanisms for protecting forests, including nature reserves, protected catchment areas and conservation leases.
Landowner Consent
Most forests are found on native land. It is illegal to fell timber on native land without a licence issued by the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB).1 Before issuing the licence, the NLTB must obtain the consent of the majority of the relevant landowning clan.
It is an offence to log on native land without an NLTB licence, or to breach a condition of an NLTB licence.
Logging on Crown land requires a licence from the Department of Lands.
It is an offence to fell timber on Crown land without a licence, or breach the conditions of a licence. It is illegal to take timber from freehold land without the permission of the land owner.
Disclaimer
This fact sheet provides general information about the law, and is no substitute for legal advice relating to your particular situation. ELA accepts no responsibility for any loss resulting from reliance on the information provided in this fact sheets.
Law current as at 1 March 2010. Environmental Law Association © 2010.
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