INTERIM REGULATIONS IN PLACE FOR YUKON LOGGIN
WHITEHORSE, YT (December 11, 1996) -- Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Ronald A. Irwin today announced the approval of interim amendments to Yukon Timber Regulations.
The interim system, which was developed in conjunction with the Yukon Forestry Advisory Committee (YFAC), allows for a Apay as you go" stumpage fee system for timber harvested under Commercial Timber Permits. As well, stumpage rates will be lowered to $2.62 per cubic metre for (Tier 1) logs processed in Yukon and $5.25 per cubic metre for (Tier 2) timber exported from Yukon to reflect current market conditions. A $5 per cubic metre reforestation fee will continue to apply in both cases. These interim rates will be in effect until January 1998 or until the new long-term regulations are in place, whichever comes first.
"The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) will continue to work toward a long-term Yukon forestry policy in consultation with the Yukon Forestry Advisory Committee," said Mr. Irwin.
The revised stumpage rates and "pay as you go" fee system are in response to a severe drop of 40 to 50 per cent in the market value of wood over the past year. There were government concerns that the previous regulations and fee schedule made it difficult for harvesters to keep their operations profitable and placed the industry in financial difficulty.
The Yukon Forestry Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to DIAND which consists of representatives of First Nations, forestry operators, Yukon College, the Yukon Conservation Society, the Yukon Territorial Government and DIAND.
For information contact:
Lynne Boyer
DIAND
Media Relations
(819) 997-8404
ainc-inac.gc.ca |
