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How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

Every person, firm, or corporation harvesting wood products for hire or profit on a timber harvesting operation that falls under the Forest Cutting Practices Act (MGL Ch132) must hold a timber harvester license.

Contacts

MA Timber Harvest License Program

Phone

Tom Ryan, Forester Call MA Timber Harvest License Program, Tom Ryan, Forester at 413-784-1828

Online

Email MA Timber Harvest License Program at Tom.Ryan@state.ma.us

Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director

Phone

Call Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director at (413) 461-4592

Online

Email Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director at jennifer.fish@mass.gov

The Details   of How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

What you need   for How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

A timber harvester license is valid only for the person which it is issued. A firm or corporation may hold a timber harvester license for employees identified on its application; however, each employee so named shall meet the requirements of 304 CMR 11.08(1)(a), (c) and  every person, firm, or corporation harvesting wood products for hire or profit on an operation not exempt from M.G.L. c. 132, §§ 40 through 46 shall have his, her or its own timber harvester license.

Fees   for How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

Pay fee by check or money order made out to:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Timber Harvesting License

In state fee = $15.00

Out of state fee = $30.00

Please do not send cash.

How to apply   How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

MA Timber Harvesting License
Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
PO Box 1433, PITTSFIELD, MA. 01202
ATTN: Tom Ryan, DCR Forester

Next steps   for How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

  1. Complete Application

    Download and complete the application below.  Applications are required for new, renewal or expired licenses.  Submit the completed application and payment to:

    MA Timber Harvesting License
    Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
    PO Box 1433, PITTSFIELD, MA. 01202
    ATTN: Tom Ryan, DCR Forester

    Open PDF file, 160.69 KB,  Timber Harvest License Application (English, PDF 160.69 KB)

  2. Study for the Exam

    Below please find helpful study material.

    Open PDF file, 418.62 KB,  Chapter 132 Guidance (English, PDF 418.62 KB)
    Open PDF file, 1.74 MB,  Massachusetts Forestry Best Management Practices Manual (English, PDF 1.74 MB)
    Open PDF file, 2.21 MB,  THL - Sample Cutting Plan (English, PDF 2.21 MB)
    Open PDF file, 1.02 MB,  302 CMR 1600 Forest Cutting Practices (English, PDF 1.02 MB)
    Open PDF file, 943.32 KB,  Forestry MOU (English, PDF 943.32 KB)
    MGL Chapter 132 Section 40 

  3. Take the Exam

    The complete schedule along with more details on each location can be found on the attached document.  

    Please note if you are applying for a new license or application for an expired license, you will need to take an exam.  License renewals do not require an exam.

    RSVP required for all exams.

    When selecting an exam date, please be aware that all timber harvest licenses expire June 30 each year regardless of the month in which the license was obtained. 

  4. Obtain Certification

    Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive certification from the DCR after it is determined the applicant is in compliance with state tax laws and other state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing forestry property, public health, and safety.

Contact   for How to Apply for a Timber Harvest License

Address
DCR Bureau of Forestry Private Lands / Service Forestry Program
PO Box 1433, Pittsfield, MA 01202
Directions 
Phone
Tom Ryan, Forester Call MA Timber Harvest License Program, Tom Ryan, Forester at 413-784-1828
Online
Email MA Timber Harvest License Program at Tom.Ryan@state.ma.us
Address
DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry
40 Cold Storage Drive, PO Box 484, Amherst, MA 01004
Directions 
Phone
Call Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director at (413) 461-4592
Online
Email Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director at jennifer.fish@mass.gov

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