About BC Timber Sales
BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is part of the Ministry of Forests and plays an important role in how public forests are managed in British Columbia. BCTS sustainably manages the harvesting and reforestation of 20 per cent of the timber available for harvest on public land. This land is called the timber harvesting land base, which is the subset of the legally harvestable land where it is economical for timber harvesting to occur based on current forest management practices. By sustainably planning this work carefully, BCTS helps make sure wood harvested from public forests, also known as fibre, is available to support jobs, communities and the broader economy across the province.
Operating in 33 communities across the province, BCTS helps sustain economic activity and employment by working with First Nations, contractors and local businesses. These partnerships support a steady flow of fibre to mills and manufacturers, helping keep people working and communities strong.
Reforestation is a core part of BCTS’ work. Following harvesting, areas are replanted and actively managed to support healthy, resilient diverse forests that will thrive for generations to come. This includes selecting the right tree species for each site and monitoring young stands to promote long-term forest health.
BCTS also supports reforestation in areas affected by wildfires and pests, helping forests recover from disturbance and re-establish over time. Through this work, BCTS helps maintain biodiversity, support wildlife habitat and ensure a sustainable fibre supply for the future.
BCTS plans, develops and sells timber through open, competitive auctions. The results of these sales are used to inform the Market Pricing System. The Market Pricing System is used to calculate the stumpage rates, or the fees companies pay to harvest timber on public land. BCTS gathers timber value and cost information that supports this system. In this way, BCTS plays an important role in making sure timber pricing stays fair, open and based on actual market conditions. This system supports a level playing field across the forest sector and contributes to economic activity that benefits all people in British Columbia.
BCTS carries out its work based on three key principles: safety, reconciliation and sustainability. Safety means making sure that everyone involved in forestry work, from planning to harvesting, goes home safe every day. Reconciliation means building respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations, recognizing rights and title and working together in planning and decision-making. Sustainability means managing forests in a way that balances environmental health, economic needs and community benefits so forests continue to thrive and provide value for future generations.
Following a recent review, the role of BCTS is evolving to better meet the needs of people and communities across the province. This role focuses on four main areas:
- Supporting resilient forest ecosystems means looking after forests over the long term so they stay healthy and strong. This includes reducing wildfire risk, supporting climate resilience and making sure there is a steady and reliable supply of timber to meet future needs.
- Strong partnerships means BCTS works with First Nations and communities to build respectful and trusted relationships. This includes listening, sharing knowledge and finding ways to support shared goals, while helping create opportunities tied to forest resources.
- Manufacturing diversity means offering timber through open and competitive auctions to support a wide range of fibre use. This helps encourage new and existing businesses to use more of each tree, including smaller or lower-value fibre, which supports innovation and keeps more value in the province.
- Thriving communities means helping create stable jobs and economic opportunities for workers, contractors and companies. By making fibre available and supporting forest sector activity, BCTS plays an important role in the economic health of rural, Indigenous and urban communities.
Together, this work shows how BCTS connects forest management with action. By continuing to grow its role, BCTS supports British Columbia’s economy while helping ensure forests remain healthy and productive for future generations, and that the values important to communities are reflected in how forests are manage
