The New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners is a member-based, not-for-profit organization that advocates on behalf of all private forest owners, promoting their interests and rights.
We are a dynamic group of family-owned forest owners that promote sustainably managed private forest resources, which contribute to the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of rural communities across New Brunswick.
The voice of New Brunswick's private woodlot owners
"Crown land closed due to an extreme wildfire hazard - As per Section 71.5 of the Crown Lands and Forests Act, all recreational activities are prohibited on Crown Land until further notice. Some businesses are allowed to resume operations on Crown lands under strict conditions."
Clarification on restrictions and permitted activities from DNR (Aug 20):
Many forestry operations, including the following, are currently prohibited on both Crown and Private land
-
harvesting / forwarding / skidding
-
site preparation, such as scarification
-
chipping
-
all pre-commercial thinning and cleaning
-
vegetation management, including spraying herbicides
To ensure ongoing operations of the forestry sector, specific activities with appropriate conditions to mitigate fire and safety risks will be permitted. All work in the forest requires a permit (on both Crown and Private land) and must adhere to rules regarding work location, operating conditions, hours of operation, fire equipment and fire-watch activity.
No activity will be allowed in an active fire zone.
Some examples;
-
using a chainsaw on a private woodlot would currently require a permit
-
tree planting could be allowed, and still require a permit
-
some nighttime harvesting and trucking could be allowed, and require a permit
All permits will indicate what conditions must be met (e.g. specific location, required fire fighting equipment to have, if someone if required to monitor the work area for 3 hours afterwards, etc.)
Contact the Department of Natural Resources (1-833-301-0334) should you have questions, or want to apply for a permit. (Note - they have a backlog of people to contact already, so please be patient.)
----------------------
A provincewide burn ban, including in provincial parks, remains in effect.
Up-to-date information on wildfire risks and burn bans is available at GNB.ca/FireWatch
"The provincial fire ban will remain in place until we get steady, soaking rain across affected areas. Please respect the restrictions, stay informed and help prevent wildfires. " - DNRED
UPDATED: Wednesday, Aug 20, 3:30 pm
NB Wildfire Season - Information Updates for Private Woodlot Owners
CBC NB interview with Rick Doucett
August 19, 2025
As a provincial organisation, we recognise that the work of the New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wabanaki.
Share a picture of what makes your woodlot special to you! Email to info@nbwoodlotowners.ca or share with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Not quite ready to join and receive the benefits of membership, but still want to receive updates? You can subscribe to our 'future members' email list HERE.
Members receive monthly newsletters, member offers, and a vote on the direction and focus of the Federation. Click here to join!