Understanding managed forest classification in British Columbia

​​​​​BC Assessment’s Managed Forest Land Class refers to privately-owned forest land property for which an acceptable forest management commitment has been made that is approved and complies with the Private Managed Forest Land Act​ ​and the regulations under that Act; or the Forest and Range Practices Act, and which satisfies the requirements of the Assessment Act.

Application for m​anaged forest land classification under the Private Managed Forest Land Act

The Managed Forest Council, established by the Private Managed Forest Land Act administers the forestry requirements and application process for managed forest land classification.

Before private land may be classified as managed forest land under the Private Managed Forest Land Act, or managed forest land under the Assessment Act, the owner must submit to the council a proposed management commitment that is in a prescribed form. This form must include the legal description of the lands to which the management commitment relates and any other information specified by the council, as well as acknowledgement of the requirements to otherwise comply with this Act. Copies of the commitment form are available through the council.

Approval for managed forest land classification under the Private Managed Forest Land Act

If the council determines that a proposed management commitment or amendment meets the applicable requirements of the Private Managed Forest Land Act and complies with the regulations of the council, the council must notify BC Assessment and recommend to the assessor that the land that is the subject of the management commitment or amendment be classified as managed forest land under the Assessment Act.

Owner notification of approval for managed forest classification

After classifying land that is the subject of a management commitment as managed forest land under the Assessment Act, the assessor will then notify the council and the owner.

More information

For more information on how to obtain the managed forest class for a property, contact the Managed Forest Council at (250) 386-5737, or visit their website at www.mfcouncil.ca

What are the benefits of the class?

The calculation of managed forest land assessments is based on a two-step process:

1. The lands capability to grow, harvest and deliver trees to market and;
2. The value of the trees on the land when harvested

This assesses the land at a forest value which is not influenced by other market forces.  The land is valued based on forest use only and not based on any other potential use.

What are the requirements for managed forest class?

To be classified as managed forest, the land must be at least 25 hectares and be managed as a single unit.

If the land measures 50 hectares or less, at least 70% of the land must be productive during the year ending on October 31.

If the land measures more than 50 hectares, at least 50% of the land must be productive during the year ending on October 31.

Land owners must also commit to good forest practices and comply with the legislated requirements of the Private Managed Forest Land Act.

What are the legislated requirements and how do I apply?

Legislation was passed in November 2003 and came into force in the summer of 2004. This legislation regulates the approval of, and forest practices on private managed forest land.

The Private Managed Forest Land Act replaces the Forest Land Reserve Act.

The Managed Forest Council, independent of BC Assessment, is established, under the Private Managed Forest Land Act, to administer the legislation and process applications for managed forest classification from forest land owners.

Once BC Assessment is notified by the Managed Forest Council that a property meets the requirements, BC Assessment will assign managed forest classification of that property for the next assessment year.

Is there a deadline every year for application?

Questions on application dates should be directed to the Managed Forest Council. The council must notify BC Assessment of changes to land that qualify for managed forest classification by September 30 each year for the following assessment year.

Where can I get more information on the requirements of the Private Managed Forest Land Act for managed forest​classification?

Contact information for the Managed Forest Council is available on their website at www.mfcouncil.ca or the office can be reached by phone at 250-386-5737.

What if my private land is managed with the Forest and Range Practices Act?

Private land which is managed in accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act, and where a management plan has been approved under the Forest Act, may also qualify for managed forest classification under the Assessment Act. For more information about qualifying for Managed Forest Class under the Forest and Range Practices Act, please contact BC Assessment at the number below.

Managed Forest Land: A Warning to Potential Purchasers.

For more information about managed forest classification and assessment, or for details on your managed forest property assessment, please contact:

BC Assessment - Managed Forest
400 - 3450 Uptown Blvd.
Victoria BC V8Z 0B9
Phone:  250 595-6211
Toll Free:  1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322) - Extension 00225
Email: managedforest@bcassessment.ca   

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