Permitting Requirement
- Cutting, gathering, transporting or utilizing naturally grown trees or planted premium species on private lands requires a valid PLTP or SPLTP issued by the DENR Secretary or authorized representative.
Qualified Applicants
- Only the owner of private land as defined under the Order may apply for and be granted a PLTP or SPLTP.
Application Requirements
- Letter of application
- Authenticated land title or CLOA with approved sketch map
- Development plan if area ≥10 hectares with ≥50% forest cover
- Endorsements from Barangay Chairman, Municipal/City Mayor, or Provincial Governor
- Endorsement from local agrarian reform officer for CLOA areas
- Payment of inventory fee as per regulations
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Applicants must submit an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) to the DENR.
- IEE serves as basis for issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Timber Inventory Requirements
- 100% inventory by Registered Foresters over the timber area.
- Map preparation indicating soil cover, water bodies, slope classes.
- Land lot tied to nearest forest zone corner or BLLM.
- Tree measurements taken (dbh/dab and merchantable height).
- Numbering and charting of trees on map; photographic documentation of first, last trees and panoramic views.
- Volume computations based on local formulas; preparation of tables by species groups.
- Inventory report must be sworn and attached with original documents.
- Validation by CENRO and LGU representatives; verification of land status prior to inventory.
Issuance of Permits
- SPLTP volumes ≤10 cu.m approved by Regional Executive Director (RED); volumes >10 cu.m by DENR Secretary.
- PLTP volumes ≤50 cu.m approved by RED; volumes >50 cu.m by DENR Secretary.
Permit Tenure
- Tenure depends on allowable cut volume with maximum one (1) year term.
- Only one permit issued per property per year.
- Extension may be granted for a similar duration.
- Specific tenure periods vary by volume slabs (e.g., 1-50 cu.m = 50 days; ≥1001 cu.m = 1 year).
Payment of Forest Charges
- All cut naturally grown trees subject to forest charges under R.A. 7161.
Disposition of Timber
- RED, with local DTI officers, may recommend retaining up to 50% of timber volume for local wood industry needs.
Transport Requirements
- Wood transport must be accompanied by:
- For logs/lumber: Certificate of Origin, Tally Sheets, Auxiliary Invoice, Official Receipt for forest charges.
- For finished products: Delivery receipt/sales invoice and tally sheets.
Cutting and Transport Prohibitions
- No cutting within 20 meters on both sides of roads unless trees are hazardous.
- No cutting within 20 meters of creeks/rivers for stream bank protection; if strip is treeless, reforestation required.
- Timber transport outside the province is prohibited in logging ban/moratorium areas unless authorized.
- Selective cutting mandated on slopes ≥18%.
Monitoring and Inspection
- Cutting and transport monitored by CENRO and representatives from Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee and/or LGU.
- Post-harvest inventory of stumps required after permit expiration; report to RED and FMB.
Penal Provisions
- Transport without prescribed documents deemed illegal; timber subject to confiscation and disposal per law.
- DENR officials issuing defective documents face suspension and other penalties under Civil Service laws.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent prior orders, circulars, and instructions are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- Order effective immediately upon acknowledgment by UP Law Center and 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.