58. The interested local government has the exclusive right to the commercial exploitation of the forest resources on Category I lands and may act directly or through persons authorized by it.
In such a case, the local government shall obtain cutting rights or a licence to cut timber from the Minister of Energy and Resources, who shall not withhold its authorization if that commercial cutting conforms to the development and marketing plan approved by him.
Where forest resources are commercially exploited, the local government is not required to pay stumpage dues.
1978, c. 93, s. 58; 1979, c. 81, s. 20.