Mosaic’s Log Purchasing Program Frequently Asked Questions
What legal documents will I need?
Depending on where you live and your proximity to utilities, you may need special permits, licenses, and a private timber mark. Mosaic’s Log Purchasing Program can help you determine which document you require.
What is a private timber mark, and how do I obtain one?
A private timber mark is required to transport logs from privately owned land. A timber mark certifies the logs’ ownership. Private timber marks must be active to scale the timber and are valid for five years. A timber mark does not grant authority to cut timber; you need to check with your applicable local government to determine if additional approvals are required. To learn more and apply for a private timber mark, visit the BC Government website.
What size of land and/or volume of trees will you help with?
We can help you with only a few logs in your backyard to a large timber volume. We will offer advice and options that best suit your situation for the removal and/or purchase of the logs.
What types of trees do you purchase?
We purchase all coastal softwood species (balsam, hemlock, fir, cedar, spruce, pine) and most hardwood species (red alder, maple). Acceptance of species and log quality depends on the markets at the time of purchase.
What services do you offer?
Depending on the project's scope, we can help you complete one or more phases with the support of our experienced contractors:
Planning: Road/cut block layouts, assessments & site plans
Contract management: Road construction and harvesting
Log quality control: Ensure logs meet the required specifications and standards
Log scaling and sorting: Determine the quality of logs and ensure logs are sorted for the right mill/market
Marketing and sales: Selling the logs for the best value to the right mill/market
Post-harvest: Access to seedlings for reforestation
What does a typical contract setup look like?
If this is your first time selling logs to Mosaic, our log purchaser will send you a vendor setup sheet to complete and return for payment arrangement. A contract, valid for one year, will also be sent to you to sign. If you are a returning seller, you will only need to ensure the contract is active, as well as your timber mark. If a contract is not active, the logs cannot be scaled.
What happens after the logs are scaled, and when can I expect payment?
All logs scaled at one of Mosaic’s dryland sorts or third-party scale sites are recorded within a two-week period. Payment for the logs scaled within this period will be remitted 10 days after the cut-off date, which is every second Friday. Payments will either be as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or mailed cheque, depending on how the contract was first set up. If a cheque is mailed, please expect an additional 10 days for payment.
Once the logs are removed, what happens to the land that was harvested?
If you choose to reforest, speak to the log purchaser at the time of contract set up. Mosaic may be able to provide seedlings depending on the amount, species and season you would want to plant.