Closed season: no harvesting of forest produce from 1 November
Under the Forestry Regulations, 2026, harvesting forest resources is prohibited from 1 November to 31 March unless the Director of Forestry has issued a special licence.
The closed season for harvesting forest resources runs from 1 November to 31 March every year. During those five months no one may harvest forest produce unless they hold a special licence issued by the Director of Forestry.
The closed season is set by the Forestry Regulations, 2026. It protects forests during the rains, when trees regenerate and seedlings establish.
What this means for licence holders
Plan harvesting so that it is finished before 1 November.
Produce cut under a licence must be removed within one month of the licence expiring, unless the period has been extended.
If work must continue during the closed season, apply to the Director of Forestry for a special licence before you start.
Breaking the Regulations is an offence. On conviction, the penalty is a fine of K5,000,000 and imprisonment for ten years.
Questions? Contact your district forest office or send us a message.