Forests Act (Cap. 66:01).

This Act provides for various matters of miscellaneous character relating to forests, forest reserves, grazing in forests, the cutting of timber and other forest produce. Section 2 contains interpretations. Section 3 requires the Minister to appoint Forest Officers for purposes of this Act. Sections 4 to 6 make provision for the extraction of balata gum from balata trees. Section 4 prohibits extraction of gum on State lands but allows for extraction of gum on private lands with a valid licence granted by a district officer. Removal of gum requires a permit to be granted under section 5 by the district officer. Section 6 concerns the exportation of balata gum. Section 7 prohibits the transportation of timber listed in the Second Schedule without a valid permit from an authorised officer. For purposes of section 7, the Minister may declare districts to be “declared districts”, i.e. districts to which the prohibition of removal of timber applies. Section 8 defines “forest offences” in Forests Reserves and State lands. Cattle illegally trespassing such forests may be seized by Forest Officers pursuant to section 9. Other provisions of this Act deal concern other powers of Forest Officers, rural constables or the police, legal proceedings, penalties, rewards for collaboration with enforcement officers and regulation making powers of the Minister. (23 sections completed by 2 Schedule)