About the Ministry of Natural Resources

How we do it

The Ministry of Natural Resources works collaboratively with a wide variety of partners, environmental organizations, private resource sector industry, fish and game associations, researchers, and other government agencies of all levels, to name just a few.

Together with our partners, the Ministry uses the best possible science to develop natural resource management policies and standards to lead the following activities:

• Science and Information Resources – The MNR conducts science and research activities to add new knowledge to the broader scientific community.  This new knowledge helps the Ministry and partners make decisions about how we manage our resources.
  
• Forest Management – Together with partners and the forest industry, the MNR manages Ontario's forests through planning, legislation, policies, resource allocation and monitoring compliance.
  
• Fish & Wildlife Management – The MNR, in partnership with many organizations and the public, conserves Ontario's fish and wildlife resources through planning, legislation and policies, fish culture and stocking, resource monitoring and allocation.
  
• Land & Waters Management – The Ministry leads the management of Ontario's crown lands, water, oil, gas, salt and aggregates resources with the collaboration of many industries and the public resource users.
  
• Ontario Parks – The MNR guides the management of Ontario's parks and protected areas through provincial parks operations, legislation and policies. 
  
• Aviation & Forest Fire Management - The protection of people, property and communities from forest fire, flood and drought emergencies is another of MNR’s shared responsibilities.
  
• Geographic Information – The MNR develops and applies geographic information to help in the management of the province’s natural resources.