About the Ministry of Natural Resources
What we do
In partnership with you, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) manages and protects Ontario’s natural resources for wise use across the province. Together we all contribute to the environmental, social and economic well-being of Ontario. Our combined efforts work toward meeting today's needs and at the same time ensuring that natural resources will be available for future generations.
As a ministry, we are working to:
- promote healthy, sustainable ecosystems
- conserve biodiversity (the variety of life on Earth)
- conduct scientific research and apply the findings
- develop effective resource management policies
- manage Ontario’s crown land
- promote economic opportunities in the resource sector
- enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation
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.