Ontario's Forests

 

Ontario's Forests
Sustainability for Today and Tomorrow

 

Get the facts on Ontario’s forests!

 

Find out how we sustainably manage our forests with this series of fact sheets that cover areas of interest, ranging from harvesting practices to the conservation of Ontario’s boreal forest. Ontario's Forests Fact Sheets »

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Ontario reports comprehensively on the state of Ontario's forest resources every 5 years. 

The second installment of the "State of the Forest Report" was tabled in Legislature on December 20, 2007.

Are you Moving Firewood?

Invasive pests and diseases pose a serious threat to our forests. Movement of infested firewood is the leading cause of their spread. Obtain firewood locally at your travel destination and burn it at your recognition site. Important information you should read...

Ontario’s forests are immensely important to the ecological, economic, and social well-being of more than just the people of Ontario. About 90 per cent of Ontario’s forests are Crown (public) forests. Although the management of Ontario’s Crown forests is the responsibility of the provincial government through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), certain operational aspects of forest management are shared with the forest products companies or groups of companies and communities.

MNR’s mission is to manage our natural resources, and specifically manage our forests in an ecologically sustainable way to ensure they are available for the enjoyment and use of future generations.

Discover how MNR enables ecological sustainable sound management of its Crown forests.

About Ontario's Forests

Ontario has four forest regions each with unique characteristics and species. Parks and protected areas account for 12.4% of Ontario’s managed forests.

 

Find out more about Ontario’s forest regions and how the MNR works to conserve this natural heritage.
 

Forest Policy and Laws

Ontario has progressive laws and policies directing the management of Crown forests. The Crown Forest Sustainability Act is the centrepiece of that regulatory framework.

 

Learn more about the policy instruments that guide the stewardship of Ontario’s forest lands.

 

Forest Management Planning

Through Ontario’s forest management planning process we ensure that Ontario’s Crown forests will remain healthy in the future, and sustainable benefits such as timber and other commercial products, recreation opportunities, and wildlife habitat are provided for present and future generations.

 

Learn more about the key elements of the planning process and how citizens of Ontario can give meaningful input in the management of Ontario’s Crown forests.

 

Keeping our Forests Healthy

Only a healthy forest can continue to provide economic, social and environmental benefits to Ontario. To ensure long-term health of Ontario’s forests, MNR monitors, addresses and responds to such factors as forest pests, disease, weather conditions, global warming/climate change and fire.

 

Find out more about how we protect our vast forest ecosystems.

 

Renewing the Forest

Ontario uses a range of forest management practices including silvicultural systems, regeneration methods, monitoring, tending and protection to ensure our forests are here for future generations.

 

Find out how our forests are renewed and how the Ontario Tree Seed Facility contributes to conserve biological diversity and provide top quality seed.

 

Ontario’s Forest Industry

The forest industry is one of the key engines of Ontario’s economy. The province’s forest products companies are leaders in sustainable forestry.

 

Information about the Ontario's licensing system, forest resource processing mills and more about Ontario's forest industry can be found here.

 

Monitoring and Reporting on Ontario’s Forests

The MNR manages the province’s Crown forests on behalf of the people of Ontario. Monitoring and reporting to the public on forest management and sustainability is a part of that stewardship.

 

Read important information and statistics about forest management activities.

 

Encouraging Private Forest Stewardship

Private forests are an important part of Ontario’s landscape, particularly in the south. In order to promote private land stewardship, MNR provides landowners with information, incentives and a protection framework at the municipal level.

 

Learn how you may be eligible for one of our tax incentive programs.

 

About Us, Education and Employment

To get involved in opportunities for public consultation or to find out more about career prospects in the forest sector, educational programs and other information about forestry in Ontario, go here for details.

As a world leader in sustainable forestry, the province of Ontario is committed to balancing environmental protection with sustainable forest management.