The primary objective of forest management on Crown land in Ontario is to ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.
Through MNR's forest management planning process, forest managers ensure that the Crown forests of Ontario will remain healthy in the future to provide sustainable benefits such as timber and commercial products, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities for the people of Ontario.
The forest management planning system for Ontario’s Crown forests is based on a forest policy and legal framework that has sustainability, public involvement, Aboriginal involvement, and adaptive management as key elements. The Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) and the Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act) provide the legislative framework for forest management on Crown land in Ontario.
Forest Management Class Environmental Assessment (EA)
The MNR has a Class EA approval for forest management activities. The 2003 approval contains 55 conditions MNR must adhere to in undertaking forest management. These conditions include wide range planning and consultation requirements which are undertaken during the preparation and implementation of a forest management plan. The approval applies to a wide range of recurring forest management activities including building forest access roads, harvesting trees, and renewing and tending the forest. Learn more about the EA process and current Class EA approvals »
Forest Management Plans
The forest management planning requirements of the CFSA and the provisions of the approval under the EA Act are incorporated into the Forest Management Planning Manual, which provides the direction for preparing a forest management plan. Learn more about forest management plan preparation and how to find a forest management plan »
There is a significant role for the citizens of Ontario, including stakeholders and Aboriginal communities to participate in the planning process. Their involvement helps to balance the social, economic and environmental objectives of the management of the Crown forest. Find out how you can get involved »
Management Units
Ontario’s managed Crown forest is divided into geographic planning areas, known as management units, for the purposes of forest management. Before any forestry activities can take place in a management unit, there must be an approved forest management plan in place. Access a list of management units, plan renewal schedules and management unit map »
Forest Management Guides
Ontario’s forest management practices are governed by an array of guides that outline practices and methods to ensure long-term health of forest eco-systems and protect values. See current list of guides »
Forest Resource Inventory
The Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) is an extensive survey of the forest resources of Ontario. A revised FRI is produced for each management unit every 10 years to reflect changes to the forest and for use in the preparation of the new forest management plan. More about FRI »
Tourism Needs in Forest Management
The resource-based tourism industry is an important component of Ontario’s forest-based economy. Ensuring that the potential impacts of forest management activities on the resource-based tourism industry are effectively addressed is a key part of a forest management plan. Learn more about forestry and resource based tourism »
