Programs for Landowners

Information and assistance are provided to landowners in Ontario through a number of programs:

The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) offers a reduction in property taxes to landowners of forested land who prepare a plan and agree to be good stewards of their property. The MFTIP guide explains how to prepare a plan that is eligible for the program.

MFTIP Qualifications

• greater than 9.88 acres (four ha) of forested land and owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• a commitment to good stewardship
• a managed forest plan approved by a Managed Forest Plan Approver

The Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program

The Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP) offers a reduction in property taxes to landowners who agree to protect the natural heritage feature(s) identified by MNR on their land. Activities that would degrade, destroy, or result in the loss of the natural values of the site are not allowed.

Eligible lands include: provincially significant wetlands; provincially significant areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSI); habitat of endangered species; lands designated as Escarpment Natural Area in the Niagara Escarpment Plan; and community conservation lands (applies only to eligible conservation agencies).

CLTIP Qualifications

• MNR has informed you that there is conservation land on your property
• a commitment to good land stewardship

Land Stewardship Habitat Restoration Progam

The Ministry of Natural Resources is a strong supporter of stewardship and biodiversity conservation in Ontario. The new Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program was created to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of our natural ecosystems.

The program offers eligible organizations support to undertake land stewardship and habitat restoration for biodiversity conservation. This work helps ensure the sustainability of healthy habitats over the long term.

Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Program

The MNR is a partner in the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Program (EHJV). The EHJV is an on-the-ground program that focuses on wetland and related upland securement, enhancement, management and stewardship.

The EHJV coordinates and implements habitat conservation projects to meet biodiversity objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the North American Bird Conservation Initiative.

The EHJV is part of a continental partnership and one of six joint ventures in Canada dealing both with regional habitat conservation and with research and management of particular species. These joint ventures provide a framework within which governments, municipalities, businesses, conservation organizations, and individuals collaborate to secure and improve wetland habitat.