Forest Care & Tree Planting
The Township of Howick's tree planting and forest care programs promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the planting of trees and the care of existing forests to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve natural habitats.
Tree Planting Programs
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has a long history of planting trees throughout the watershed and undertaking forest management activities at Conservation Areas. Since 1951 the MVCA has planted more than 1,350,000 trees. MVCA promotes the planting of trees and care of forests as an integral part of a healthy environment.
Visit the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority website at www.mvca.on.ca for information on the tree planting programs available.
The Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
Certain forestlands in Ontario may be privately owned, but they benefit all Ontarians. The Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program MFTIP) recognizes the importance of these lands. The goal of the FTIP is to bring greater fairness to the property tax system by valuing forestland according to its current use. The program is designed to increase landowner awareness about forest stewardship.
Follow this information for a guide that contains information on how to enter the MFTIP and the program’s ongoing administrative requirements. Landowners who apply and qualify for the program have the eligible portion of their property classified and assessed as Managed Forest under the Managed forests property class. The eligible land is taxed at 25 percent of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties. If you decide that the property tax incentive is not of interest, you are encouraged to review A Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas to learn more about land stewardship and the benefits of good forest management.
Huron County Forestry Services
Through the office of the Forest Conservation Officer, Huron County offers a suite of services to woodlot owners, including:
• providing general advice on forest management, woodlot enhancement and forest product marketing;
• pre-consultations prior to tree removal to ensure compliance with the Forest Conservation By-Law; and
• assisting landowners to apply for the new Huron Clean Water Project Forest Management funding, which provides grants up to 50% of the cost of hiring professional forestry consultants.