NATIONAL SURVEY AIMS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ONTARIO’S WOODLOT OWNERS

OTTAWA, ON—Researchers at McGill University, in partnership with Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) and with support from MITACS Canada, are launching the first national survey of private forest owners in more than 20 years, with a significant focus on Ontario.

There are approximately 480,000 private forest owners in Canada, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of Canada's managed forest land base but contributing roughly 20 per cent of the country's forest production.

"Ontario's woodlots play an important role in supporting local economies, supplying forest products and delivering environmental benefits," said Andrew de Vries, chief executive officer of Canadian Forest Owners. "Yet we are lacking information about who owns these forests, how they are managed and what motivates those who steward them. This survey will help close that knowledge gap."

Ontario is home to a large and diverse private forest land base, but limited data has made it difficult for governments, researchers and organizations to fully understand ownership patterns, management objectives and the contributions these lands make to the province's economy and environment.

The survey will collect information on forest area and the goals, priorities, challenges, opportunities, and management practices of landowners. Researchers say this data is critical to understanding how private forests contribute to local economies, environmental outcomes and rural communities.

“Without basic information about who forest owners are, supporting them becomes difficult,” said Dr. Jackie Hamilton, a postdoctoral researcher in natural resource sciences at McGill University. “In Ontario, and many provinces across Canada, identifying and reaching forest owners remains a challenge. As a result, their perspectives are often missing from science, policy, and planning discussions.”

Many of Ontario’s private forests are managed by individuals and families, often across generations, bringing a long-term perspective and patient capital to land stewardship.

“The survey is an essential step toward better understanding the needs and motivations of woodlot owners across the province,” said Glen Prevost, executive director of the Ontario Woodlot Association. “Ontario’s woodlot owners are deeply connected to their land and committed to responsible forest stewardship. Having good information will help ensure policies and support programs are able to meet their needs.”

Woodlot owners are encouraged to participate by completing the confidential survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, at https://www.forestowners.ca/about/survey/

ABOUT THIS PARTNERSHIP

Canadian Forest Owners is the national voice of private forest owners in Canada. The organization represents provincial associations and works to advance policies and programs that support sustainable forest management, economic opportunity and the long-term stewardship of privately owned forest lands.

The Ontario Woodlot Association represents private forest owners across Ontario. The organization promotes forest stewardship, supports landowner education and advocacy, and works to catalyze and facilitate investments to support the health and productivity of Ontario’s private forests and woodlots.

The Social Ecological Workshop (S.E.W.) is a research initiative at McGill University that uses data collection, analysis and stakeholder engagement to focus on understanding the relationships between people and landscapes.

MITACS is a national not-for-profit organization that supports research and training in Canada. It builds partnerships between academia, industry and government to address key economic and social challenges.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Olyvia Foster, Ontario Woodlot Association: olyvia.foster@ontariowoodlot.com

Sandra Bishop, Canadian Forest Owners: sandraabishop@telus.net

Ontario Woodlot Association 

PO Box 1501, Station Main, North Bay, ON, Canada, P1B 8K6

info@ontariowoodlot.com

(613) 713-1525