Simcoe County recognized for forestry stewardship

News release from Simcoe County

County of Simcoe Forestry recently received re-certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), meeting the FSC’s strict environmental and social standards. At more than 32,000 acres and growing, the County operates the largest municipal forestry program in Ontario. The County first achieved FSC® certification in July 2010, and is widely recognized for its conservation efforts and ongoing forest expansion initiatives.

“Simcoe County has understood the value of protecting and enhancing our forests for many decades,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “This FSC certificate clearly demonstrates the environmental and social values provided by our forestry program and recognizes our leadership as one of the greenest regions in Ontario.”

The Simcoe County Forest provides a multitude of environmental, social, and economic benefits including protection of wildlife habitat and water resources, public education and recreation, scientific research and the production of wood products. Recognizing this, the County continues to invest in the continued growth of the Forest each year. Within the past decade the County Forest has expanded by over 3,600 acres and in 2015 alone, a further 436 acres has been added in Springwater, Oro Medonte and Clearview Townships. The Simcoe County Forest is wholly owned by the County of Simcoe; it is not Crown land and as a managed forest, it provides an important economic benefit to the County and therefore all residents who enjoy these lands.

“The best way to keep forests standing is to use them wisely,” said Richard Donovan, Senior Vice President and Vice President of Forestry at the Rainforest Alliance. “By continuing their commitment to sustainable forest management practices through FSC certification, the County of Simcoe sets an example for its constituents and other working forests. The Rainforest Alliance is proud to work with them on this next phase of their sustainability journey.”

Did you know:

Green History: The Simcoe County Forest dates back to 1922 when it became the first municipal government to opt into the Government of Ontario’s Agreement Forest program.

Largest in Ontario and Growing: At more than 32,000 acres and still growing, the Simcoe County Forest is the largest municipally-owned forest in Ontario and among the largest of its kind in Canada with over 150 properties ranging in size from seven to over 3,500 acres. Simcoe County is one of the few municipalities in Ontario that continue to invest in additional lands to ensure that the substantial environmental, social and economic benefits continue into the future.

Planting new Forests: Over 20 million trees have been planted within the County Forest since inception, with more than 240,000 seedlings planted within the last five years. Furthermore, $30,000 from forestry revenues is directed annually to local agencies to support tree planting on private lands within our communities.

Self-Sustaining: The County Forest is economically self-sustaining and operates without the use of tax-dollars. As a ‘working forest’, approximately 500 to 600 hectares are thinned annually to maintain forest health, improve future timber values and achieve other objectives. All revenue from the sustainable management of the Forest is directed back into management activities and the strategic acquisition of additional lands.

Recreational Use: One of the primary roles of the County Forests is to provide for a range of recreational pursuits for County residents and tourists alike. Several partnerships with local groups have enhanced recreational opportunities by improving trails for a range of uses. Please consider providing your support by joining a local club. View our Recreational Use Policy for full details about using our forest tracts responsibly.

About The Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Learn more at https://ca.fsc.org/index.htm.

About the Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an independent, global nonprofit that works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit rainforest-alliance.org.