From County of Simcoe
Starting May 18, 2023, residents and visitors are invited to provide their input on the 10-year update to the forest management plan for the Simcoe County Forest.
The Simcoe County Forest is the largest municipally owned forest network in Ontario, covering more than 33,000 acres. In 2022, the Simcoe County Forest was named the Forest Capital of Canada for the second time, as the County celebrated the forest’s centenary. The forest provides numerous ecological, economic and social benefits to residents and visitors alike.
Management of the forest is guided by a 20-year plan, which was approved in 2011. Although a long-term view is important, a review and update is warranted following 10 years of growth and succession. This update provides an opportunity to assess progress toward stated objectives. In particular, proposed changes to the way that forest areas with high conservation values are identified, managed and protected is highlighted.
The forest management plan does not specifically address recreational use of the forest. Recreational use is governed by the County’s current recreation policy, which is publicly available on the Forestry section of simcoe.ca.
The public are encouraged to join County staff to learn about the history and management of the forest and to provide feedback on the proposed plan updates. You can participate in-person through public consultation events or online.
Online Participation
From May 18 to May 31, a pre-recorded presentation, updated draft plan and a questionnaire will be available at www.simcoe.ca/10yearupdate for those who are unable to participate in-person.
In-person Participation
Six public consultation events will be held in three locations across the County for those who can join in person.
| EVENT: | Public Consultation – Forest Management Plan 10-year update |
| When | Thursday, May 18, 2023, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre- 527 Len Self Blvd, Midland Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Simcoe County Administration Centre – 1110 Hwy 26, Midhurst Thursday, May 25, 2023, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Rugby Community Hall - 1911 Old Barrie Road E, Hawkestone |
| Registration | Registration is not required. |
About Simcoe County Forests
The Simcoe County Forest was founded in 1922 when County of Simcoe became the first municipal government to opt into the Government of Ontario's Agreement Forest program. The Simcoe County Forest is the largest municipally owned forest network in Ontario and among the largest in Canada. It now includes more than 33,000 acres distributed across more than 150 properties throughout the County. Over 20 million trees have been planted within the County forest since inception. The County’s team of experienced foresters continues to apply sustainable, science-based forest management techniques, including controlled burns and tree harvesting operations, to maintain and grow our forests, with all profits for timber sales being reinvested into the Forestry program, including tree planting, education efforts and acquisition and protection of new forest properties.
