50 Million Tree Program Offers Planting Help to Hastings County Property Owners

Feb 26th, 2020 12:01 AM

Forests Ontario set to plant 70,000 trees locally in spring of 2020 Belleville, ON [February 25, 2020] - Concern about climate change is inspiring landowners to step-up their tree planting in 2020, according to Stephen Pitt, a forest consultant who has helped to get trees in the ground for 10 years with Forests Ontario. "People are very engaged in planting trees," said Pitt, whose company plants trees under Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP) in Hastings, Lennox and Addington, and Prince Edward counties. "Landowners see it as a way to respond to the climate crisis." Pitt says he will be planting White Pine, White Spruce, Red Oak, and other species this spring. Tree species are selected based on planting site conditions and landowner objectives. Since 2008, Forests Ontario has planted over 600,000 trees in Hastings County. This year, local landowners have made commitments to plant 70,000 trees so far. These trees will provide many benefits, including flooding and drought mitigation and wildlife habitat. Province-wide, Forests Ontario has facilitated the planting of more than 29 million trees through the 50 MTP since 2008. "Thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for the 50 MTP, we are looking forward to a robust 2020 planting season," said Rob Keen, Registered Professional Forester and CEO of Forests Ontario. "If you have room to plant a minimum of 500 trees - which is usually less than an acre - contact us. We would be happy to discuss your options for this coming spring and beyond." Forests Ontario is the leading non-profit organization for the delivery of high-quality, large-scale tree planting. The organization has worked with more than 5,000 landowners to plant trees under the 50 MTP, yielding 16,500 hectares of new forest; these trees sequester over 22,000 tonnes of carbon annually. The 50 MTP supports more than 300 full-time, seasonal forest sector jobs. Some landowners may also be eligible for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), which can help reduce property taxes on forested portions of their properties by up to 75 per cent. The Government of Canada committed up to $15 million over four years to support the 50 MTP. Funding also comes from corporate sponsors and donors. Landowners who want to learn more about tree planting and funding assistance through the 50 MTP, and/or tax savings through the MFTIP, are encouraged to call Forests Ontario at 1-877-646-1193 or visit www.forestsontario.ca.

-30 About Forests Ontario Forests Ontario is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to re-greening the province through the support of forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. We promote Canada’s greatest natural resource - our forests - because healthy forests sustain healthy communities and healthy economies. Forests Ontario is the voice of our forests. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario to find out more. For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact: MJ Kettleborough Communications Manager Forests Ontario / Forest Recovery Canada W: 416.646.1193 ext. 237 E: mkettleborough@forestsontario.ca

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50 Million Tree Program Offers Planting Help to Hastings County Property Owners

Feb 26th, 2020 12:01 AM