Forest Conservation By-laws have traditionally been referred to as tree cutting by-laws and have existed in Ontario for over 50 years. These by-laws are intended to ensure that privately-owned forests are harvested on a sustainable basis and to regulate the clearing of forests.
The Forest Conservation By-law regulates:
- properties at least one hectare (2.47 acres) in size
- commercial harvesting
- clearing of forests
The
Objectives of the By-law are to:
- conserve the forest landscape and prevent over harvesting
- protect Sensitive Natural Areas
- encourage 'good forestry practices'
- ensure a sustainable supply of timber for industry and landowners
This By-law
Does Not:
- regulate properties less than one hectare (2.47 acres) in size
- regulate or restrict cutting in order to erect a building
where approvals or permits are in place
- prevent landowners from cutting wood on their own property for their own use providing the forest remains a woodland
Conservation Forester
Telephone: (705) 721-6242
forestry@simcoe.ca
Forest Conservation Bylaw Permit Process | Forest Conservation Bylaw Permit Process | <p>It is necessary that appropriate permit applications be submitted at least 5 days prior to the planned start of any harvesting. Note that an <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Application for an Exemption to Remove Woodlands</span> requires submission at least 3 months prior to the planned start date. There are no fees charged for application submission. Please refer to the <a href="/Forestry/Documents/Forest%20Conservation%20By-law%20No.%206894.pdf" target="_blank">Forest Conservation By-law #6894</a> for further details. Information on specific permits can be found below. </p><p><br></p><p> <br></p><p>
<strong class="ms-rteFontSize-4">Good Forestry Practices Permit</strong><br><a href="/Forestry/Documents/Good%20Forestry%20Practices%20Permit%20Application%20-%20July%202021.pdf" target="_blank">Good Forestry Practices Permit Application</a> </p><p>This is the preferred option for landowners with an interest in improving the long-term value of their forests. An assessment by a <a href="https://opfa.ca/contact-us/consultants-list/#%21directory/map" target="_blank">Registered Professional Forester</a> and tree marking by a qualified individual ensures that the forest and landowner are protected. This can provides an opportunity to have several loggers bid on trees to ensure that a fair market price is received for the timber. </p><p>
<span class="ms-rteFontSize-4"><strong>Conifer Plantation Permit </strong></span></p><p><a href="/Forestry/Documents/Conifer%20Plantation%20Harvest%20Permit%20Application%20-%20July%202021.pdf" target="_blank">Conifer Plantation Permit Application</a><br></p><p>This is a simplified process where standard thinning is proposed in a conifer plantation. </p><p>
<strong class="ms-rteFontSize-4">Harvesting Permit </strong>
<br><a href="/Forestry/Documents/Harvesting%20Permit%20Application%20July%202021.pdf" target="_blank">Harvesting Permit Application</a><br></p><p>This provides an option to harvest trees which have attained a minimum diameter limit, provided that a minimum density of trees remains following the harvest. Note that this is not considered a good forest management practice. In the long-term, it can result in reduced diversity, quality, and productivity, as the best and fastest-growing trees are normally removed in each successive harvest. This often leaves only the poorer quality trees to grow further and as the source for future regeneration. </p><p><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-4">Exemption to Remove Woodlands</strong><br><a href="/Forestry/Documents/Application%20for%20an%20Exemption%20to%20Remove%20Woodlands%20July%202021.pdf" target="_blank">Application for an Exemption to Remove Woodlands</a><br></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">An exemption is required prior to the removal of woodlands unless the clearing is al<span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="font-size:16px;">ready exempted under conditions within the </span><a href="/Forestry/Documents/Forest%20Conservation%20By-law%20No.%206894.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="font-size:16px;">by-law</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="font-size:16px;">. </span></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#242424;">Exemption applications are circulated to the County’s Planning Department, the local municipality, and Conservation Authority (if applicable) for review. An Environmental Impact Study may be required to determine if the application can be supported.</span><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1" style="font-size:16px;">It is recommended that applicants contact the Conservation Forester prior to completing an ap</span>plication. Applications must be submitted a <span style="text-decoration:underline;">minimum of 3 months prior to the proposed removal of woodlands</span>. </span></p><p>Conservation Forester<br>Telephone: (705) 721-6242<br><a href="mailto:forestry@simcoe.ca"><font color="#0066cc">forestry@simcoe.ca</font></a> </p> | | |