Trees Ontario encourages property landowners to take advantage of available subsidies for large-scale tree planting
TORONTO, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - With the spring planting season just around the corner, Trees Ontario is encouraging rural landowners to take advantage of the subsidies and technical assistance available to carry out large-scale tree planting, establishing new forests on their land.
The subsidies are substantial and cover up to 80 per cent of the total cost. Trees Ontario works with many partners to administer and deliver these programs to landowners. Partners such as Conservation Authorities, local stewardship councils and forestry consultants work directly with landowners to determine site eligibility, apply for grant funding and coordinate tree planting.
"Our natural environment is our legacy. We need to increase forest cover in Ontario, and our tree planting programs and subsidies help landowners to restore forest on their land," explains Rob Keen, RPF, Trees Ontario CEO. "Whether tree planting for recreation, enhanced wildlife habitat or for environmental reasons, the subsidies and services offered through Trees Ontario and our partners offer landowners the opportunity to plant trees today that will contribute to our future health, economy and society."
Increasing forest cover on our settled landscapes is Trees Ontario's mission. Experts have determined that a minimum 30 per cent forest cover is required to maintain a healthy, sustainable environment. However, in some regions of southern Ontario there is actually less than five per cent forest cover, leading to potential soil erosion, habitat loss, and even impacts on human health.
By investing in large-scale tree planting, landowners will contribute to the overall health of the natural environment and the many services it provides; purifying our air and water, establishing wildlife habitat and mitigating the effects of climate change.
To learn more about available subsidy programs, visit www.treesontario.ca/programs or contact Trees Ontario at 1.877.646.1193 or [email protected].
About Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America, is leading efforts to strengthen Ontario's tree planting infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of its tree planting partners through financial support and professional development expertise, delivering landowner incentives through cost offsetting and educating the public through awareness campaigns and community workshops.
Trees Ontario is the lead delivery agent for the government of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program. The program significantly cuts landowners' costs of large-scale tree planting and boosts the number of trees planted across the province. Visit www.treesontario.ca.
SOURCE: Trees Ontario
For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact:
Shelley McKay
Marketing and Communications Manager
Trees Ontario
144 Front Street West, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5J 2L7
e: [email protected]
p: 416-646-1193 ext. 232
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