Legislation Aims to Protect Ontario's Environment

The Ontario government's re-introduction of the Invasive Species Act shows promise

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Forests Ontario supports the Ontario government in its re-introduction of the proposed Invasive Species Act. The legislation is a positive step toward reducing threats from invasive species to Ontario's forests.

The move to re-introduce the legislation following its dissolution in the last session of Parliament speaks to the government's ongoing commitment to protect the environment from ecological risks posed by invasive species.

Ontario's forests, particularly those in the south, have been challenged by invasive species, among them the Emerald Ash Borer, Dog-Strangling Vine, Asian Longhorn Beetle, and Buckthorn, to name a few. These species have wreaked havoc on our ecosystems. These challenges to our natural environment will, if unaddressed, continue to negatively impact our forests and habitats. The Invasive Species Act, if passed, will seek to integrate early detection methods with rapid response solutions designed to combat invasive species.

"Our forests provide vital ecological services to our province," says Rob Keen, CEO Forests Ontario. "We are pleased by the government's move to re-introduce this important piece of legislation and we look forward to working alongside the government to implement solutions to protect our natural resources."

Forests Ontario, for its part, is continuing its mission to support and promote the sustainable management of Ontario's forests through ongoing education and awareness efforts. This fall and winter, Forests Ontario is offering landowner workshops across the province that will address many key issues in forest management, including dealing with invasive species. The workshops will also provide landowners information on tree planting subsidies through the 50 Million Tree Program. For information or registration for upcoming workshops, visit www.forestsontario.ca/index.php/landowner_ws.

About 50 Million Tree Program

Trees Ontario, the forest restoration arm of Forests Ontario, administers the Ontario government's 50 Million Tree Program, part of the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. The United Nations' goal is to plant one billion trees worldwide each year. Ontario is committed to plant 50 million trees by 2025.

The goals of the program are to sequester carbon, enhance and diversify Ontario's landscape, increase the capacity to withstand climate change, and increase wildlife habitat. The 50 Million Tree Program is designed to significantly reduce the costs to landowners of large-scale tree planting and thereby increase the number of trees planted across the province.

About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario was created in 2014 as a result of the merging of not-for-profit organizations Trees Ontario and the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA). Trees Ontario is the forest restoration arm of Forests Ontario. Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas, as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests through restoration, education and awareness. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario.

SOURCE: Trees Ontario

For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact: Shelley McKay, Director of Communications & Development, Forests Ontario, 144 Front Street West, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5J 2L7, e: [email protected], p: 416-646-1193 ext. 232