The OWA has launched two forest owner cooperative pilot projects in the regions of Huronia and Kawartha Lakes. 

What is the goal of these cooperatives?

• Prevent their plantations from collapsing
• Reduce the expense of working with professional foresters and biologists by working collectively 
• Generate a modest profit from sustainable harvested wood (focus on overcrowded, dead or diseased trees)
• Position themselves to take advantage of carbon credits
• Transition their forests to more biodiverse native hardwood forests
• Explore alternative revenue sources collectively such as eco-tourism and explore other social benefits such as wildlife corridors and trails

Why do plantations need thinning?

Plantations in southern Ontario were established originally as a way to rehabilitate previously deforested land. In many cases, these plantations are not being managed (thinned) and this can result in complete collapse of the forest because it becomes too dense to support natural regeneration. Our new Community Forestry Co-operative pilots aim to provide an affordable means for landowners to take care of their forests, so they evolve into more biodiverse systems that all can enjoy.

Please contact info@ontariowoodlot.com or call 613 713 1525 to inquire about joining the existing cooperative pilots. We hope to expand to other regions over time as capacity allows.