Wellington County council recently passed a forest conservation bylaw.
Woodlot owners in the county will be affected by the bylaw, so I will attempt to convey some of the key points that they should know. It is important to note the bylaw is not an entirely new idea. In fact, the county has had a tree bylaw in effect for several decades, but the new bylaw has new requirements and is more detailed than the previous one.
Many other municipalities in southern Ontario have enacted similar bylaws in the last few years to protect forests. In my opinion, this bylaw is meant to protect more than restrict. Admittedly, it does make the process of harvesting woodlots a bit more cumbersome, but on the other hand, that is not something people should really rush through.
The average landowner will have to deal with this only once every 15 to 20 years, if they are managing their woodlot properly.
Those who use woodlots for a source of fuel need not worry – in most cases personal fuel wood is exempt. Woodlot owners can harvest up to 20 trees for fuel wood per year without a permit.
However, those planning financial gain from the timber in a woodlot need to pay attention. The commercial sale of private timber in Wellington County just became a little safer for property owners and the long-term sustainability of woodlots.
The key ingredient in this bylaw is before a logging company cuts and moves the trees out of a woodlot it needs a permit. And in order to obtain a circumference limit permit, trees need to be marked by a professional tree marker or to the satisfaction of the county’s forest conservation bylaw officer. In order to obtain a good forestry permit, trees need to have been marked according to a plan in place laid out by a professional forester.
Professional tree markers are certified by the province to mark trees for timber harvest. They consider trees from the standpoint of what can be harvested now while improving the woodlot condition for future harvest. Tree markers also consider things like biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Often, the “best” trees are not always taken in this process. Typically, it is trees that have reached their full potential and will likely decline in value by the next cutting operation that are taken. The ones that still have potential are left for future harvests. This practice ensures the continuing value of woodlots. An alternative is to have a professional forester design a harvest plan using good forestry practices.
To find forestry consultants, including professional foresters and tree markers, visit ontariotreemarkers.ca, opfa.ca or call 1-905-877-3679. People can also go to wellingtoncounty.ca for a copy of the bylaw and applications. The Ministry of Natural Resources has a fact sheet on tree bylaws on its website as well.
Two names to be familiar with if logging in Wellington County are John Benham, who can be reached at 519-846-3394 and is in charge of the northern part of the county, and Angelo Giovinazzo, 519-835-8722 (south part of county).
They are the ones responsible for issuing permits and ensuring the bylaw is followed. As well, they know a lot about trees and stewardship, and can be an invaluable source of information to help make plans.
There are no fees involved in applying for a harvest permit, but a sign supplied by the county must be posted throughout the harvest.
The application itself is detailed and sometimes hiring a forestry consultant can pay off. Some consultants are themselves tree markers and professional foresters. They will assist in hiring a logging company and assessing the dollar value of trees.
The fines for not adhering to the forest conservation bylaw can be very steep. Forests and trees in general are going to become more and more important as global warming progresses.
Anyone planning to harvest a woodlot in the near future will need to be familiar with this bylaw and start researching area professionals that may be needed.
Any questions can be directed to the Trees For Mapleton program at 519-638-3313 or 1-866-900-4722 extension 2259. Officials are currently conducting site visits and helping with plans for fall and spring tree planting.
