Shelburne MFTIP workshop shows forested landowners how to reduce their property taxes!

Mar 1st, 2007 11:04 AM

Shelburne MFTIP workshop shows forested landowners how to reduce their property taxes! Strong turn out for workshop that explains the benefits of forest stewardship (Shelburne, Ontario, February 27, 2007) Last night, 23 local residents gathered at the Shelburne Legion to learn how to reduce property taxes on their forested land. Landowners who qualify can save up to 75 per cent on their property taxes through Ontario's Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). The Ontario Forestry Association (OFA), with the support of the Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF), hosted the workshop. MFTIP is a voluntary program which provides significant property tax reductions for landowners who satisfy certain basic criteria. This includes having over 10 acres of forested land and a willingness to prepare and follow a forest management plan. Monday's workshop outlined how landowners can apply for MFTIP, set objectives for their property, prepare a forest stewardship plan and identify local resources to assist them in achieving their management goals. Those who attended came away with the knowledge and tools to properly manage their forest, whether for recreation, wildlife habitat or forest products. "MFTIP represents a simple way for landowners to reduce their annual property tax payments on the forested portion of their property. In the end, these landowners will benefit from a reduced property tax rate, while playing a significant role in the stewardship of Ontario's private forests," says Carla Grant, Ontario Forestry Association's Forestry Executive Director. "That's something that benefits all Ontarians." Last year, the OFA, held 23 MFTIP workshops attended by over 1000 landowners around Ontario. The program, in existence since 1997, recently benefited from amendments by the McGuinty government in how privately held forested land is assessed. The newly enhanced program of brings greater fairness to the property tax system by valuing forested land according to its current use, while increasing landowner awareness about forest stewardship. These changes have spurred a renewed interest in the MFTIP program, as was demonstrated by the turnout at last night's workshop. For those who missed last night's workshop, information about the MFTIP program and upcoming dates and locations is available at www.oforest.on.ca or by calling the Ontario Forestry Association at 1-800-387-0790. -30- Media Contacts: Carla Grant Executive Director, Ontario Forestry Association 416.493.4565 or toll free, 1.800.387.0790 or email info@oforest.on.ca Jonathan Laderoute e|c|o 416.972.7401 laderoutej@huffstrategy.com The Ontario Forestry Association is a non-profit, registered charity dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of Ontario's forests, and to developing stewardship of forest ecosystems. Visit www.oforest.on.ca. The Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) is a non-profit foundation established in 1994 as an independent arm of the Ontario Forestry Association. TOF was formed with a mandate to promote and support tree planting initiatives in Ontario. Visit www.treesontario.on.ca.