Trees Ontario Foundation Recieves Major Increase for Tree Planting in Southern Ontario

Mar 22nd, 2007 12:10 PM

Major Increase in Tree Planting to Occur in Southern Ontario $2 million in funding announced in Ontario Budget (Toronto, Ontario, March 22, 2007) Southern Ontario will see a major increase in tree planting over the next several years, as a result of $2 million in new funding to the Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) announced in today’s Ontario Budget. John Cary, Chair of the Trees Ontario Foundation, said this money represents an important opportunity to build on the work TOF and its partners are doing to reforest our urban and rural spaces in southern Ontario. “I want to thank the Ontario government for providing this funding, at a critical time in our effort to increase forested lands in southern Ontario. Today’s announcement of $2 million will go a long way in helping Ontario get back on track in achieving a healthy, diverse forest in this part of the province.” Since 2004, TOF has assisted its partners in increasing tree planting efforts throughout the southern Ontario region by more than 2.2 million trees. “This is a long way from the 20 million trees a year that were being planted up until the early nineties, but we are moving in the right direction. We are now poised to almost double existing levels in southern Ontario over the next few years,” added Mr. Cary. Trees are vital for our health and well being, and can help in the climate change battle. One hectare of trees produces enough oxygen for 45 people to breathe. A hectare of trees consumes the amount of CO2 an average car produces driving 100,000 kilometres. Tree planting agencies working with TOF include Ontario’s Conservation Authorities, Ontario Stewardship’s Community Councils and private tree planters. TOF works with these partners in helping to plan and coordinate tree planting and deliver funding support. Today’s important funding announcement will complement last year’s reintroduction of an important tax-saving program available to landowners owning more than four hectares of forest land. The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program allows landowners to reduce their property tax if they prepare and follow a Managed Forest Plan for their property. Last year, more than 1200 people attended province-wide workshops organized by the Ontario Forestry Association and TOF, to learn about the details of the program. -30- For more information, contact: Michael Scott, President and CEO, Trees Ontario Foundation, (416) 506-1694 Jonathan Laderoute, e|c|o, (416) 972-7401, laderoutej(at)huffstrategy.com. The Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) is a non-profit corporation established to promote and support tree planting initiatives in Ontario through partnering with tree planting agencies (www.tressontario.on.ca).