Tree seedlings urgently need new homes - free tree planting workshop in Brockville

Jan 29th, 2009 8:19 AM

Media Advisory - For Immediate Release Attention Community Calendar, Event Listing and News Editors Tree Seedlings Urgently Need New Homes Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources puts out call to action to Brockville residents - hosting free tree planting workshop to help reach provincial goals Brockville - The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Trees Ontario, along with its partners, the Ontario Forestry Association (OFA), the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and the Leeds County Stewardship Council will host a free workshop for local area landowners focused on the government's 50 Million Tree Program and the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). By planting more trees, Ontarians will be helping to reduce the effects of climate change while contributing to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' goal of planting 50 million trees across southern Ontario by 2020. The 50 Million Tree Program, announced in August 2007 by Premier McGuinty, is the single largest commitment to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. This workshop is an opportunity for local landowners to learn about tree planting techniques, financial incentives like the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) that can reduce property taxes by up to 75%, ways to reduce their environmental footprint and how to participate in the 50 Million Tree Program. During the fall 2008, workshops were held in 13 communities across Ontario. These workshops were well-attended and secured many new tree planting commitments for the spring of 2009. WHAT: Free tree planting workshop to fight climate change and reduce landowner taxes WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 7 - 9 p.m. WHERE: The Brockville Rowing Club, 1 Ferry Street, Brockville ON WHO: Trees Ontario, OFA and local partners, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and the Leeds County Stewardship Council Space is limited and pre-registration is appreciated. For workshop information and to register contact: Trees Ontario (toll free) 1 877 646 1193 or www.treesontario.on.ca. For media inquiries, please contact: Elissa Schmidt, Manager of Communications, Trees Ontario tel: 1-877-646-1193 email: elissas@treesontario.on.ca Trees Ontario Trees Ontario, working with its partners, is the largest, not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America. It is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through a range of tree planting activities. Trees Ontario is also partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources to help deliver the Ontario government's commitment to plant 50 million trees by 2020. The goal of Trees Ontario is to restore the province's tree planting capacity, especially throughout southern Ontario on private lands, by providing funding and planning support for its tree planting partners. These include local Conservation Authorities, Ontario Stewardship Councils, municipal governments and community volunteer groups. Last spring Trees Ontario, with its partners, planted over 2.4 million trees. Its goal is to increase tree planting to 10 million trees every year by 2015. Visit the Trees Ontario website at www.treesontario.on.ca. Ontario Forestry Association The Ontario Forestry Association (OFA) is a non-profit, registered charity. It is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of all aspects of Ontario's forests, and to develop commitment to stewardship of forest ecosystems. The OFA has been involved in public education around forestry and environmental issues since the 1940s. Over the years they have been involved in major initiatives involving restoration, commemoration and the management of our forests and natural environment. To this day, they continue to increase public education and knowledge of forestry and environmental issues. Visit the OFA website at www.oforest.on.ca. 50 Million Tree Program In August 2007, the Ontario government introduced a program to fund the planting of 50 million trees across the province by 2020, as part of its commitment to help fight climate change and green the province. The 50 Million Tree Program is Ontario's commitment to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. The program is also the most ambitious program of its kind in North America and the largest goal of any jurisdiction, anywhere. All kinds of good can come from setting this goal: like offsetting carbon; diversifying Ontario's landscape; moderating local climates by providing shade, moderating temperature extremes and reducing the effects of storms; creating more habitats for wildlife; improving soil and water conservation; and boosting local economic opportunities - to name just a few. The 50 Million Tree Program can significantly cut landowners' costs of large-scale tree planting and boost the number of trees planted.