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Opportunity for Durham Region Landowners to Participate in 50 Million Tree Program This Spring - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Opportunity for Durham Region Landowners to Participate in 50 Million Tree Program This Spring

Feb 25th, 2020 11:53 PM

Forests Ontario has planted more than 650,000 trees with local landowners in Durham Region Oshawa, ON [Feb. 25, 2020] - Durham Region landowners are on track to increase forest-cover in 2020 through Forests Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP). Since 2008, the 50 MTP has helped to plant more than 650,000 trees in the Durham Region, according to Forests Ontario. The 50 MTP is a tree planting program that increases forest cover on private and municipal lands. Interest in the program increased after Forests Ontario announced new criteria: now, anyone with room to plant 500 trees may apply. The 50 MTP provides property owners with financial and technical assistance to plant trees. "Landowners are always excited to be part of this program," said Chris Gynan, a tree planting specialist with Carbon Sink. "Many of the landowners we’ve planted with have had their tree cover increased enough for their properties to gain eligibility for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), which significantly lowered their property taxes." Carbon Sink has been an active planter in the 50 MTP since 2009, through which they’ve planted more than 84,000 trees. They will be planting species such as White Pine, Red Pine, White Cedar, Tamarack, and White Spruce this spring. "Despite the demand, Forests Ontario’s 50 MTP is still taking applications for tree planting this spring," said Rob Keen, Registered Professional Forester and CEO of Forests Ontario. "If you have room to plant a minimum of 500 trees - which is usually less than an acre - contact us. We would be happy to discuss your options for this coming spring and beyond." Province-wide, Forests Ontario’s 50 MTP has facilitated the planting of more than 29 million trees, yielding over 16,500 hectares of new forest that sequester over 22,000 tonnes of carbon annually. The 50 MTP supports more than 300 full-time, seasonal jobs. The Government of Canada committed up to $15 million over four years to support the program. Funding also comes from corporate sponsors and donors. Landowners who want to learn more about tree planting and funding assistance through the 50 MTP, and/or tax savings through the MFTIP, are encouraged to call Forests Ontario at 1-877-646-1193 or visit www.forestsontario.ca.
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About Forests Ontario Forests Ontario is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to re-greening the province through the support of forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. We promote Canada’s greatest natural resource - our forests - because healthy forests sustain healthy communities and healthy economies. Forests Ontario is the voice of our forests. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario to find out more. For more information, photos or to arrange an interview please contact: MJ Kettleborough Communications Manager Forests Ontario / Forest Recovery Canada W: 416.646.1193 ext. 237 E: mkettleborough@forestsontario.ca