Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) Plans

Ontario has a strategy to encourage good stewardship on private lands and to encourage land owners to learn more about the ecology of their forest and how their property fits into the surrounding bio region. Part of this strategy is the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). The MFTIP is essentially a stewardship plan for the property that ensures the long term health and integrity of the forest eco-system is maintained. Properties that have a minimum of 9.88 acres (4 ha) of forested lands and have their plan approved by a registered approver will have their forested land taxed at 25% of the municipal rate. That is at savings of 75%

A few potential management activities that can be included under the MFTIP include:

- Low impact selective cutting for firewood or timber

- Creation and maintenance of recreational trails

- Tree planting in open areas and shoreline restoration

- Creation of bird and wildlife habitat (ex:building bird houses or planting wild flowers)

-Much more

Chris Gilmour, the founder of Earth Mentorship Programs, is a registered Managed Forest Plan Approver. He is a graduate of Sir Sanford Fleming Colleges Forestry Technician program, has taken the Ministry of Natural Resources Tree Marking course, has worked as a horse logger and has assisted in managing several private woodlots for forest health, recreation and timber and value added forestry products. He also manages his own 26 acre woodlot.

EMP’s forestry services specializes in helping landowners learn about the ecosystems on their property through the implementation of MFTIP plans & forest stewardship activities. We will sit down with you to discuss your intentions for the forest and help you set suitable management goals. We can also teach landowners about: wildlife tracking, plant & tree I.D  and traditional used for many of the plants and trees on your property.

Helping landowners build relationships with their woods while preserving the long term health of the forest is our #1 objective.

To find out more please contact us via e-mail at: chris@earthmentorship.com   or at:  705-635-1991

Below is a list of web pages related to land stewardship or the MFTIP program:

Ministry of Natural Resources MFTIP page & guide  - http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166346.html

Muskoka Heritage Foundation, Natural Heritage Program  -  http://www.muskokaheritage.org/natural.asp

North American Native Plants Society  -  http://www.nanps.org/

Ontario Forestry Association  -  http://www.oforest.ca/

Ontario Woodlot Association  –   http://www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org/

Species at risk in Ontario  -  http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html