Improving Forest Cover Through Land Acquisition
South Nation Conservation (SNC) works closely with property owners, municipalities and partner organizations to acquire land of environmental, social, geographical or economic value for conservation.
As a non-profit land trust, SNC acquires property to protect through purchase or donation. As a registered charitable organization, SNC is also able to receive ecological gifts through Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which offers significant tax benefits to property owners who donate their land.
On November 28, SNC participated in a public forum on forests, farming and their relationship in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) hosted by the Ontario Woodlot Association. Information was provided on SNC’s Land Securement Strategy and Land Donation Program.
In any given year, SNC adds an additional two-properties to its portfolio of over 12,000 acres of public land, to help offset the loss of local forest cover in the jurisdiction. SNC is also the management partner of the SDG County Forest.
“Since 2000, SNC has secured over 3,000 acres of forested land through purchase,” John Mesman, SNC Team Lead, Communications and Outreach explained. “Acquired lands help ensure a healthy environment, support outdoor public recreation, and protect habitat.”
Each year, approximately 50 acres of land is also donated to SNC. Residents interested in leaving a natural heritage legacy are encouraged to contact SNC, a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance. The Oschmann Forest, an 18-acre forest near the town of Ormond is an example of a recent land donation, which is available for the public to explore and enjoy.
With development and land conversion increasing across Eastern Ontario, gifts of forested land are one of the ways that SNC can help preserve forests for the future.
“Any land turned over is protected and managed and it provides donors and sellers comfort in knowing that their land will be cared for by an organization that shares their values for conservation,” Mesman commented. “We accept woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and other ecologically sensitive habitats year-round.”
Residents can also contribute to increasing local forest cover by planting trees. Thanks to provincial funding, SNC continues to offer coniferous and deciduous trees at a reduced rate to residents of SNC’s jurisdiction. Tree orders are already being accepted for spring 2018!
For more information: John Mesman, Team Lead, Communications and Outreach,
1-877-984-2948 ext. 302, jmesman@nation.on.ca.
###