Ontario Forest Policy and Legislative Framework – Module 2

This module will explain how policy is implemented in Ontario and the mechanisms used to translate strategic policy decisions into operational realities. Specific attention will be paid to the development of Forest Management Plans (FMPs) as regulated under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), as well as how policy impacts specific operational forestry decisions. This module will also discuss how forest policy is applied on private and municipal land.

Module Objectives

By the end of this module the successful candidate will:

• Know and understand the different acts and policies impacting forestry at the provincial level in Ontario.
• Understand how the Crown Forest Sustainability Act underpins how forestry is conducted on Crown Land in Ontario.
• Be aware of recent developments of policy in Ontario (current up to early 2025).
• Be able to define and explain the concept of adaptive forest management.
• Be familiar with the manuals and guides that are pertinent to forest management planning and operations in Ontario.
• Know the major components of a forest management plan.
• Understand how forest policy in Ontario translates to operations on the ground, how roads, water crossings and aggregate pits, and tree marking are implemented.
• Know the various mechanisms of monitoring and reporting and be able to explain how these mechanisms relate to the policies discussed in the course.
• Understand the various sources of revenue and funding for forestry in Ontario.
• Know and understand the policies that are relevant to private and municipal land, as well as the roles of private landowners, municipalities, and conservation authorities.
• Know how to find and apply municipal bylaws that govern forestry and land development.
• Be aware of the resources available to identify all relevant policies to their area of practice.

Module Schedule

This course is offered in a completely online format with a continuous (anytime) intake. Modules can be completed at a self-paced schedule. Each module consists of various lessons consisting of a 30-90 minute lecture style recording. Each recording has transcription available. Each lesson will be accompanied by required readings that will be incorporated into the module testing, as well as additional readings that are optional for learners that want to delve deeper into the lesson topics.

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