Frontenac_stewardship_12-15
Back to HomeFeature Article - April 19, 2012 Managed Forests Program offers tax cuts/management tips to Land ownersby Julie Druker
Photo: hands on learning at an MFTIP workshop for forest owners with David Smallwood (in green vest), planner with the MFTIP
Judging by the over 30 individuals who took part in a one-day workshop outlining the in and outs of the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), it looks as though property owners are hungry for ways to cut their taxes and to better manage their private forests. MFTIP's goals are to recognize the importance of privately owned forest land; to increase awareness of stewardship practices; and to “bring greater fairness to the property tax system by valuing forest lands according to their current use”.
The workshop, put on jointly by the Frontenac Stewardship Council and the Ontario Woodlot Association, was led by David Smallwood, a plan approver for MFTIP. In the first half of the workshop Smallwood outlined the MFTIP program, describing the criteria for eligible and ineligible lands, how to prepare a package and how to go about getting it approved. Next he took participants through the Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas, a step by step guide in how to prepare a 10-year steward ship plan. He covered in depth all of the forms that applicants need to complete for the MFTIP application.
The second half of the workshop was a hands-on segment and the group traveled to a section of maple sugar bush on George Conboy's property just north of Sharbot Lake. There Smallwood demonstrated how to properly record sections of forests plots as required per the MFTIP application, including how to map out designated plots, and counting, measuring and identifying trees in each plot as per the guidelines.
The workshop participants had various reasons for attending and had varying plans for their forests and woodlots. George Conboy was looking for the best way to manage and care for his maple sugar bush. Greg Moore of Odessa, who has a 25 acre property with some hard wood, is hoping to get a break on his taxes and to improve the quality of his wood lot. Jim and Linda Myers, who have a large acreage near Fermoy in South Frontenac, were hoping to find out better how to manage their forest in order to sell some of the wood they have there. Ian Whillans, who lives on 100 acres in Clarendon just north of Sharbot Lake, came to the workshop with the hopes of trying to better manage his woods, which he uses for firewood to heat his home. Arlene Hamilton has a 10 acre property in the Verona area and was more interested in how to protect and manage the woods on her property in order to promote its health and to encourage wildlife. “ I don't think that we even qualify for the tax cuts”, she said, “but as David mentioned it's not just about saving money; it's also about how to care for what you have and learning how to better manage it to keep it healthy.”
Cam McCauley of the Frontenac Stewardship Council and stewardship coordinator with the MNR was pleased with the turn out. McCauley is hoping to run a Septic Savvy Workshop later in the summer for owners of waterfront properties. Those interested can check the FSC website for other upcoming events at www.ontariostewardship.org/councils/frontenac. Anyone who missed the MFTIP workshop can call the MNR at 1-855-866-3847 or email [email protected] for more information about the MFTIP and other MNR programs.
