The purpose of this project is to conserve and enhance the terrestrial natural heritage resources in Oxford County.

50% (general) or 75% for woodlands identified as significant in the Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study (ONHS).

$7,500

Must complete an Environmental Farm Plan to be eligible.

May include preparation of a 10-year Woodland Management Plan, a Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas can be used to develop the Woodland Management Plan.

• A woodland management plan. Woodland management plans must be to Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) standards and approved by a MFTIP plan approver.
• A management/planting plan is required specifying species, planting density, location, site preparation and maintenance. To promote approval, the plan should be developed in conjunction with Conservation Authority staff or a private consultant.
• Thinning/removal of trees along with underplanting and reforestation of native species within existing woodlands.
• Invasive species management (where invasive species controls are implemented, projects will also include reestablishment with native species (trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants) to help prevent further encroachment of invasive species in the future).
• Includes removal/management of Ash or other species that have been impacted/killed by invasive species.
• Removal of debris, such as old wire, metal, glass, tires, vehicles, etc, from woodlots.
• All material removed must be recycled or disposed of in a licensed landfill.
• Applicants will be required to sign a 15-year management agreement for planting projects.

Note: All timber harvesting must be in compliance with Oxford County Woodlands Conservation By-Law No. 4489-2004. All harvesting must be done under good forest management practices.

• Expansion of existing woodlands or connecting woodlands through the planting of native species; minimum 1 ha (2.5 ac) area including existing woodland on the property.
• May include establishment or enhancement of woody fence rows/corridors or stream corridors to create or improve wildlife corridors and structural linkages to/from wooded areas and other natural areas.
• A planting plan is required specifying species, planting density, location, site preparation and maintenance. To promote approval, the plan should be developed in conjunction with Conservation Authority staff or a private consultant.
• Species appropriate for specific native seed zone are required.
• Planting of seedlings or direct seeding with locally collected seed eligible.
• Minimum 15 metre planting width required.
• Livestock must be excluded from planting sites.
• Applicants will be required to sign a 15 year management agreement for planting projects.

Site visits for woodland technical advice on issues such as growth and yield plots, insect and disease problems, invasive species control, tree planting/maintenance and woodland management.

• Roadside plantings must use native, salt-tolerant hardwood species that are suitable for roadside conditions, and must ensure that all trees planted must be on private land; no trees will be allowed on the road allowance.
• Windbreak and hedgerow plantings are to address soil quality, erosion, and/or water quality/ quantity issues. Eligibility will be determined on these strengths.

• Woodland management plans
• Woodland expansions and connections
• Implementation of woodland management, clean up and enhancement
• Tree planting and maintenance (roadside, hedgerows, windbreaks)
• Woodland technical advice
• Other

• Fees for writing woodland management plans.
• Invasive species control measures.
• Native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers (seedlings and seed).
• Seedling planting is preferred; however, where need is strong and when recommended by C.A forestry staff, larger stock trees may be eligible for cost-share with $30 maximum per tree (includes planting).
• Design, engineering, minor excavation, material and labour costs of buffer strips.
• Tree protection systems and maintenance agreement costs obtained through the CA or planting contractor.
• Establishment of cover crops on tilled land (in conjunction with tree planting).
• Site preparation, planting, and maintenance costs obtained through a Conservation Authority or planting contractor.
• Equipment and landfill tipping fees for woodland clean up.
• Maintenance items such as staking, rodent guards, weed control, and pruning, recognising that Chemical weed control must be done by a pesticide applicator licensed by the Ministry of the Environment.

• Commercial stock, fruit trees or Christmas tree species that are intended for commercial resale.
• Trees and shrubs planted as windbreaks/ hedgerows/ shelterbelts around buildings, landscaping for aesthetic and/or privacy purposes.