NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
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MIDHURST – Sept. 20 to 26, 2020 is National Forest Week in Canada.
In recognition of the vital role that forests play in Simcoe County, the County of Simcoe is encouraging residents to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of National Forestry Week by learning more about our rich forestry heritage and explore the vast and unique Simcoe County Forest for themselves.
"Simcoe County continues to own and operate the largest municipally-owned forestry network in Ontario thanks to our nationally leading forestry management practices," said Warden George Cornell.
"As a self-sustaining asset, our Forestry program contributes greatly to our environment, economy, tourism, lifestyle and the overall quality of life of our residents. Join us in celebrating the long history of Simcoe County Forests and the centenary of National Forest Week."
The Simcoe County Forest dates back to 1922 when it became the first municipal government to opt into the Government of Ontario's Agreement Forest program.
The County Forest is now more than 33,000 acres distributed on more than 150 properties throughout the County. Over 20 million trees have been planted within the County Forest since inception.
The county’s team of experienced foresters continues to implement important ecological forestry management techniques, including controlled burns and tree harvesting operations, to maintain and grow our forests, with all profits for lumber sales being reinvested into the Forestry program, including tree planting, education efforts and acquisition and protection of new forest properties.
This year’s theme is ‘Healthy Forests, Healthy Future.’ The County of Simcoe has long since recognized the important role of forests in building vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities.
In addition to supporting national efforts to protect endangered species, such as the Kirtland’s Warbler, through projects like our Habitat Rehabilitation initiatives in the Packard and Museum Tracts, County-owned properties provide many recreational opportunities for local residents, including more than 700 kilometres of managed trails.
As the largest municipally-owned forest in Ontario, there is so much to explore. The County's GIS team has created a leading-edge mapping system which is an ideal tool to explore new areas of the Simcoe County Forest. Check out the County of Simcoe's mapping tool by visiting: http://maps.simcoe.ca/Public/?MODE=theme&THEME=forestry. Please continue to enjoy our Simcoe County Forests, while following public health guidelines.
Learn more about National Forestry Week by visiting http://www.cif-ifc.org/national-forest-week/.
County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to county residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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