FSC Canada Board Visits South Nation Conservation to Celebrate Shared Commitment to Responsible Forest Management
In May 2025, members of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Canada Board of Directors visited South Nation Conservation (SNC) in Eastern Ontario to recognize SNC’s leadership in sustainable forest management, Indigenous collaboration, and climate resilience. The day-long field tour through the South Nation watershed showcased how FSC-certified forest management is delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits on the ground.
Established in 1947, SNC manages over 13,000 acres of forest across a 4,441 km² jurisdiction. It plants approximately 120,000 trees each year and supports biodiversity through wetland restoration, reforestation, and climate adaptation efforts. SNC's forests are certified to FSC standards through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s Certification Program.
Throughout the day, the FSC Canada Board visited a series of forest sites, each demonstrating different aspects of sustainable forest management. Highlights included:
- Oschmann Forest Conservation Area – a donated 17-acre hardwood forest home to a commercial maple syrup operation and educational programming.
- W.E. Burton Conservation Area – a 13-acre urban woodland with 3 km of recreational trails, reflecting how working forests support community well-being.
- SNC 53 Wetland Restoration Site –restored 7 acres of wetland and enhanced surrounding wildlife habitat through tree planting.
- High Falls Conservation Area – featuring water management infrastructure and facilities supporting recreation and flood control.
- Miitig Healing Lodge – a 435-acre forest co-managed with Indigenous partners to host ceremonies, teachings, and storytelling in support of cultural revitalization.
- SNC 83 and SNC 41/64 – sites demonstrating climate recovery and forest infrastructure innovation, including restoration after extreme weather and the use of LiDAR for inventory.
At each stop, board members engaged with SNC staff and board to learn how FSC certification supports conservation goals, local economies, and Indigenous-led initiatives.
"South Nation Conservation’s commitment to responsible forestry and community partnerships is a powerful example of FSC values in action," said Kalin Uhrich, Chair of the FSC Canada Board. “Their work strengthens our shared vision of forests for all, forever.”
The visit underscored FSC Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting landowners, Indigenous communities, and conservation authorities in implementing forest stewardship that meets the challenges of our time—including biodiversity loss, climate change, and reconciliation.
