Canadian Forest Owners (CFO), in partnership with McGill University and with support from MITACS Canada, has launched the first national survey of private forest owners in more than two decades. The initiative aims to strengthen knowledge of the sector and help inform public policy.
The survey will create a comprehensive picture of Canada's private forests by collecting information on forest area, condition and timber production potential, as well as the profiles of forest owners and managers, their objectives, and their long-term stewardship plans.
Private forests account for approximately 10% of Canada's managed forest lands but produce nearly 20% of the country's forest production, making them an important contributor to both the forest sector and the broader economy.
According to Andrew de Vries, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Forest Owners, the lack of national-level data limits governments' ability to make informed decisions on trade, climate, forestry and biodiversity policy. He added that Canada's commitments on climate change and biodiversity will depend in part on the stewardship practices of private forest owners, many of whom have managed their woodlands for generations.
Dr. Jackie Hamilton, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences at McGill University, said the absence of basic information about private forest owners makes both research and policy development more difficult. Without a national registry and consistent data across the country, the perspectives and realities of today's private forest owners remain poorly documented.
The partners hope the initiative will help close that information gap and improve understanding of the role private forests play in Canada's economy, environment and communities.
Private forest owners are invited to complete the confidential survey, which takes approximately 20 minutes, through the Canadian Forest Owners website.
