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Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Skip Navigation LinksLake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority > Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

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Save taxes through trees. We can help!

​What kind of land saves you money? Forested land. If you own 4 hectares or more, save 75% on your municipal residential taxes if you plant a forest.

Do you currently rent out your agricultural land?  Plant a forest with our help and funding​, and retain the same level of tax breaks.

Plant trees with us and save taxes

​How? Through the province's Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). In order to qualify for this tax incentive program:​

  • The land must be in Ontario and owned by a Canadian citizen, Canadian corporation, partnership or trust
  • The land must have at least 4 hectares (9.88 acres) of forest on a single property on one municipal roll number, (which can include newly planted areas)
  • Have an approved Managed Forest Plan following good forestry practices

Let our qualified experts tell you more and guide you through the process – we've done it before. We can review other eligibility requirements including the number of trees required to qualify.

  • Our team has 60 years experience managing 823 hectares (2,033 acres) of forested land across the Lake Simcoe Watershed​
  • Since 2008, we've planted half a million trees​ across 232 hectares ​(nearly 400 CFL football fields)
  • We manage our own MFTIP plans on 3 of our properties, and we've completed more than 30 local MFTIP plans
  • Best of all, we provide funding, up to 90%, to get trees in the ground!

Our MFTIP services

Our forestry team can help you qualify by:

  • Consulting with you about this program: review your eligibility including your land and the size and composition of your current forest
  • Conducting an initial property inspection
  • Planning, funding, and executing any necessary planting to create a new or increase the size of your forest to meet the program's eligibility (up to 90% in tree planting funding)
  • ​Preparing a Managed Forest Plan
  • Guiding you through the official submission process to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Working with you on a required Five-Year Progress Report
  • Providing ongoing forest management technical expertise

Get Started Today

There is one annual deadline for MFTIP considerations. It's never too early to get started. Give us a call at 1-800-465-0437 or send us an email​ to meet with our very own Managed Forest Plan Approver.

If you'd like to see the program details for yourself, view the Ontario MFTIP guide

What is MFTIP?

​​The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) is a voluntary program administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). It offers a property tax reduction on well-managed forest land in Ontario.

Because forested land provides so much value for us collectively by way of soil conservation, water filtration, oxygen generation, and more – the government encourages forest management by passing those savings on to forest landowners. 

What is a Managed Forest Plan?

​This plan will outline how you will manage your forest over time.

This plan could include forest management activities such as:
  • tree planting of native species, tending, thinning, pruning, firewood production and harvesting
  • recreational activities such as walking, hiking and skiing
  • maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat
  • managing for forest health including helping mitigate climate change
Activates included in the plan must be considered “good forestry practices," defined as  “the proper implementation of harvest, renewal and maintenance activities known to be appropriate for the forest and environmental conditions under which they are being applied and that minimize detriments to forest values including significant ecosystems, important fish and wildlife habitat, soil and water quality and quantity, forest productivity and health and the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of the landscape." Find out more about Managed Forest Plans​.

Who is a Managed Forest Plan Approver and why should I meet with one?

​A Managed Forest Plan Approver is a qualified professional who has been designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to approve Managed Forestry Plans for the province. They have different resource management backgrounds such as biology, forestry and ecology. Find one you feel comfortable working with before you start your plan.

Approval of your plan is easier when you consult with a Managed Forest Plan Approver early in plan preparation. Our initial consultation meeting is free of charge, please contact us today​

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