​What projects are eligible?

Tree planting projects are only eligible on properties of at least 2 acres in size and must be a minimum of 300 plants. There are 4 major categories of tree and shrub planting:

• Afforestation - planting on large blocks of land, floodplains, marginal or fragile croplands, or groundwater recharge areas
• Riparian (buffer) - planting along shorelines, watercourses, wetlands, or other water bodies
  
• Windbreaks - planting along field edges and roadways to prevent wind erosion, to deflect snow and to redirect wind from livestock pen areas
  
• Community Action - tree and shrub planting projects that support the health of Lake Simcoe implemented in partnership with volunteers, schools and community groups
  

Project Details

Landowners within the Lake Simcoe watershed may qualify for grants of 50% of project costs to a maximum of $10,000. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding so​urces. Conservation Authority Forest Technicians will ensure that you are made aware of all grant funding programs available to you.

• All eligible tree planting projects - 50% up to $10,000
  
• Community Projects – 100% up to $2,500
  

Additional funding is available for site preparation. Examples of site preparation include: mowing, brush-hogging, spraying, plough & disking, cultivating, applying a cover crop, staking, etc. Site preparation is highly recommended as it provides the trees the best chance of survival.

Talk to your Forest Technician for advice on which method of site preparation is best for your situation.

What costs are covered?

• Site assessment and planting design
• Trees, shrubs and planting costs
• Establishment of cover crops on tilled land when in conjunction with tree planting
• Portions of site preparation cost

What isn't covered?

• Taxes
• Commercial stock, fruit trees, or trees established for Christmas tree production
  
• Large nursery stock used for landscaping (stock larger than 1 or 2 gallon containers), seedlings and bare root stock are preferred
  
• Enhancements for recreational or landscaping purposes
  
• Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  
• Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
• If you have an outstanding violation with the Conservation Authority you will not be eligible for funding
  
• Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

Conditions

• Landowners must plant a minimum of 300 trees or shrubs to participate in the Conservation Authority's full-service planting program. Orders of less than 300 plants may still qualify for funding through the Conservation Authority's Enhancing Wildlife Habitat​ grant category
  
• Planting projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  
• Minimum property size of 2 acres is required
  
• If the Conservation Authority services are not utilized, it is recommended that a private consultant with membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association be retained
• The participant/partner is responsible for the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs after planting. This includes taking reasonable measures to protect the plantation from livestock, fire, insects, mechanical damage, rodents and disease
• Livestock must be excluded from the planting area
• Conservation Authority staff may perform periodic inspections of the site, typically 1, 2 and 5 years after planting, with prior notification to the landowner
  
• Safe working conditions and access must be provided to the planting crew, including the removal of debris
• The landowner is responsible for providing access to the planting area. If access is not available from the landowner’s property they are to arrange an access point from an adjoining property
• The Conservation Authority is not responsible for the failure of a tree or trees to become established. While every effort is made to ensure that the plant material is of the highest quality and the trees are property installed, environmental conditions and/or poor maintenance practices may result in some mortality which is beyond the control of the Conservation Authority
• The nursery stock is NOT INTENDED FOR LANDSCAPE PURPOSES. Plantings are intended to accomplish several environmental benefits including naturalization, the reduction of erosion from wind and water and the improvement of wildlife habitat
• The nursery stock is not to be moved on the property or removed from the site and resold, or intentionally damaged by landowner or tenant

How to Apply

Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Pr​ofile Form to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

• Project site plan
  
• Two cost quotations for proposed project
  

Once this project profile is submitted, you will also have to complete a Terms and Conditions Agreement form. A link to this form will be provided via email.​

Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.​

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.​