Forests Ontario Taking Applications for Flagship Tree Planting Program

50 Million Tree Program Alive and Kicking

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Forests Ontario announced new support for its 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP) today. The 50 MTP is a large-scale tree planting program for property owners with the goal of increasing forest cover in Ontario.

"The 50 MTP is better and more accessible than ever," said Rob Keen, CEO of non-profit charity, Forests Ontario. "The new, expanded criteria opens the program up to more land and property owners, meaning more trees in the ground. It's a win-win for landowners, who save on tree planting costs, and for the environment."

Under the new criteria, property owners with room to plant a minimum of 500 trees can apply. The revised program creates more opportunity for urban and suburban tree planting, as well as rural planting.

Since 2008, Forests Ontario has facilitated the planting of more than 29 million trees through the 50 MTP. This achievement has been made possible by the hard work of over 80 dedicated partners, such as conservation authorities, stewardship groups and First Nations. More than 5,000 landowners have planted trees, yielding 16,000 hectares of new forest and sequestering more than 22,000 tonnes of carbon per year. The 50 MTP also supports 300 full-time, seasonal forest jobs.

The Government of Ontario cancelled funding for the 50 MTP in April of 2019. In response, public support for tree planting came quickly: the media wrote hundreds of articles about the 50 MTP cancellation and 100,000 people signed a petition in support of the program.

In June, the Government of Canada committed up to $15M over four years to support the program. Funding also comes from corporate sponsors and donors.

Those wishing to apply for the 50 MTP can visit forestsontario.ca/50mtp.

About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to re-greening the province through the support of forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. We promote Canada's greatest natural resource – our forests – because healthy forests sustain healthy communities and healthy economies. Forests Ontario is the voice of our forests. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario to find out more.

SOURCE Forests Ontario