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Tree By-laws - Call Before You CutThe Municipal Act, 2001 gives municiaplities the authority to prohibit or regulate the destruction or injuring of trees in woodlands. The Table below outlines Tree By-laws which have been passed within York Region and who to contact for information. To view the current York Region Forest Conservation By-law No. TR-0004-2005-036, click on the following link: Final York Region Forest Conservation By-law.pdf Table 1: Municipal Tree By-laws within York Region - Who to Contact
Note 1: Lower tier municipalities may regulate the destruction of individual trees or multiple trees. If in doubt you may contact York Region staff listed below. Please note that recent changes to the Municipal Act, 2001 have eliminated the right of appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board PermitsGood Forestry Practices Permits ($25.00) Good Forestry Practices Permit Application (pdf) Harvest Permits ($250.00)
Property owners may obtain a Harvest Permit consistent with the diameter limits and other requirements specified in the By-law and Schedule 'A. The following is a list of links that takes you to information on applying for a Harvest Permit Application: Special Permits ($250.00 or $500.00) Special Permit Application (pdf) Note 1: Bona Fide Farmer Fee ($25.00) Policy FrameworkThe Regional Municipality of York's Official Plan, Section 2 contains the Sustainable Natural Environment goals and objectives listed below. The Forest Conservation By-law states that "Regional Council has determined that it is desirable to enact a by-law for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Regional Official Plan by sustaining a healthy natural environment while also having regard to good forestry practices." Goal To conserve and improve the natural environment for this and future generations so that it will sustain life, maintain health and provide an improved quality of life.
Forest Resource Area Objectives
Sustainable Forest Management
The intent of the Forest Conservation By-law is to encourage management of woodlots according to good forestry practices. This allows for sustainable management of forest resources while providing a reasonable economic return to property owners. For questions or concerns related to the Forest Conservation By-law contact one of the By-law Enforcement Officers below. York recommends you use the services of a Registered Professional Forester to assist you in meeting your forest management objectives on your property and ensuring compliance with the Forest Conservation By-law. Good Forestry Practices
"Good Forestry Practices" is defined in the Forestry Act. It means "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 aesthetic and recreational opportunities of the landscape." Reduced Taxes for Managed Forest Property
Property owners may qualify under the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program to have their property reassessed and classified as Managed Forest and eligible for a reduced tax rate. This program is administered by the Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association. The contact information for these two organizations is provided below. Questions related to property assessment may be directed to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. Regional By-law Officer ContactsRoads Operations Branch Mailing Address: 17250 Yonge Street fax: (905) 895-7735 Contact James Lane for the following municipalities:
JAMES S. LANE, R.P.F., Certified Arborist
Area Forester (905) 895-1200 extension 5271 Contact Cat Cybulski for the following municipalities:
CAT CYBULSKI, R.P.F.
Area Forester (905) 895-1200 extension 5275 Contact Pam Jackson for the following municipalities:
PAM JACKSON, R.P.F.
Area Forester (905) 895-1200 extension 5277 Contact Darlene Robertson-Bootsma for permit applications
Darlene Robertson-Bootsma
Permits Technician
(905) 895-1200 extension 5207
fax: (905) 895-3047
The following is a list of links that takes you to information on Additional Resources:
Previous Regional Trees By-law No. TR-1-91-154 (Repealed)
Regional Council first passed a Tree By-law, to restrict and regulate the destruction of trees in a woodlot, in 1991 under the Trees Act. The Trees Act has since been repealed, and replaced by the Forestry Act. The Municipal Act, 2001 is the current legislation which gives authority for municipalities to enact tree by-laws. The Forest Conservation By-law was passed June 1, 2005 under the Municipal Act.
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