Forests Ontario Commends the Ontario Government for Increasing Funding for Tree Planting Program

Increased tree planting incentives to help combat climate change

TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - The government of Ontario has pledged additional funding for the 50 Million Tree Program through the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account Initiative; this increased support allows Forests Ontario and our partners to continue to work toward healthy, abundant, and sustainably-managed forests across Ontario.

The government of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program offers landowners with 2.5 acres or more of open land to apply for funding support to cover a significant portion of the costs of planting trees to create new forests on their property. To date, more than 22 million trees have been planted through this program, establishing a legacy of clean air and water, enhanced biodiversity, and a more resilient ecosystem for all Ontarians.

"As outlined in Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan, our natural systems play an important role in mitigating climate change. By providing additional financial support to the 50 Million Tree Program, the Ontario government is providing increased incentive for landowners to participate in the program," explains Rob Keen, CEO of Forests Ontario. "We are grateful to have the support of the government of Ontario to deliver on our commitment to growing and caring for tomorrow's forests."

The additional funding reaffirms the government's commitment to support tree-planting programs and acknowledges the vital role of forests and sustainable forest management in addressing the challenge of climate change.

To learn more about the 50 Million Tree Program and other tree planting programs, as well as local tree planting workshops, visit: forestsontario.ca/50MTP.

About 50 Million Tree Program
Forests Ontario administers the government of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program, part of the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. The United Nations' goal is to plant one billion trees worldwide each year. Ontario is committed to planting 50 million trees by 2025.

The 50 Million Tree Program is designed to significantly reduce the costs to landowners of large-scale tree planting and thereby increase the number of trees planted across the province.

About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is the voice for our forests. Working to promote a future of healthy forests sustaining healthy people, Forests Ontario is committed to the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting efforts on rural lands and in urban areas, as well as the renewal and stewardship of Ontario's forests through restoration, education and awareness. Visit www.forestsontario.ca or follow us @Forests_Ontario.

SOURCE Forests Ontario