Pl
ease join the Eastern Ontario Model Forest and its partners on February 17 for the 23rd annual Kemptville Winter Woodlot Conference in Kemptville, Ontario. The theme is ”Growing Diverse Values in Woodlots“. It will feature topical information and exhibits enabling forest owners to explore diverse economic, recreational, environmental and cultural values and benefits of their woodlots!
Please click here for the detailed Agenda: 2010 WWC Agenda
The Eastern Ontario Model Forest and its partners are a month away from hosting the 23rd annual Winter Woodlot Conference held in Kemptville, Ontario. This years theme: Growing Diverse Values in Woodlots will feature topical information and exhibits enabling forest owners to explore diverse economic, recreational, environmental and cultural values and benefits of their woodlots!
Please click here to view this poster: 2010 Poster
Forest Health: What does it mean for eastern Ontario landowners?
The Eastern Ontario Model Forest and the Canadian Institute of Forestry co-host this annual forest-oriented event that offers a slate of topical issues and a networking opportunity for landowners – along with a hot turkey buffet and Christmas cheer! Please join us on Wednesday, December 16. For more detail and map click here: Christmas Forest Seminar_2009.
Click here to view the Eastern Ontario Model Forest 2008-2009 Annual Report entitled Fostering Healthy Forests and Vibrant Communities. EOMF Annual Report 2008-2009
Click here to view eight colour pages featuring highlights on recent news, projects and events from the Eastern Ontario Model Forest. EOMF Forestry Forum Fall 2009
The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) is an organization of more than 300 diverse members and partners dedicated to fostering the concept of sustainable forest management and supporting the application of these techniques on the ground, in a forested landscape that includes community forests, private land and Crown Forests. For seventeen years the EOMF has served as a forestry resource centre for the professional and public sectors of eastern Ontario, focusing on forest science, education, partnership building and innovative approaches to sustainable forest management. Our vision of forests for seven generations is a mosaic of healthy forest ecosystems within a landscape of rural and urban areas throughout eastern Ontario, providing long-term economic, social, and spiritual benefits, while ensuring a healthy environment that is valued by all.
In 1999 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification became a topic of interest in the EOMF region. The FSC is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. This interest was from forest owners, members and partners to determine if FSC certification is an appropriate and applicable forest management option for small unorganized private and community forest owners in the region. (more…)
The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) recently received funding support through the Community Futures Development Corporation of Renfrew County towards the forest certification of the Ottawa Valley Forest (OVF). The OVF forest is an 806,766 hectare forest of which 240,000 hectares are managed Crown land within the boundaries of Renfrew County and is seeking Forest Stewardship Council certification. The funding support will cover about 50% of the project with the balance coming from the OVF member shareholders. (more…)
by Oliver Reichl, EOMF
With funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the EOMF has initiated a Herpetofaunal Atlas that focuses on the reptiles and amphibians of eastern Ontario. The five counties that make up the model forest are collectively home to 35 species of herpetofauna, including seven turtles, nine snakes, one toad, seven salamanders, nine frogs, and one lizard.
Throughout 2009 and 2010, we are asking landowners, citizens, and visitors to submit simple records of sightings within the EOMF. Volunteers will be able to submit sightings, or frog calls, via an online form, downloadable spreadsheet, mail-in cards, and/or as photographic records…details to follow. All participants will have their contributions acknowledged in the final atlas.
Given that over 88 per cent of the EOMF land base is under private ownership, the voluntary participation of landowners is critical if we are to achieve accurate results. There are ten “at risk” reptile species and one “at risk” amphibian whose ranges include some or all of our area. Although we know which species may be found here, we know very little about their current abundance and distribution. Such quantitative knowledge is essential if we wish to enhance or maintain the habitat(s) of these creatures and identify changes in the status or distribution of their populations over time. (more…)
by Scott Davis, EOMF
Through the Forest Certification Program of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Renfrew County Forest has recently achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification through SmartWood, an independent auditor. The FSC is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Mark Richardson, General Manager of the EOMF outlined the importance of the certification: “Renfrew County Forest has a high use rate and is a forest that has many values – such values range from timber production and recreational enjoyment to hunting opportunities and nature appreciation for local residents. The Renfrew County Forest certification will complement a strong network of existing certified forests forming on the landscape of eastern Ontario.”
Renfrew County Forest is a 6,400 hectare county owned forest comprised of 51 tracts that include wetlands, natural forest, and a network of managed plantations. In 2000, Renfrew County took full responsibility for managing the forest through the Development and Property Department.
Two months into it and the Eastern Ontario Model Forest group’s new general manager is settling into the job, reviewing major files and reaching out to long-standing partners in sustainable forestry. It helps that the duties aren’t completely foreign to him. Mark Richardson was with the EOMF for seven years before being seconded to Environment Canada for two years to work in its invasive species policy unit.
Richardson doesn’t plan to veer dramatically from the course set by predecessor Brian Barkley and the board of directors, but to refine the process and move it forward. Barkley was bid a fond farewell during the EOMF’s annual gathering held at Temple’s Sugar Bush in Lanark County. EOMF founding general manager, Barkley was thanked for his years of dedication to the cause. He promised to remain close by and to provide his expertise whenever requested. (more…)
It is with great pleasure the Board of Directors of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) announces the hiring of Mark Richardson, R.P.F. to the position of General Manager. Thirty candidates applied for the position from across Canada and six were interviewed. Mark is no stranger to the Eastern Ontario Model Forest or the Canadian Model Forest Network. He comes with a wealth of experience in the model forest program being EOMF’s Project Forester for eight years from 1999 to 2007. From 2007 to present he has worked with Environment Canada as an Invasive Alien Species Policy Advisor. Mark has always shown commitment to the Model Forest program and continues to do so as he takes on the role as our General Manager. I ask our partners to work closely with Mark as we move forward on our various strategic initiatives.
Jim McCready R.P.F.
President
Eastern Ontario Model Forest
By Mark Richardson & Peter Neave
This guide includes the most current info on invasive plants, pests, and diseases that threaten the health of forests, lands, waters, and livestock. Developed in partnership with the Ontario Woodlot Association & the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (GoC), this is part of the EOMF’s “Caring for Your Land” workshop series – which is an ongoing collaborative efforts involving the EOMF, Ontario Stewardship and Conservation Ontario.
Cllick here to view or download your copy free of charge from EOMF.
By Marie-France Noel, EOMF
This booklet is intended as a tool to assist landowners in enhancing species at risk habitat. It begins with a discussion of what constitutes a species at risk, why species are ‘at risk’, and how you, as a landowner, can play a central role in ensuring the survival of species at risk. Woodland habitats used by species at risk are then reviewed in some detail. The lion’s share of the booklet is devoted to a discussion of the practical ways in which you can enhance species at risk habitat in your woodlot. Legislative considerations are reviewed in brief.
Click here to download this booklet from EOMF free of charge
By Elizabeth Holmes
Deeply proud of his roots in rural eastern Ontario, Brian’s love for the forest and its people is unmistakable. He has contributed an enormous wealth of knowledge to the field of forestry and to communities worldwide, and has done so with an intensity and devotion non-pareil. (more…)
The Board of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, with extreme reluctance, announces the retirement of Brian Barkley our General Manager effective April 1, 2009.
He was the founding and only General Manager of the EOMF following a career in forestry with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in eastern Ontario that laid the (more…)