Forest Conservation

There are 16 Forest tracts that make up the Region of Waterloo Forest network amounting to 435 hectares. They were acquired between 1944 to 2003. Prior to 2001, the Region of Waterloo Forests were managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) through agreements with the Region. In 2006, Regional Council approved the Region’s Forest Management Plan 2007-2026 which guides the sustainable management of the Regions forests over the next twenty years. The plan outlines high-level strategies, objectives and goals to protect and sustain our forests. This plan ensures a balanced approach to conservation, recreation, and sustainable use to preserve this critical resource for future generations.

Woodland Conservation By-Law

The Region of Waterloo regulates the destruction or injuring of trees in woodlands within the region through its Woodland Conservation Bylaw 08-026.The bylaw encourages sustainable forest management through the use of Good Forestry Practices.

Woodlands that this bylaw applies to are one hectare or larger in total contiguous size and meet the density requirements as laid out in the Forestry Act, 1990. Woodland boundaries may traverse individual parcel or property boundaries. A permit must be obtained before cutting starts.

Learn About By-Law 08-026

Types of Permits

Good Forestry Practices Permits

This permit type requires a silvicultural prescription prepared by a Registered Professional Forester. Timber harvesting done under “Good Forestry Practices” ensures logging will improve overall timber quality and growing conditions for residual trees post –harvest, while also minimizing negative impacts to other forest values such as biodiversity, wildlife and recreation. This allows for shorter rotation periods between timber harvests providing greater benefit to the landowner.

The Region's tree conservation By-law 08-026, applies to all woodland or forested areas that are at least one hectare or more in size with:

1,000 trees, of any size, per hectare;

750 trees, measuring over five centimetres in diameter, per hectare;

500 trees, measuring over 12 centimetres in diameter, per hectare; or

250 trees, measuring over 20 centimetres in diameter, per hectare

The by-law does not cover a cultivated fruit or nut orchard or a plantation established for the purpose of producing Christmas trees.

How To Apply For a Permit

To apply for a tree harvesting permit:

Download a fillable application form
Save the file to your device or cloud drive
Complete all the required information in the form
Submit the completed form by email to les@regionofwaterloo.ca.

For additional information about completing this application form, or if you have any questions, please contact our Regional Forester, Andrew Puchalski, R.P.F., or call 519-580-0296.

Diameter Limit/Basal Area Permits

This permit regulates harvests according to minimum tree size set out in the woodland conservation by-law, as either a diameter or circumference measured at a specific point on the tree bole. This type of harvesting can lead to high grading where the biggest and best trees are harvested, and the rest are left. This can reduce residual woodland quality and increase the rotation period between cuts. By-law provisions contained within the Woodland Conservation By-law 08-026 mitigate some of the negative impacts. Click here for the Diameter Limit Permit Form.

Woodland Removal Permit

This permit allows for an area of woodland to be removed including tree roots, trunks and branches, and is typically performed to facilitate conversion of woodland to another land use. Decisions on Woodland Removal Permits are brought forward to the Licensing and Hearings Committee for review and final decision. The clearing of a large area of good forest land is unlikely to be supported. Click here for Woodland Removal Permit Form.

Exceptions

There are several exceptions found under Section 3 of the Woodland Conservation By-law which outlines situations in which the by-law does not apply. Cutting in these instances can legally occur and no permit is required from the Region.

For more details, view the following resources:

Many local municipalities may also have tree by-laws that regulate non-woodland trees including street trees or those on private lands. Contact your City/Township for more information about local tree-cutting by-laws.

Forest Management Programs

Well managed woodlots contribute to healthier, more resilient forests that can withstand pests and diseases while offering long-term economic benefits through sustainable timber sales. Beyond financial gains, properly maintained woodlots provide essential ecological services, including soil erosion prevention, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat preservation and enhance biodiversity. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the water cycle by mitigating the effects of severe weather events, absorbing precipitation and reducing peak flows and flooding. Given these significant benefits, there are several incentives available to support woodlot owners in sustainable forest management.

Explore the programs below to learn more:

Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)

The MFTIP promotes responsible forest management by offering a 75% reduction on property taxes on eligible forested lands, helping landowners maintained and enhance their woodlots.

Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP)

The CLTIP encourages the long-term protection of provincially significant natural areas by providing a 100% property tax exemption on qualifying portions of a property.

Have questions or need assistance? Email our Regional Forester, Andrew Puchalski, R.P.F., or call 519-580-0296.