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 The County of Renfrew owns 51 separate tracts of land covering almost 16,000 acres (6,400 hectares) that is managed by a full-time Manager of Forestry Services. The County started acquiring degraded and abandoned farmlands in the 1950s to improve soil conditions and reduce erosion through reforestation, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources. On March 31, 2000, the County assumed full responsibility for these properties.
PROPERTIES
The County of Renfrew owns 51 separate properties (tracts) within 10 municipalities in 20 geographic townships. The tracts range in size from Tiny Tract at 10 hectares, to Pershick Tract at 545 hectares.
AREA
County of Renfrew properties are divided into two broad categories, productive and non-productive lands. Productive means lands capable of growing timber crops; non-productive means all other land types, such as swamps, lakes and rock outcrops.
Land Classification |
Hectares |
Acres |
% of Total |
Productive Forest |
5444.2 |
13452.5 |
84.70 |
Non-productive |
983.6 |
2340.4 |
15.30 |
Total |
6427.8 |
15882.9 |
100 |
ACCESS
44 of the 51 tracts are readily accessible by public roads; the remaining 7 tracts can only be reached on foot, by all-terrain vehicle or through private property.
RENFREW COUNTY FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2006-2040
In 2006, County of Renfrew forestry staff completed a comprehensive forest management plan that guides forest management activities, outlines permitted uses, and creates a strategic direction for the future use and development of the County’s forested lands. This Forest Management Plan was the first “made in Renfrew County” plan for County forests, and was accepted by County Council in April 2007.
RECREATIONAL TRAILS
In February 2007 County of Renfrew Council accepted a report entitled “The Development of a Trails Strategy” and tasked the Forestry Department with implementing the recommendations contained in the report. The Forestry Department has since instituted regular inspections of existing trails (K&P Corridor), worked with citizen’s groups interested in developing trails within the County, and is actively pursuing opportunities to acquire abandoned rail corridors for new trail development. K&P Corridor Management Plan
OTHER DUTIES OF THE FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
The Forestry Department assists local municipalities with their own forest management needs, including disaster recovery, forest inventory and timber sales when requested to do so by a County municipality. As forestry is a predominant industry in the County, the Forestry Department acts as an advocate for the industry when issues arise which may affect it. The Forestry Department also assists educational institutions and the general public with information and assistance when requested.
FOREST USES
The Renfrew County Forest is regarded as a “working forest” where forest management activities take precedence over all other activities. However, County forests are open to many forms of recreation, including hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowmobile and ATV touring and nature appreciation. County By-law 92-09 restricts certain activities on the County Forest, including camping, open fires, and dumping, among other things.
HUNTING ON COUNTY FORESTS
Section 5.4.7 (page 39) of the Forest Management Plan details the County’s position on hunting in County Forests. In summary, hunting will continue to be permitted within the County forest. Hunters are required to be licensed and obey all regulations governing their sport, including seasons, bag limits, safety, etc. Only portable or temporary tree stands will be permitted.
Bear baiting (the practice of using bait to attract bears to facilitate hunting) requires that the hunter have a Land Use Agreement with County of Renfrew to ensure the safety of staff that may be working in the area. Please see Section 5.4.7.1 (page 40) of the Forest Management Plan for further information.
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Development & Property
