Forest Conservation 



Forestry plays an important role in any conservation program. Forests 

 are the natural cover for headwater areas, swamps and moraines out of which 

 arise many small tributary streams. Forests are often the only crop which can 

 be grown on rough, rocky soils or erodible sands. The amount and condition 

 of forest cover are directly related to surface and underground water storage, 

 wildlife management and recreation. 



Most conservation reports to the Authorities recommend the establishment 

 of an Authority Forest. These Authority Forests may, and do, consist of existing 

 woodlands as well as areas of marginal and submarginal agricultural land that 

 must be reforested. To date, conservation reports have recommended the acquisi- 

 tion of approximately one million acres of land by Authorities. 



In 1963, 7,703 acres were added to the Authority Forests, bringing the 

 total acreage to 66,125. 



The Ganaraska River Conservation Authority, which is one of the oldest 

 in Ontario, has during the past 17 years purchased over 40 per cent of the area 

 recommended in its conservation report. 



AUTHORITY FORESTS UNDER AGREEMENT 



7,703 66,125 



REFORESTATION ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS 



Authorities recognize that private enterprise can and should have an im- 

 portant role in reforestation and land management. Eighteen Authorities give 

 some form of assistance to private landowners towards reforestation. This assist- 

 ance may include direct subsidization of planting or the provision of planting 

 machinery and planting crews. Well over one million trees were planted under 

 private assistance programs in 1963. 



Trees for reforestation purposes under the private assistance programs are 

 obtained by the landowner from the 11 nurseries operated by the Department. 

 Certain types of planting material, primarily shrubs and trees for wildlife and 

 erosion control, are produced in Authority nurseries. The Upper Thames and 



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