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New long-term plan in place to protect York Regional Forest

Region works with nature and its communities to support the 2,300 hectares of protected land, regional CEO says
USED 2018128 forest creek DK
File photo/Debora Kelly/NewmarketToday
NEWS RELEASE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK
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York Region is going beyond seeing the forest for the trees by developing a new long-term plan for protection and use of the York Regional Forest.

“York Region continues to work with nature and our communities to further support the 2,300 hectares of protected land known as our York Regional Forest,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “The plan sets a clear vision for ensuring it will be beneficial now and for future generations.”

It’s in our Nature: Management Plan for the York Regional Forest 2019 to 2038 outlines a vision, achievable through the following three goals and key actions:
  1. Strengthen Ecological Integrity
    Continue to strengthen the health, diversity, resiliency and sustainability of the York Regional Forest
     
  2. Foster an Understanding of the Broader Benefits
    Demonstrate the Forest provides a wealth of environmental and social benefits, key to the Region’s vision of healthy, thriving communities
     
  3. Inspire People
    Encourage public use that inspires respect for the Forest and a connection with nature

In developing the plan, York Region drew from a wide range of expertise and technical advice, and engaged the community through several open houses and surveys.

“The value of the forest extends well beyond the natural environment,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Chair of Environmental Services. “Studies increasingly show the broader social and health benefits, which is why it is important to have a strategy for how our forest will be managed most responsibly.”

The previous Forest Management Plan from 1998 to 2018 guided the Region through many accomplishments, including having the first public forest in Canada to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in 2000. The Regional Forest now includes 23 tracts of about 2,400 hectares. It is recognized for excellence in forest management, invasive species management, accessible trails and public programs.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available here.

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