York Regional Forest Management

Discover the future of your forest

Forest Management Plan

The York Regional Forest provides a natural setting committed to ecological restoration and sustainable forest management. It provides opportunities for low-impact recreation use for you, your family and friends. The 20-Year Forest Management Plan guides management and forest use activities in the York Regional Forest including tree planting, sustainable harvesting and tending.

An updated management plan was adopted by York Regional Council in April 2019 and covers the time period from 2019 to 2038.

An amendment to this Plan was approved by York Regional Council on February 24, 2022. Read the full Council Report, “Amendment to Management Plan for the York Regional Forest – Managing Dogs in the York Regional Forest”.

How did your input influence the 20-year management plan for your forest?

We had a lot of great discussions throughout the development of this plan. The consultation process began back in October 2017 and included feedback through various forms and from lots of people.

We engaged through:

  • A Technical Advisory Team
  • Key Stakeholder Workshops
  • Conversations with avid users
  • Public Online Survey promoted throughout York online and in print
  • Three Public Open Houses in Newmarket, Georgina, and Whitchurch-Stouffville
  • Emails to Access York

Thank you to everyone who participated in shaping the plan and who continues to support and protect our trees and forests.

Regional Forest Advisory Team

The Regional Forest Advisory Team was formed in 1994 to provide public input into managing the York Regional Forest. The team includes representatives from:

  • Ontario Trail Riders Association (Horseback riding)
  • Oak Ridges Trail Association (Hiking)
  • Durham Mountain Biking Association (Biking)
  • York Regional Forest Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
  • Local naturalist clubs
  • Georgina Sportsman Alliance
  • Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
  • Public Education (Nature’s Classroom)
  • York Regional Police
  • Local rate-payer associations
  • Huronia Loggers Association

The advisory team also hosts the annual Green Up Clean Up day, which unites volunteers to pick up garbage in and around the York Regional Forest.

Forest Certification

In 2000, the York Regional Forest obtained Forest Stewardship Council of Canada® (FSC - C005211).  The York Regional Forest is the first public forest in Canada to be FSC-certified. To achieve certification, a forest must meet the FSC’s principles and criteria for responsible forest management, and it must be demonstrated that the forest is managed according to sound environmental, social and economic principles.

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