Northumberland County Forest Management Plan

Northumberland County has developed a Northumberland County Forest Mangement Plan to guide the sustainable management of the County Forest over the next twenty years.

About the Northumberland County Forest

The Northumberland County Forest includes 2,225 hectares (5,500 acres) of mainly forested land, including 118 km of recreational trails and many unique species and habitats including the rare Black Oak Woodland.

Project background

The planning process for the Plan began in 2018 with discussions between County staff and members of the Forest Advisory Committee. Discussions with the committee continued throughout meetings in 2018, 2019 and 2020. In 2018 and 2019, Northumberland County Forest staff researched and reviewed best practices in forestry planning from various municipalities, including maintaining both natural habitats and recreational assets.

In 2019, Northumberland County launched public consultations to gather information, ideas and feedback from residents and forest users, including an online survey in June 2019 and public open houses in October 2019. The feedback and input gathered during these consultations provided key insight that was incorporated into the development of the draft plan.

The first draft plan of the plan was made available for review and feedback in November 2020. Feedback from this review period was incorporated into the final draft of the plan, which was available for review and feedback in November 2021.

The finalized Forest Management Plan 2021-2041 was adopted by Northumberland County Council on March 16, 2022.

Our vision and goals

Our vision for the Forest Management Plan is to develop high-level strategies and long-term goals that will strengthen recreation opportunities for the community while ensuring a strong natural and cultural heritage conservation over the next 20 years and beyond.

This plan focuses on four goals:

1. A community that is engaged, has pride in and celebrates the Northumberland County Forest for its many values
2. Natural heritage conservation that preserves, enhances, and restores lands for the best possible ecological health and integrity
3. A model recreational trail system that provides high-quality and safe experiences for a variety of user types
4. An exemplary silviculture program that supports conservation goals and provides social benefits

Please note the final plan is available in an alternative format upon request to accessibility@northumberland.ca or 905-372-3329 ext. 2327.