EASTERN ONTARIO, June 6, 2018: The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is pleased to report that 275,000 healthy native tree seedlings have been planted in the Rideau Valley this spring. These young trees add to the total as RVCA and its planting partners strive to plant a total of 6.5 million trees by 2020.
Tree planting is one of the most practical ways to take care of our watershed and the wider environment. RVCA’s reforestation programs are a great way for landowners to improve their property by:
- Increasing forest cover
- Improving wildlife habitat
- Increasing biodiversity
- Protecting soil from erosion
- Improving water quality and water conservation and so much more!
The RVCA offers a full-service reforestation program for landowners interested in having one acre or more (0.4 hectares) planted in trees. The land must be suitable for tree planting and the landowner must be willing to plant 1,000 trees or more. The RVCA’s full-service program includes free site visits with forestry experts, development of planting plans, site preparation, tree planting operations, follow-up assessments and operations to ensure long-term tree establishment. “Our program is focused on increasing forest cover throughout our watershed. So much of the land is privately owned so we work with local landowners to provide them with easy and affordable tree planting services,” said Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Manager.
Typical costs for the full-service tree-planting program are $0.15/tree ($120/acre). The RVCA and its planting partners cover all additional costs. “We have numerous community-minded partners who support our tree planting program and help reduce the costs for landowners,” said Scott Danford. Planting partners include the City of Ottawa, Forests Ontario, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Pratt & Whitney Canada, McGarry Funeral Homes, Newcap LiVE 88.5, Carleton Refrigeration, Pratt & Whitney Canada and the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation.
Trees are vital for a healthy and sustainable future; start planning now for planting next spring. If you would like to plant trees or to get more information call Scott Danford at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1175 or visit www.rvca.ca.
