[getsmart-l] More than 2.6 million trees are being planted across Southern Ontario this spring

[Media Release]

Emacs!


Media Release - For Immediate Release

More than 2.6 million trees are being planted across Southern Ontario 
this spring

(Toronto, May 17 2007)  More than 2.6 million trees are currently 
being planted across Southern Ontario this spring, with funding 
assistance from the Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF).

Tree planting agencies such as Conservation Authorities and Ontario 
Stewardship plant approximately 2 million trees across Southern 
Ontario each year.  Thanks to additional funding from the Ontario 
government and renewed planting partnerships, the TOF is helping 
these agencies increase that number by more than 600,000 trees this spring.

"By planting trees in environmentally important areas, we are 
demonstrating to Ontarians that we can each play a personal role in 
helping to protect our watersheds, improve air quality and reduce 
greenhouse gases," said Michael Scott, President & CEO of the Trees 
Ontario Foundation. "Trees release oxygen, remove carbon, help to 
prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for animals, and filter the air 
and water- all things that can help reduce the impacts of climate 
change," he added.

Skilled foresters from planting agencies identify optimal planting 
sites, and work with landowners to ensure the appropriate selection 
of native seedlings for specific geographic areas.  Other partners 
that assist with tree planting efforts include Conservation Ontario, 
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Stewardship, the 
Ontario Forestry Association, the Forest Gene Conservation 
Association, the Ontario Tree Seed Plant and privately owned nurseries.

"It takes money, experience and knowledge to successfully plant trees 
and then ensure that they flourish," observed Scott. "The renewed 
commitment to tree planting by the Province is very important, as it 
allows our partners in the Conservation Authorities, Ontario 
Stewardship and private tree planters to demonstrate their real 
expertise in tree planting and habitat restoration. This mix of 
appropriate funding, coupled with expertise, is a great combination."

Trees are vital for the quality of the air we breathe. One healthy, 
mature tree provides enough oxygen for four people each day. It takes 
about 80 mature trees to remove from the air the four tonnes of 
emissions per year that a mid-sized car produces.

"The Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) is excited to be working with our 
tree planting partners. Year after year, these are the people who 
make tree planting possible, particularly in the important watershed 
regions across Southern Ontario," said Scott.

As it prepares for the 2008 planting season, the Trees Ontario 
Foundation is encouraging private landowners interested in having 
subsidized tree planting on their land to contact TOF or their local 
tree planting agency. The landowners may also be eligible for the 
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP), which allows landowners 
owning more than four hectares of forested land to reduce their 
property tax if they prepare and follow a Managed Forest Plan for 
their property. Last year, more than 1,200 people attended 
province-wide MFTIP workshops organized by the Ontario Forestry 
Association and the Trees Ontario Foundation.

The Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) is a non-profit corporation 
established to promote and support tree planting initiatives in 
Ontario through partnering with tree planting agencies 
(www.treesontario.on.ca).

                                                                                                -30-

For more information, contact:

Michael Scott, Trees Ontario Foundation, (416) 506-1694, 
mscott at treesontario.on.ca

Don Huff, e|c|o, (416) 972-7401, huffd(a)huffstrategy.com
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