Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - A long-term vision for Middlesex County’s forests is moving forward after council received the 2025 forestry update and endorsed the next phase of a new management plan during its March 24 meeting.
The update, presented by Woodland Conservation Officer Mark Brown and Director of Planning and Development Durk Vanderwerff, highlighted a year of extensive fieldwork, ongoing bylaw enforcement and expanded outreach efforts. Brown noted that the county’s forestry program continues to gain recognition beyond its borders, describing Middlesex as “a pretty progressive county in the way we administer and seek compliance on all of our woodlands bylaw.”
Among the findings from recent fieldwork were the reappearance of species previously thought lost locally, including the black gum tree and different kinds of butterflies. Brown described the discoveries as a notable outcome of the county’s hands-on monitoring efforts.
The report also pointed to progress in controlling invasive species, particularly giant hogweed in the Upper Thames River watershed. Brown credited local landowners for their cooperation, saying they have “done a bang-up job” in managing the plant on their properties.
At the same time, infrastructure pressures remain a factor. A planned Hydro One corridor is expected to remove approximately 30 hectares of forest across the county, including several hectares within a county-owned tract. Brown said the county will work to ensure any loss is offset, emphasizing a “no net loss policy when it comes to forest cover.”
Alongside the annual update, staff introduced a draft Forest Management Plan covering the period from 2026 to 2056. The plan, developed in-house, outlines a long-term approach to managing forest resources while addressing environmental and operational considerations.
CAO Paul Shipway described the document as “a very impressive plan,” noting it establishes a clear direction for managing forest assets in the years ahead. Councillor Aina DeViet also praised the scope of the work, calling it “a really comprehensive report” and highlighting the importance of long-term planning.
Council voted to receive the report and move the draft plan into a public consultation phase before it returns for final consideration.
