Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – Middlesex County Director of Planning and Development Durk Vanderwerff and County Forester Mark Brown presented an update on the County’s Woodlands Conservation By-law and draft Forest Management Plan during North Middlesex council’s June 17 meeting, followed by a discussion about tree-cutting rules and what they mean for local landowners.
Brown explained that the Woodlands Conservation By-law is intended to protect privately owned woodlands while allowing responsible forest management. The by-law regulates the removal of trees within woodlands and is intended to prevent large-scale clearing while encouraging sustainable forestry practices.
The presentation also highlighted how forest cover in Middlesex County has changed over the past century. Forests once covered about 38% of the county before widespread clearing for agriculture reduced that figure to less than 10% in the early 1900s. Today, forest cover has gradually recovered to nearly 20%.
Much of the discussion focused on practical questions about how the by-law applies in everyday situations. Councillors asked when permits are required, whether residents can cut firewood for personal use, how a woodland is defined, what rules apply to fence-line trees and where property owners can find clear information before beginning work.
Brown said permits are generally required when harvesting trees within a woodland, including for personal firewood. Permits are issued at no cost and remain valid for 12 months. He said the goal is not to prevent people from using their woodlots, but to ensure forests remain healthy through responsible management rather than large-scale clearing.
Councillors also asked about overhanging branches, fallen trees and cleaning up fence lines. Brown explained that overhanging branches are generally a matter between neighbouring property owners rather than the Woodlands Conservation By-law. Questions involving fence lines or fallen trees often depend on the specific property and whether the area meets the definition of a woodland. Because every property is different, he encouraged landowners to contact the County before starting work instead of relying on general assumptions.
Brown noted that the by-law was recently revised to make it easier to understand and less technical. He added that County staff are available to answer questions and review individual situations with landowners before work begins.
The presentation also included an update on the County’s draft Forest Management Plan, which is currently undergoing public consultation before returning to Middlesex County Council for consideration.
