In my opinion, "A Blueprint…

In my opinion, "A Blueprint for Success:Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy" has done well in creating a defined plan for the Northern and parts of the Central Portion dealing with Ontario's Crown Land Forests , and working on Indigenous relations, but only had one specific goal dealing with the focus of Privately Owned Forests, especially of Southern and Central Ontario (pg. 18, A Blueprint for Success: Ontario's Forest Sector Strategy: Putting More Wood to Work: Goals: by 2030: - explore ways to encourage harvest on private lands)

As an owner of a woodlot/forest on the border of Central and Southern Ontario I would like to see some more focus or distinct goals related to the private woodlot/forest owners of Ontario within the 'blueprint'.

I would like to see more management opportunities by giving greater incentives for private woodlot owners to get into programs such as the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) or more flexibility within the program ie. smaller forest acreage, greater natural open space area for natural succession of fields and wetlands.

Also, a goal that can be modified to focus on privately owned woodlots/forests as well can be: Promoting Stewardship and Sustainability: Goals: by 2030: - Modernizing and adapt forest management planning process to maintain the sustainability of Ontario's Crown forest AND PRIVATELY OWNED FORESTS.

Another point I would like to bring up is an organization that is trying to achieve many of the similar objectives this 'blueprint' is trying to accomplish but focused mainly on the private woodlot owner or organization is the Ontario Woodlot Association(see attached URL below). This organization is one the Ministry should be partnering up with especially in promoting stewardship and sustainability withing the private forests of Ontario but also, with Putting More Wood to Work. To show some similarities I will state its mission statement, "The OWA promotes the sustainable management of Ontario’s forests by providing guidance, advice and best practices to woodlot owners that allows them to evolve as stewards of these most valuable lands. The OWA acts as the united provincial voice on issues that influence the long term health of Ontario’s woodlots so they will always contribute to our economy, environment and society. The OWA’s network of local Chapters provides an opportunity for members and the public to learn, see and appreciate the value of this fundamental natural resource and the woodlot owner as its steward." (Ontario Woodlot Association, OUR MISSION, February 5, 2020.)

Thank you for your time!!!