Proposed update to Ontario’s Tree Seed Transfer Policy

What we’re doing

We are proposing to replace the Seed Zones of Ontario with the updated Ontario Tree Seed Transfer Policy.

We are committed to managing our forests sustainably to ensure the long-term health of Ontario’s forests. This involves selecting tree seed that is adapted to its planting or seeding site conditions as part of Ontario’s renewal efforts.

Through “A Made-In Ontario Environment Plan”, we are addressing climate change by developing adaptation strategies and improving the resilience of natural ecosystems. Growing well-adapted trees helps maintain healthy and diverse forests, a key strategy for creating a resilient forest that can endure many threats, including climate change. In support of the Environment Plan, the proposed policy provides guidance for seed transfer given a changing climate and supports forest managers in developing adaptation strategies in forest management plans. These adaptation strategies may involve using a mix of locally sourced seed as well as seed that has been transferred in response to forecast changes in climate. Seed transfer involves moving seed from where it is collected, to an environmentally suitable growing site.

Existing policy and opportunities for change

The existing policy is based on a static climate with a system of 38 fixed geographic seed zones that have been in use since 1997 and were created based on historical climate data. Many advances in data, science and modelling have occurred since that time. In addition, Ontario’s environment is changing and relying strictly on local seed may not be the best strategy in a changing climate.

We are proposing the updated policy in response to the forest sector identifying the need for a policy that:

• enables the forest sector to implement forest renewal programs (e.g., tree planting) that address climate change
• supports forest industry and communities by providing for a long-term sustainable supply of wood
• provides clarity in direction and streamlines approval processes making them faster and more predictable
• provides a proactive approach to reduce risks related to a changing climate
• updates the direction with higher quality data and technology
• reflects current operational contexts such as the expanded Area of the Undertaking, changed roles and responsibilities and administrative boundaries
• protects current and future investments in forest renewal activities
• facilitates the management of seed for the benefit of future forest health and vitality

Proposed Changes

In response to those needs, proposed changes to the existing policy include:

• facilitating the development of adaptation strategies in forest management plans since the proposed policy considers climate change
• selecting seed source based on recent climate and genetics information
• enabling seed transfer beyond local seed collection areas including identification of suitable seed sources from outside the province
• increasing flexibility for the forest sector to match tree seed to planting sites
• using advances in genetics and climate science to develop a modernized seed transfer approach
• enabling the transfer of tree seed by determining the location of climatically suitable growing sites
• clarifying direction and streamlining the approval process by permitting seed transfer beyond local seed collection areas
• recognizing the uncertainties in how the climate will respond and how trees will adapt and incorporating measures to reduce associated risks
• providing interactive maps and data for the entire province
• transitioning from the use of seed zones to ecodistricts for tracking purposes

We anticipate these changes will support the forest sector needs for sustaining the long-term health, productivity and vitality of Ontario’s Crown forests, for present and future generations.

Engagement

The proposed policy was developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Canadian Forest Service scientists, using advances in science to develop a modernized seed transfer approach for Ontario. We also received technical input during the development of this policy from forest practitioners and that is reflected in this proposal.

Through this policy proposal, we are engaging in a dialogue about the updates to the Ontario’s Tree Seed Transfer Policy to help sustain the long-term vitality of Ontario’s forests. Based on the results of consultation, seed transfer policy will be finalized to provide updated guidance to choose tree seed that is well-adapted to its growing environment.