Industry News News
Ontario issues forest license to Temagami Forest Management Corporation

The Ontario government has issued a sustainable forest license (SFL) to Temagami Forest Management Corporation (TFMC) to manage the 456,770-hectare Temagami forest.

In a news release announcing the SFL, the province said local forest management corporations like the TFMC – the second of its kind in Ontario – bring together Indigenous communities and municipalities with the forest industry to steward responsible harvesting and management of local forests.

“Ensuring that Indigenous and community interests are represented in long-term decision-making means those most connected with local forests can benefit,” said Greg Rickford, minister of northern development, mines, natural resources and forestry. “With this license, we are expanding economic opportunities for Indigenous and other communities that rely on Ontario’s forests, while continuing to strengthen our partnerships across the province.”

Faye Johnson, chair of the Temagami Forest Management Corporation board of directors, said in the release the TFMC establishment signals “the beginning of a new era.

“The board is honoured to be part of the stewardship of this forest and looks forward to working with the industry and community partners – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to encourage innovation and investment while ensuring the unique attributes that make the forests of Temagami so special remain intact for generations to come,” Johnson said.

Ontario’s forest sector generates $18 billion in revenue and supports more than 148,000 direct and indirect jobs.