County of Middlesex Forest Management Plan 2026-2056
Middlesex County’s forests span over 1,025 hectares across 27 tracts and represent a vital ecological, recreational, and cultural resource. Rooted in a conservation legacy dating back to 1937, these woodlands now support a rich diversity of native flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. They also contribute significantly to climate resilience, carbon sequestration, and community well-being.
Middlesex County forests have been managed under the guidance of a series of management plans dating back to the early 1960’s.
The Forest Management Plan 2026 - 2056 outlines a comprehensive strategy for long-term stewardship, built around four key themes:
- Ecological Integrity and Biodiversity Conservation
- Protecting sensitive habitats, enhancing native species regeneration, and maintaining forest interior conditions essential for ecosystem function and wildlife.
- Sustainable Timber Management
- Applying adaptive silvicultural systems—such as group selection and shelterwood—to promote regeneration of mid-tolerant hardwoods and to ensure long-term forest productivity.
- Climate Resilience and Forest Health
- Monitoring forest conditions through permanent sample plots, tracking carbon storage, and responding to threats such as invasive species, drought, and disease. Continue to collaborate with agency partners in conducting research
- Community Engagement and Infrastructure Improvement
- Promoting responsible recreation, improving access and signage, and supporting education, research, hunting, and public involvement.
Consultation was a key aspect of developing the new Forest Management Plan. The consultation process generated relatively strong engagement from the public, partner agencies, and community organizations. Overall, respondents expressed clear and consistent support for a conservation-first approach to forest management, affirming the foundational direction of the Plan.
Other Key feedback themes included opportunities to strengthen recognition of public health benefits and Indigenous perspectives, improve clarity around sustainable forest management practices, enhance the regulation of hunting activities, and support community-based stewardship of the County Forests trail system.
Interactive Mapping
New interactive mapping services are now available for:
• Hunting
• Trails
• County Forest Maps
All County of Middlesex interactive mapping services include a locate me button, this is provided to help the user know where they are in our forests. Please note that GPS accuracy varies with weather and cell service provider coverage and will only provide an approximate location based on mobile device settings. We strive to provide regular updates and enhancements to these mapping services to enhance user experience please let us know if you experience any issues or see an opportunity to further enhance this service.
Through science-based management, community collaboration, and a commitment to ecological sustainability, Middlesex County aims to ensure its forests remain healthy, diverse, and resilient—serving both nature and people for generations to come.