Interested in timber harvesting, hunting or forest recreation? The County of Renfrew owns 53 separate forested areas of land called the Renfrew County Forest (RCF). The area covers over 6,500 hectares (16,000 acres) and is managed by the Forestry & Geographical Information System (GIS) Division.
The forests owned and managed by the County of Renfrew have achieved Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification (FSC® C018800) through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s Forest Certification Program. FSC® is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. For more information, on Renfrew County Forest management activities and planning please contact Lacey Rose, County Forester. Click here to contact Lacey Rose. To learn more about FSC Certification and the information available to the public and affected stakeholders, please see the Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s Forest Certification Program webpage [https://www.eomf.on.ca/programs/certification].
To learn more about the forests within the County of Renfrew, view the Overview Map of Renfrew County Forest Tracts.
Hunting on County Forests
Hunting is permitted within the RCF except in active forest harvest operations. Hunters must be licensed and obey all regulations governing their sport, including seasons, bag limits, safety, etc. Only portable or temporary tree stands are permitted. Bear baiting requires a Land Use Agreement with County of Renfrew to ensure the safety of staff that may be working in the area and to mitigate conflict with other forest users. Please see Section 4.4.3 of the Forest Management Plan for further information.
Forest Health and Invasive Species
A number of invasive species have made their way into Renfrew County, including emerald ash borer, beech bark disease and various plant species. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is the Provincial lead on forest health and offers information on their website. Some resources are provided below:
- Ontario Forest Health Conditions
- Invasive Species Centre
- Eastern Ontario Model Forest Health Network
The County of Renfrew monitors forests owned by the County and provides periodic information about local forest health conditions.
2022 Renfrew County Forest Health Update
Forest Management Plan
The 2017-26 Forest Management Plan, (FMP) details the forestry of the County of Renfrew. It describes the current forest condition, long-term management and strategic direction, forest management activities, property and access, and areas selected for operation.
By-law 79-24, a By-law to Prohibit Certain Activities on County of Renfrew-Owned Forests came into effect on May 29, 2024. Any person found by an Enforcement Officer to have breached any provision of this By-law including applicable offences in Schedule “I” of the By-law may be subject to a fine.
Forest Management at Beachburg Tract
Annual harvesting and tendering
Generally, forest harvesting operations occur each year on the RCF. These are tendered and the wood is sold standing by the cubic meter. Tenders are advertised in local papers, on the County of Renfrew website and via mailing lists.
If you would like to be added to the County Forest Tendering mail/email list, please contact Lacey Rose, County Forester.
Promotion of the local forest industry
The County of Renfrew's Economic Development and Forestry Divisions have compiled a user-friendly and interactive directory of wood producers in the Ottawa Valley. Visit us online at Ottawa Valley Wood.
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