Environment | April 17, 2023
The City of Mississauga has achieved the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification (FSC® C018800) for the management of 36 woodlands through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) program. Receiving the certification confirms that a forest is being managed sustainably, preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers. The FSC® certification will assist the City with maintaining high forest stewardship standards.
“Mississauga is a city that values the vital role trees play in our community. The FSC® certification showcases our commitment to sustainable forest management and protecting Mississauga’s woodlands,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The City recognizes the importance of trees for the environment of large urban cities like Mississauga. They provide shade and habitat for wildlife while filtering pollution and controlling flooding.”
To become certified, an organization must meet the FSC®’s standard for forest management. Mississauga’s woodlands were evaluated against 10 principles ranging from maintaining high conservation values to monitoring the environmental and social impacts of forest management. The certification complements a growing network of certified forests across southern Ontario under the EOMF’s Forest Certification Program.
“This certification assures the local community that our forest management activities are meeting the highest of standards,” said Nadia Paladino, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment. “Mississauga manages more than 200 hectares of forests, including wetlands, woodlands and natural forests. We are very proud to have received this certification and to be a leader in sustainable forest management in Ontario. Receiving the FSC® certification helps us raise awareness about the value forests play within our economy, culture, traditions, history and future.”
FSC® certification benefits include sharing solutions to help raise the standard of forest management, connecting to a global network of organizations and businesses and protecting forest ecosystems while helping to fight climate change.
Benefits of Forests
As a valuable part of Mississauga’s ecosystem, the city’s forests help:
Currently, the City is developing a Woodland Management Plan. As part of this process, staff are asking for resident feedback to prioritize management objectives across these City woodlands. If you have questions, email public.info@mississauga.ca or call 311 (905-615-4311 from outside Mississauga).
BACKGROUND
About the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF)
The EOMF is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. The EOMF works with government, landowners, industry, First Nations, non-government organizations and others to develop new ways to sustain and manage our forest resources. The EOMF Forest Certification Program now includes 70 private woodlot owners, 14 community forests.
About the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®)
FSC® is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. FSC® Canada’s national forest stewardship standard provides tangible actions that positively impact forests, safeguarding forests, biodiversity protection, places to work and play sustainably, the elimination of deforestation, fair work environments, and community rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
To learn more about FSC®, visit ca.fsc.org.
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Media Contact:
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151