Canada Launches National Survey for Private Forest Owners After Two Decades
Canada's private forest owners are being asked to participate in a national survey for the first time in over two decades. The initiative, led by Canadian Forest Owners and researchers at McGill University, aims to gather information about who owns Canada's private forests, how they are managed, and what challenges owners face.
The survey is designed to create an updated picture of Canada's private forest sector and help governments make more informed decisions on forestry, climate, biodiversity, and rural economic development. Private forests cover approximately 23 million hectares in Canada, with many located on farms and rural properties.
According to Dr. Jackie Hamilton, a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University, 'Without basic information about who forest owners are, studying and supporting them becomes difficult.' The survey will help shed light on the contribution private forests make to Canada's broader forest economy, with approximately 20% of overall forest production coming from these lands.
The confidential survey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is open to private forest owners across Canada. Results are expected to help build the most comprehensive national picture of private forest ownership since the early 2000s.