Residents across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry have until July 8, 2026, to share their views on how nearly 10,000 acres of county-owned forests should be managed for the next two decades. The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG Counties) is developing a new Forest Management Plan that will guide stewardship from 2027 to 2046, replacing the current plan that expires at the end of this year.
An online survey is open now, giving community members a direct way to influence decisions on recreation, conservation, and sustainable timber harvesting. “The deadline to complete the survey is July 8, 2026,” the county states on its website.
The county forest spans 3,941 hectares, or 9,734 acres, scattered across all six townships. It includes popular trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing, as well as areas used for hunting and trapping. The forests also hold significant natural features, including eight provincially significant wetlands and three Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest.
Forest management is done in partnership with South Nation Conservation and follows Forest Stewardship Council certification standards. A key challenge in recent years has been the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect first found in the region in 2014 that has devastated ash tree populations. Revenue from timber sales feeds into a Forest Reserve Fund used to buy more ecologically valuable land—a practice dating back to 1938 when the county began acquiring forested properties.
The new plan will set priorities for balancing recreational access, wildlife habitat, and the ongoing fight against invasive pests. Residents who care about local green spaces have just under a month to make their voices heard.
