National survey seeks input from farmers and private woodlot owners to improve forestry policy, rural economic development, and environmental stewardship across Canada.
Private forests are a familiar part of many Canadian farms, providing firewood, timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and environmental benefits that extend far beyond property lines. Yet despite their importance, very little current information exists about the people who own and manage them.
Now, Canadian Forest Owners (CFO), in partnership with researchers at McGill University, has launched the first national survey of private forest owners in more than two decades, seeking input from farmers and woodlot owners across the country.
The initiative 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.
Canada's private forests cover approximately 23 million hectares, with many located on farms and rural properties. These lands play a significant role in supporting local economies, storing carbon, protecting water resources, and providing habitat for wildlife.
According to Canadian Forest Owners, the last national study examining the people who own and steward private forests was conducted more than 20 years ago. Since then, land ownership patterns, environmental pressures, economic conditions, and management priorities have evolved considerably.
The survey aims to gather information about who owns Canada's private forests, how they are managed, and what challenges owners face. Participants will be asked about their backgrounds, management goals, priorities, and the factors that influence decisions such as harvesting timber, investing in forest improvements, or selling forest land.
Industry leaders say this information gap has real consequences.
"Without basic information about who forest owners are, studying and supporting them becomes difficult," noted Dr. Jackie Hamilton, a postdoctoral researcher in McGill University's Department of Natural Resource Sciences, in information released about the project. She pointed out that Canada lacks consistent national data on private forest ownership, making it challenging for researchers and policymakers to understand the sector and address its needs.
The survey will also help shed light on the contribution private forests make to Canada's broader forest economy. While private forests account for roughly 10 per cent of Canada's managed forest land, they contribute approximately 20 per cent of overall forest production, highlighting their importance to both local communities and the national economy.
Canadian Forest Owners, which represents approximately 480,000 private forest owners nationwide, says the findings could help improve policy development and support programs aimed at sustainable stewardship. Better information could also strengthen decision-making related to trade negotiations, biodiversity conservation, climate change commitments, and rural economic growth.
For farm families, participation offers an opportunity to ensure their experiences and perspectives are reflected in future discussions about land management and environmental policy.
Many farm woodlots are managed over generations, balancing economic returns with long-term conservation goals. Understanding how landowners navigate those decisions could help governments and industry organizations develop programs that better support stewardship while recognizing the realities of farming and rural land ownership.
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.
Private forest owners can participate through the Canadian Forest Owners survey website: Complete the survey online.
Many Canadian farms include woodlots that generate income, supply wood products, protect watercourses, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to carbon storage. The information gathered through this survey could influence future government programs, incentives, and policies affecting how these lands are managed and supported.
By participating, farmers can help ensure the realities of private land stewardship are reflected in national conversations about forestry, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Jordi Costa Tomé