Canada’s private forests cover roughly 23 million hectares, yet the last national study of the people who own and steward them was published more than 20 years ago. A lot has changed. We’re conducting the first national survey of private forest owners in over two decades and we want to hear from you!
This survey asks about:
It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Stay tuned: The survey results will be available in the fall. Check back here for updates and key findings.
Why This Matters
Private forests support rural economies and livelihoods, provide clean water, store carbon and offer wildlife habitat for millions of Canadians. Yet we know very little about the people making decisions on this land like when to harvest, how to manage, or whether to sell.
As a result, their perspectives are often missing from both science and decision-making.
This knowledge gap has real consequences for local communities, ecosystems, the Government of Canada and provincial governments by impacting trade negotiations, climate change and biodiversity. Understanding who forest owners are, what they value, and the barriers they face is essential to strengthening rural economies and stewardship across the country. Without this basic information, it is difficult to design effective policies, programs and supports. That is why we are conducting the first Canada-wide survey in over two decades—to build the knowledge needed for better decisions.
About This Partnership
Canadian Forest Owners is the national voice of private forest owners in Canada, advancing policy and programs that support sustainable stewardship.
Research conducted by the Social Ecological Workshop, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University.
MITACS Canada is a national not-for-profit building research partnerships between academia, industry and government.
Questions?
Contact Jacqueline Hamilton at jacqueline.hamilton@mail.mcgill.ca. Please help us spread the word by sharing this survey with other forest owners in your network.
