Stewardship Programs
There are a number of federal and provincial programs available to private landowners that will help to protect and conserve your land and provide you with significant financial benefits. HHLT has published a booklet that you can download by clicking this link: Conservation And Stewardship Booklet
For more information, please contact us.
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
Under the “Managed Forest” classification you pay only 25% of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties. The program is available to landowners who:
- own four hectares (9.88 acres) or more of forest land
- agree to prepare and follow a Managed Forest Plan
- are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
The plan must be approved by a Managed Forest Plan Approver who is an independent resource management consultant certified by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (“The Ministry”). Please contact us if you have questions about MFTIP.
Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP)
The Conservation Land Tax incentive recognizes, encourages and supports the long-term stewardship of Ontario’s provincially significant natural areas. Under a “Conservation Land” program landowners with eligible natural heritage features can qualify for a 100% tax exemption.
Qualifications include but are not limited to properties of:
- 1/5th of a hectare (1/2 acre) or larger in size, and have been
- Identified by the “The Ministry” as an eligible land type
Eligible land types include:
- Land that has been approved as a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest by “The Ministry” or
- Land is a habitat for endangered species and/or is a provincially significant wetland as approved by the “The Ministry.”
Please contact us if you have questions about CLTIP.
Enter into a Conservation Easement Agreement
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a land owner and a conservation organization such as Haliburton Highlands Land Trust that allows you to permanently protect your property while still retaining ownership. Legally, a conservation easement is registered on the title and remains in force if the land is sold to a new owner.
Terms of the agreement are negotiated between the landowner and the conservation organization. The role of the conservation organization is to monitor and enforce the mutually agreed upon terms that have been put in place to ensure the ecological health of the property. Please contact us if you have any questions about easements.