Open
Source verified July 28, 2026
Forestry and Tree Planting
Funding for forestry and tree planting projects
Latest source updateLast Update: August 13, 2026Latest change: The program page now adds a supporting documentation checklist, updates several category links to “Learn more and apply,” and changes the contact email link for Chris Van Esbroeck.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 13, 2026
Latest change: The program page now adds a supporting documentation checklist, updates several category links to “Learn more and apply,” and changes the contact email link for Chris Van Esbroeck.
Program application details updated
The Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program page now includes a supporting documentation checklist and examples for applicants. Several category entries also changed their links to “Learn more and apply,” and the contact email link for Chris Van Esbroeck was updated. A few program descriptions were lightly reworded, but the main visible changes are the added application support material and the updated contact link.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Forestry and Tree Planting offers 80% cost-share funding for Ontario landowners in the Upper Thames watershed to improve water quality through tree and shrub planting. Eligible work includes permanent land retirement, field windbreaks, and buffer strips along watercourses and wetlands.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Permanent retirement of floodplain
- Permanent retirement of steeply sloped and erosion-prone lands
- Buffer strips along watercourses and wetlands adjacent to pasture or cropped land, with a minimum buffer width of 10 ft
- Field windbreaks to prevent wind erosion
Documents Needed
- Planting location
- Description of the tree planting project
- Before and after photos
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Landowners planting 50 trees or more on their own.
- Ontario residents.
Who is not eligible
- Fields within the Municipality of South Huron are not eligible.
Eligible expenses
- Professional services and consulting fees
- Purchase of native trees and shrubs
- Contracted labour and planting costs
- Tree protection systems and maintenance agreement costs obtained through the Conservation Authority or planting contractor
- Establishment of cover crop used in conjunction with the tree planting project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Farmstead shelterbelts to protect buildings, and landscaping for aesthetic or privacy purposes
- Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents, and the applicant’s business
- Permits and fees
- Projects that are a legislative or legal requirement
- Commercial stock, fruit trees, or Christmas tree species that are commercially marketable in less than 15 years
Eligible geographic areas
- Upper Thames watershed
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to projects in designated subwatersheds and areas prone to erosion, and to fields with high soil P levels.
- Priority is given to practices that are new to the operation.
- Priority is given to applicants that are new to the program.
- Projects outside priority areas and projects using usual practices may be placed on a waitlist.
How to apply
- Review Project Guidelines.
- Contact Rob Davies for application and submit.
- Submit appropriate design and drawing information.
Processing and Agreement
- By applying, you consent to UTRCA collecting, managing, and sharing project cost and crop management data with public and government partners in aggregate form only.
- By participating, you acknowledge that UTRCA may collect photos and videos for social media or print use, and that project inspections may occur during normal business hours with reasonable notice.
- UTRCA will review the application and follow up with its decision.
- After approval, complete your project and submit an expense claim with proof of payment, such as an e-transfer or bank statement.
- UTRCA will review the claim, perform a final inspection, and issue payment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Forestry and Tree Planting Program
What is the Forestry and Tree Planting?
Forestry and Tree Planting offers 80% cost-share funding for Ontario landowners in the Upper Thames watershed to improve water quality through tree and shrub planting. Eligible work includes permanent land retirement, field windbreaks, and buffer strips along watercourses and wetlands.
How much funding can be received?
Forestry and Tree Planting Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Forestry and Tree Planting program?
To be eligible for the Forestry and Tree Planting program, you must:
The applicant must be an Ontario resident.
The project must be within the Upper Thames watershed.
Landowners planting 50 trees or more on their own are eligible to apply.
What expenses are eligible under Forestry and Tree Planting?
Permanent retirement of floodplain
Permanent retirement of steeply sloped and erosion-prone lands
Buffer strips along watercourses and wetlands adjacent to pasture or cropped land, with a minimum buffer width of 10 ft
Field windbreaks to prevent wind erosion
Who can I contact for more information about the Forestry and Tree Planting?
You can contact Watershed Conservation Centre (UTRCA) or by phone at 519-451-2800 ext 243.
Where is the Forestry and Tree Planting available?
The Forestry and Tree Planting program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Forestry and Tree Planting a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Forestry and Tree Planting is a Grant and Funding