The Ferguson Forest Centre (FFC) got some welcome news last night. The Federal government is announcing $15 million in funding for Forests Ontario today. The organization runs the 50 Million Tree program, which makes up about 40% of the FFC’s production.  Â
The provincial government cancelled the 50 Million Tree program at the end of April. The goal of the program is to plant 50 million trees by 2025. Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna is making the announcement at the Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa shortly after noon.
FFC CEO Ed Patchell says the funding will keep the program going for the next three years. He says he doesn’t know what will happen beyond that, but it’s a good short-term solution to keep things operating and make sure seedlings are kept in production.
The FFC has around 2.5 million seedlings in the ground that are slated for the 50 Million Tree program.
Patchell says the announcement puts emphasis on the need to start building for the future. He noted the FFC can’t just maintain status quo for the next three years and then quit. Patchell says the FFC has to keep looking at what new options are out there to ensure tree-planting continues.
The mykemptvillenow.com newsroom has reached out to Forests Ontario for more information. Updates will be provided as more details become available.