Decade Award recognizes legacy of reforestation
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority announces third Decade Award, during ABCA’s 80th anniversary year, to honour reforestation work in Ontario
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is honouring contributions made in each decade of the conservation authority’s 80-year history (1946-2026). ABCA’s most recent Decade Award, the third one announced, recognizes the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for a lasting legacy of reforestation.
Reforestation efforts have been underway in the Province of Ontario for more than a century, marked by the passing of the Reforestation Act in 1921. Subsequently, the first trees were planted through the Agreement Forest Program in the spring of 1922 in Simcoe County. The success of the Agreement Forest Program allowed reforestation efforts to be expanded throughout Ontario. It became the largest reforestation program that the province has ever seen.
Upon the expansion of the program, and the formation of the Ausable River Conservation Authority, the Ministry and conservation authority worked together to acquire and reforest areas within the watershed. This partnership led to the protection and restoration of significant natural areas, including Hay Swamp. Although this work spanned multiple decades, a substantial amount of reforestation occurred in the 1960s. The conservation authority acknowledged the work and persistence of visionary forester, Edmund Zavitz, the first Provincial Forester and Chief of Reforestation, who led the Agreement Forests Program in its early development.
Since its formation in 1946, the conservation authority has worked with private landowners to continue planting trees. This important work continues today and is supported by federal, provincial, municipal and agency organizations and other partners. Local landowners and ABCA tree planting crews, supported by funding partners, have planted more than 6.2 million trees in the watershed since 1946.
Nathan Schoelier is ABCA Stewardship, Land and Education Manager.
“Today, we strive to continue to build upon the legacy of the historic restoration work in this watershed and this province,” he said. “This work benefits people here by creating a healthier, safer watershed. We look forward to continuing our work with local landowners and our other valued partners to continue to work together to build upon the foundation of reforestation in Ontario.”
The lasting benefits of the properties acquired through the provincial program continue today, including habitat for wildlife, public access to nature, and watershed resilience.
“The ABCA is proud to continue this legacy, by stewarding these important natural areas, for today and for the future,” said Ray Chartrand, Chair of the ABCA Board of Directors.
ABCA presented its first Decade Award, for the 1940s decade, to member municipalities. The award recognized the vision and leadership of municipalities, having formed Ausable River Conservation Authority (Ontario’s first conservation authority) in 1946 and their continued partnership since then.
The conservation authority then recognized Ontario Parks with the second Decade Award for the creation and continued stewardship of Pinery Provincial Park, which was established in the 1950s.
The third Decade Award, for the 1960s Decade, honours Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, recognizing a legacy of support for reforestation in Ausable Bayfield watersheds.
ABCA is pleased to have the opportunity, through the Decades Award, to recognize more than eight decades of partnerships and projects which have helped to protect, improve, conserve and restore the watershed in partnership with the community.
PHOTO CAPTION:
RECOGNIZING LEGACY OF REFORESTATION IN ONTARIO WITH DECADE AWARD – Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has announced its third Decade Award, during ABCA’s 80th anniversary year (1946). This award, for the 1960s decade, recognizes Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (the former Department of Lands and Forests) for a lasting legacy of reforestation. An announcement ceremony was held at ABCA’s Rowe Tract, within the Hay Swamp Wetland Complex, near Exeter, Ontario, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Shown, from Ausable Bayfield Conservation, left to right in photo, are: Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist; ABCA Board of Directors Chair Ray Chartrand; and Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship, Land and Education Manager.