Should Ontario Update Its Forest Biodiversity Protection Rules?

Official title: Revisions to the Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales (the Stand and Site Guide)

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Ontario wants to update the rulebook that tells loggers how to protect wildlife while harvesting trees on Crown land. The Stand and Site Guide covers things like leaving dead trees for wildlife, protecting bird nests, and keeping streams healthy. These are the first major changes in over a decade, based on new science and input from Indigenous communities.

Why This Matters

Love hiking, fishing, or hunting in Ontario's forests? These rules shape what wildlife you'll find there. The changes affect how much old-growth habitat stays standing and how streams are protected. If you care about forest health—or work in forestry—this is your chance to weigh in.

What Could Change

Loggers may need to leave more large "super canopy" trees standing for wildlife. Some streams could see harvesting closer to shore under new rules. Bird nest protection zones would change—smaller for some species, larger for four at-risk species. Road-building restrictions near wetlands and trout lakes would tighten.

Key Issues

  • How many large trees should loggers leave standing for wildlife habitat?
  • Should harvesting be allowed closer to streams and wetlands?
  • How should protection zones around bird nests and species at risk be sized?
  • What climate change considerations should guide forest management?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft revised Stand and Site Guide and the change table summarizing proposed revisions.
  2. Submit your comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario by January 19, 2026.
  3. You can also email your feedback directly to jodi.hall@ontario.ca.

Submit Your Input

Comment On The Environmental Registry Draft Email

Key Documents