The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF), now closely allied with the OWA, manages an FSC Group Forest Management Certificate (FSC C018800) on behalf of private woodlot owners and community forests in Ontario. The EOMF Forest Certification Program provides an opportunity for community forests and private woodlot owners to become certified to FSC standards. Group certification allows for numerous private woodlot owners and community forests to come together to share the benefits and costs of FSC certification by certifying their lands under one certificate. Group certification significantly reduces the time and costs of certification.

The EOMF has almost 20 years of experience in forest certification in Southern Ontario. The program provides all the administrative support and coaching needed for a forest owner to achieve and maintain FSC certification. A suite of tools for forest certification has been developed including a Policy and Procedures Manual, and relevant templates such as forest operations prescriptions, pesticide application documentation, and timber sale contracts. The EOMF group format allows private woodlot owners to become FSC Certified that otherwise could not. The EOMF hosts two Certification Working Group meetings annually that provide an opportunity to learn about best practices, network, and participate in field tours. The Program Coordinator also develops opportunities to benefit the group including training, marketing, pursuing funding, and building partnerships.