Canadian Forest Owners (CFO), in association with the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA), has appointed BrokerLink as our exclusive insurance broker. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance products designed specifically for forest owners. This partnership ensures our members have access to knowledgeable insurance advisors, competitive coverage options and personalized service — all backed by a respected national brand.
Members of the Ontario Woodlot Association have access to a full suite of insurance products designed specifically to protect both your personal and business assets. Designed by foresters and forest owners who understand your challenges, this practical solution offers peace of mind and financial security with the following suite of insurance products available.
Join us for an information session on April 1, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET or on April 29, 2026 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Both presentations will cover the same content and will be recorded for sharing.
Our Team at BrokerLink is excited to partner with CFO and OWA to launch the Canadian Forest Owners Group Insurance Program. This Program offers both commercial and personal lines of insurance exclusively for members.
Starting with the Commercial Forest Damage and Vacant Land (Woodlot) Liability Insurance to protect your Woodlot, there's also Personal Home and Auto insurance, with discounted rates as well as many other coverages. I look forward to working with members to find an insurance solution tailored to suit your individual needs.
More information is available at:
www.ontariowoodlot.com/insurance
www.brokerlink.ca/insurance/associations/canadian-forest-owners
Ontario maple producers make some of the best syrup in the world!
During Maple Weekend they show you how it’s made.
Many producers offer free samples of fresh maple syrup and confections. Enjoy pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, sugar making demonstrations, taffy on snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more.
Experience the traditional maple sugaring craft and taste why pure Ontario maple syrup is a favourite springtime treat.
Find a Maple Weekend producer near you: www.ontariomaple.com/maple-weekend/
In partnership with the OWA Kawartha Chapter and Fleming College, Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario
2026 OWA Conference and Tour Passing It On: Succession and Knowledge Transfer April 11 and 12, 2026
Woodlot owners invest significantly in their forests. Forest stewardship takes sweat, gumption, and money. Their hope is simple: healthy woods that endure long into the future.
There are many aspects to consider when planning for succession. This year’s conference will take a grounded look at that process in action. Sessions will explore ownership transitions, tax implications, and practical tools that help families and future stewards make decisions with confidence.
Knowledge transfer will guide the program throughout. We will look at how teachings move between generations and how memory lives in the land, shaped by Indigenous ways of knowing that broaden our understanding of responsibility and relationship.
Whether you have tended your woodlot for decades, recently stepped into ownership, or fall somewhere in between, there will be value here for you. We look forward to gathering together with you in April.
Learn more about the 2026 conference here.
Additional Information:
There is now a waitlist for full conference tickets. To join the waitlist please click "Join waitlist," select your preferred ticket type and provide your information. If space becomes available you will be contacted by an OWA staff member. We expect that a limited number of registrants will be let off the waitlist.
A limited number of tour and dinner tickets will become available by February 19, 2026.
All ticket prices are listed before tax and HST will be added at checkout. Registration is non-refundable.
Please note the tour to Woodleigh Farms is now full and closed for registration.
Organized by: Invasive Species Centre
Presented by: Dr. Michelle Neitzey, Postdoctoral Associate; Meghan Myles, PhD student; Cynthia Webster, PhD candidate
Forests are being inundated with invasive pests and pathogens, as well as climate change. Traditional disease resistance breeding is slow for trees, which can take decades to reach sexual maturity. Identification of genetic markers of resistance can accelerate this process. Researchers from the Plant Computation Lab at the University of Connecticut will talk about their work to identify disease resistance genetic markers in 3 systems: American Beech—Beech Bark Disease—Beech Leaf Disease, Butternut—Butternut Canker Disease, and Eastern Hemlock—Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. They will also discuss the ability of landscape genetics to forecast range shifts, and introduce a citizen science project for landscape collections in American Beech.
Click here to register for the webinar.
Ministry of Labour recognized Chainsaw Certification.
Hosted by Huronia past-president Craig Drury at his farm near Crown Hill. 669 Penetanguishene Road, just a bit north of Highway 11, Barrie.
This one-day Safety Awareness Training is designed to introduce domestic operators to core safety concepts, hazard recognition, and best practices. The session is interactive and discussion-based. Students will be encouraged to take personal notes (no workbooks will be provided).
Participants will receive a Workshop Participation Certificate confirming attendance and engagement in the training.
Important Notice: This course is for awareness and educational purposes only. It does not include formal testing, skills verification, or competency validation and does not provide the documentation required to meet workplace or regulatory training requirements
Bring your own saw and equipment if you have it (see next page for details), otherwise let Craig know and we can supply you with what you might need for the day.
Beginners are also most welcome (might as well “get started correctly”).
Huronia Chapter members: Your cost: $175 plus $22.75 HST = $197.75
Non-Huronia members: cost for the day is $275.00 plus HST ($35.75) = $310.75
(Pay on-site on training day: cheques payable to “Huronia Woodland Owners Association”).
Only 15 spots open! You must pre-register with Craig Drury:
craig.drury@vermeercanada.com
Instructors are Bob Smith and Jennifer Carroll, both of whom are excellent and experienced instructors, as attested by many (and they taught our April 2025 course!).
Course Details:
- ½ Day theory, ½ Day practical
- Includes Training workbook, and certificate upon successful completion; valid for 3 years and recognized by Ministry of Labour
- Reviewing OHSA and relevant safety regulations
- Breakdown of personal protective equipment utilization and selection
- Anatomy of a chainsaw; including safety features and ergonomic features
- Pros and cons between gas and battery equipment
- Understanding chainsaw reactive forces
- Daily and routine manufacturer maintenance schedules
- Skills development in manufacturers starting procedures
- Balanced Body Positions for safe operations
- Standard operating procedures in basic limbing, bucking and ground pruning
- Standard operating procedures for felling techniques of trees under 6” (15cm) diameter
- Understanding risk assessments for the protection of self and others and developing safe cutting plans
- Utilization of wedges
Student requirements
Full PPE:
- CSA or ANSI-approved “Class C or E” hardhat or helmet with chinstrap; vented or non-vented are acceptable. Must be within 5 years of the date of manufacturing and in good condition
- CSA or ANSI-approved safety glasses or goggles with high impact rating (CSA Z94.3 or ANSI Z87+ or Z87.1). Must be in good condition (no excessive scratches or damage)
- Hearing protection – ear muffs are preferred. Must be in good condition; No cracks or damage.
- Chainsaw pants or chaps. Must have a legible label; current within the past 5 years, and in good condition. Pants or chaps must properly fit the individual.
- CSA-Approved 6” minimum high steel-toe work boots with laces or chainsaw protective forestry boots. Must be in good condition with acceptable tread. Safety shoes or non-laced safety footwear (Blundstones or equivalent styles) are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
- Leather-palmed work gloves or rubber palm gloves with a minimum cut-resistant rating(EN 388). Gloves must be in good condition and fit comfortably. Participants must be able to have good hand dexterity for safe handling and operations.
- Recommended High-visibility (hi-vis) safety shirt, vest, jacket, or coveralls.
- Appropriate clothing for outdoor cutting operations
Reminder: Bring a lunch and a folding chair!
Comments from the 2025 Chainsaw Training Course:
“Was not really looking forward to this as I have a couple decades behind me of chainsaw work. Ended up being REALLY impressed with the instructors and felt the day had been very worthwhile!”
“Being somewhat new to using a chainsaw (and a woman) I thought I might be a bit intimidated… was immediately felt welcome and included. Great day!”
“It was amazing to learn about all the stuff I didn’t know, but should have! Feel much more confident doing bush work.”
Chainsaw Safety & Operation Workshops
Presented by the Quinte Chapter – Ontario Woodlot Association
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned operator, join us for expert-led training suitable for both men and women using gas or battery-powered saws.
Dates & Options
Location: Madoc, Ontario
Instructor: Marvin Kellar
Marvin has been working in the forest industry for over 30 years, currently as an instructor at Loyalist College, and has been teaching the course there for over 20 years. He is an approved trainer through the Ministry of Labour and provide certificates of completion to participants. Marvin has also provided training for Ontario Parks, OPG, OPP, Fire Departments, Snowmobile Clubs, Golf Clubs, Township Crews, and others.
️What You Will Learn
Day 1: Classroom & Bench Work
Day 2: Practical Felling (2-Day Course Only)
Participant Requirements
You must bring the following:
Investment
Course Type
OWA Member
Non-Member*
1-Day Course
$110.00
$189.00
2-Day Full Workshop
$230.00
$309.00
*Non-member price includes a 1-year OWA Membership ($79 value).
Optional: "The Cutting Edge" manual available for $27.00. Email quintewoodlotassociation@gmail.comto request and e-transfer payment.
How to Register
Deadline: March 20, 2026 (2-Day course limited to 12 participants!)
Questions? Text (preferred) or call Robert Wood at 306-630-6316.
If you are traveling a long distance, there is limited on site accommodation. Visit VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p978986vb . The Village of Madoc, in the Heart of Hastings, has a number of B&B’s available too.
Workshop Agenda
OWA members $10+HST
Non-members: $20+HST
Chainsaw Safety and Cutting Techniques
Do you operate a chainsaw as part of your work, or as a hobby?
Chainsaws are one of the most useful tools in a woodlot owner’s toolbox, but chainsaws are also one of the most dangerous tools a worker can use.
This one-day course is being offered in partnership between Norfolk Woodlot Owners Association and Norfolk County. The course is designed to educate personnel who use a chainsaw about safety, maintenance, use and handling. Participants will gain an understanding of what contributes to accidents and how to avoid them.
Hands on and practical work, including bucking and limbing, understanding compression and tension and dealing with spring poles will be coached and practiced in this course. Notching and back cutting will be introduced for small tree felling of 6" dbh or smaller trees. There is a strong focus on personal safety, risk assessment and accident prevention.
Training and developing skills that reduce variables and mitigate risks associated with chainsaws and cutting techniques is the focus of this training.
Course Outline:
Date: Saturday June 6, 2026
Time: 9am to 4pm with working lunch (Bring your own lunch.)
Venue: Norfolk County Shop, 8 Schellburg Ave, Simcoe, ON N3Y 2J4
Cost: $100 for NWOA members and $130 for non NWOA members. This includes coffee and snacks for the day but no lunch. Please bring your own lunch.
RSVP: Be sure to reserve your place (There is a maximum limit of 15 participants and a minimum of 6) by emailing jdewitt2025@outlook.com.com if you wish to attend. We will confirm receiving your email upon receiving it and notify you at the beginning of May with any updates or as they happen.
Ontario Woodlot Association
10 Campus Dr., Unit 4
Kemptville, Ontario
K0G 1J0
Phone: 613-713-1525 Email: info@ontariowoodlot.com
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