Membership Benefits

Membership does have benefits. Here are some of the benefits of being a member of the Ontario Woodlot Association.

A greater voice for woodlot owners:
Regional Representation: The local chapter structure of the association allows members to participate with fellow woodlot owners in “hands on activities” (workshops, seminars, etc.) within their communities. There are 13 regional chapters - call OWA to find out about the chapter in your area.

Provincial Representation:
The OWA is recognized as a leader in promoting sustainable forestry practices on private land and as a common voice for the woodlot owner. We speak to the government, forest industry, and other organizations on issues that affect the ownership and management of privately owned forests in Ontario.

National Representation:
OWA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners (CFWO). CFWO members include woodlot associations from across Canada. The Federation provides a common voice for woodlot owners and their provincial associations. They address national issues such as woodlot taxation (woodlot income and intergeneration woodlot transfer issues), Federal forestry and environmental policies (Canada’s Plan for Protecting Species at Risk, Koyoto Accord, forest certification), etc.

Partnership programs:
Co-operation, partnerships and the sharing of information have been the keys to the success of the OWA. We will continue to develop new partnerships and work with established partners to achieve our common goals.

Volunteer Involvement:
Consider adding your voice to the OWA Board, the Board of your regional chapter, or participate in a committee or advisory group. Help us meet the challenges of a growing organization - woodlot owners acting for fellow woodlot owners.

Information to help you manage your forests:
Newsletter: Members receive a 28-page, quarterly newsletter that provides practical “how-to articles” on woodlot management, and news of people, events, and issues affecting the management and ownership of private land forests in Ontario.

Woodlot Conference and Annual General Meeting:
Our annual spring woodlot conference and AGM gives members a forum to discuss common concerns and share information. The conference features a wide array of speakers and topics that are relevant to private woodlot owners and managers who have an interest in maintaining healthy, sustainable woodlots.

On-line Services:
The association’s Web site <www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org> provides information on the issues facing today’s woodlot owner and tips that will enhance your woodlot management activities. Or, visit OWA’s “Forest Service Directory for Landowners” at <www.ontariowoodlot.com> to locate the professional or forest service provider nearest you.

Toll Free Access to Information:
Call our office toll free l for help on a variety of woodlot management topics. Our staff can often provide you with a referral to an expert that will be able to assist you in your management activities. Members can call toll free 1-888-791-1103 during regular business hours, fax (613) 258-0207 or e-mail .

Fact Sheets, Brochures, and Guides:
Through our memberships and partnerships with other organizations we have access to a variety of fact sheets and other resource related information useful to woodlot owners. Members can call the OWA to access this information.

Why Not Join?

We invite you to join over 1,300 other woodlot owners in Ontario to share your ideas and join in on a 'hands on' experience to learn more about managing your woodlot.

Join the OWA.