Ganaraska Forest Timber Harvest Season Begins Again

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) completes scheduled, selective harvest of Red Pine plantations in the Ganaraska Forest each year.

Planned Harvest Operation Locations Map

To view the planned harvest operation locations, please view or download the following map(opens in new tab).

Overview of Operations

These logging operations, guided by the Forest Management Plan(opens in new tab), facilitate the growth of native tree species, like Red Oak, White Pine and Sugar Maple, all of which were included in the initial landscape restoration plans when the Forest was being planted over 80 years ago.

Operations will take place predominantly in the Central Forest, including a combination of selective thinning and final removals, remaining active until February 28, 2027. During this time, all recreational trails within active logging areas will remain closed for the safety of users and contractors. Additionally, hunting in or accessing trails through active logging areas is prohibited.

Please view the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map(opens in new tab) for logging operation locations, while planning to avoid these areas for your safety: https://grca.on.ca/Forest-Trails/(opens in new tab)

What To Expect

Logging equipment should be given the right-of-way, as well as ample space to operate.

Some Forest Roads may remain open to facilitate the movement of logging equipment through the Forest. These logging routes will be flagged with yellow caution tape, indicating recreational users should exercise caution and to reduce speeds to 20 km/h.

Trail Flagging For Protection

In preparation for the harvests, recreational trails within the harvest areas have been flagged using pink tape. These flags help contractors see and minimize damage to trails, particularly through the snowy, winter months when trails can be impossible to see.

Protecting existing trails is important and relies on these pink flags to be visible.

While a start date is to be confirmed, operations are expected to begin shortly after the Labour Day weekend. Rolling closures will be implemented as harvest operations progress to minimize the impact on recreation. Harvest areas and trails within them will be re-opened when staff have verified trail conditions.

All trail closure updates will be relayed via the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map(opens in new tab). Weekly closure updates will be provided via mapping on Monday mornings for users to plan their trips to the Ganaraska Forest accordingly.

Additional Logging Safety Reminders can be found by visiting the GRCA website(opens in new tab).

If you have any questions regarding logging operations or the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map(opens in new tab), please contact the GRCA during office hours at 905.885.8173 or by emailing info@grca.on.ca.