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Hedgerow and Buffer Zone Planting Program

Hedgerows are an essential part of Prince Edward Island's landscape and provide many environmental benefits to land owners and Island society. However, in order to do their job, hedgerows should be efficiently designed, properly planted, and well maintained.

The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture has developed a program which provides assistance to landowners who want to establish hedgerows for soil conservation, stream bank stabilization, and windbreaks for buildings and livestock. The program is open to both farmers and other land owners. You can access a video on successful hedgerow establishment and the many benefits of hedgerows by visiting the Canadian Pork Council site, and following the links to Documentation.     

Program Criteria:
- Minimum of a one hectare (2.5 acres) land holding and 300 minimum plants required.
- Land owners must agree to maintain the trees and shrubs planted under this program for a minimum
   of 15 years.
- Bonafide farmers must have a completed Environmental Farm Plan.
- The Hedgerow Planting Program project must be completed according to an approved standard. A
   representative from the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will visit the site prior to the
   start of the project to inspect the site and review options with the landowner.
- Double-row hedgerows are preferred and recommended. However, single row hedgerows will also be
   eligible.

Funding Levels:
   1. The Province is responsible for supplying the seedlings, preparing the site, and having the trees
       planted
   2. The Landowner agrees to pay $0.25/seedling planted.

Fill Planting:
Within the first twelve months, if not due to negligence of the land owner, and where the survival rate is:

   1. Less than 70%, plant replacement costs including, site preparation, and planting, will be the
       responsibility of the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
   2. Greater than 70% but less than 90%, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will
       supply replacement plants at no cost, but the landowner is responsible for the replanting.
   3. Greater than 90%, replacements will not be provided.

Application Form:
Funding for bonafide farmers is provided by the Department of Agriculture, while funding for non-farmers is provided by the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. The Hedgerow Planting Program is coordinated by the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry.

For more information, contact:
Mike Butler
Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry
Upton Road
Box 2000
Charlottetown, P.E.I. C1A 7N8

Phone: (902) 368 - 4700
email: MJBUTLER@gov.pe.ca