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Forest Enhancement Program
The forests of Prince Edward Island are considered to be among some of the most productive in Canada. Most Islanders care deeply for their forest lands and with proper attention and care, these forests can provide the owners and society with a wide variety of economic, social and environmental benefits.
In order to help landowners make informed decisions which are right for them and their woodlands, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry has developed the Forest Enhancement Program. This program provides incentives for the preparation of forest management plans and selected nonclearcut silvicultural treatments. All activities under the Forest Enhancement Program are cost shared between the provincial government and the landowner and must meet the standards contained in the Ecosystem-Based Forest Management manual.
What are the goals of the Forest Enhancement Program?
The Forest Enhancement Program seeks to:
- Make landowners aware of the potential of their forest land through the development of a forest management plan. This plan is a guide to the various forest management treatments which can benefit each component of the woodlot.
- Enhance wildlife, recreation, biodiversity and other non-timber values of private woodlots.
- Improve the timber quality of private woodlots.
- Ensure that healthy productive woodlots continue to contribute to the Island's social, economic and environmental well being.
Who is eligible to participate in this program?
Anyone who owns at least one hectare (2.5 acres) of woodland on Prince Edward Island.
What types of incentives are available and how do I qualify?
In order to access Forest Enhancement Program funding, you must have a forest management plan registered with the department. The department will provide you with a list of registered foresters, forest technicians and wildlife biologists who are qualified to prepare forest management plans. Funding is available to help cover some of the cost of plan preparation.
Once the plan has been prepared and approved, you may begin to implement applicable treatments such as:
- Crop Tree Release
- Patch Cutting
- Strip Cutting
- Seedling plantations
- Plantation maintenance
- Regeneration Cutting
- Commercial Thinning
- Pre-commercial Thinning
There are also special provisions for work in stream management zones and for the marking and layout of specific treatments.
Do I have to do the work myself?
If you wish, you can do your own forest management work. However, in order to qualify for the incentive, the work must be done to the minimum standard required.
If you want someone else to do the work, the department can provide a list of contractors who can do this type of work. Regardless of whether or not you do your own work, meeting the FEP standard is always the responsibility of the landowner. Therefore, these standards should be incorporated into any contract with a contractor.
How is the program funded?
In many cases, the Provincial Government covers approximately two-thirds of the anticipated cost of the treatment but this rate will vary from 100% to 0% depending on the type of treatment. Incentive rates are capped at a fixed rate for each treatment and landowners are responsible for any additional costs over and above the available rate. Arrangements for the payment of the landowner's contribution must be made between the landowner and the contractor.
Is there a retention period for work completed under this program?
No. There is no retention period for completed work but in order to qualify for the incentive all work must be done to the required standard. Incentives will not be released for substandard work.
Where can I get more information on the Forest Enhancement Program?
If you are a Woodlot Owner, you can contact the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 620-3179 or visit the FEP Woodlot Owner Information page.
If you are a forest contractor or consultant working under the program or someone wishing to be registered with the FEP, visit the FEP Forest Contractors & Consultants page.
