1. We’ve been in this business a long time. The Ottawa Valley has been logged since the early 1800s and families are still making a living from wood. Less than 0.5% of forested area is harvested annually and long-term planning occurs to ensure that a constant wood supply will be available for future generations.

2. Wood is a renewable resource. When forests are managed, they remain as forest area after they are harvested, either through a partial harvest or regeneration to young forest conditions. Young forest conditions are ecologically important, just like old forests. Trees grow back!

3. Using locally grown and manufactured wood reduces transportation distance and use of fossil fuels. The harvesting and processing of trees for use in the manufacturing of wood products generally requires less energy and is less polluting to the air and water than for processes for any other major construction material.

4. Other forest values are protected during the management of Ottawa Valley forests. Wildlife, fisheries, recreation and other water values receive high levels of consideration and protection from any potential impacts of forest management. All this is documented, approved and monitored on Crown land, which makes up about half of Renfrew County. Private landowners have been enjoying and conserving their own forest values for generations.

5. A managed forest is a healthy forest. Sustainable forest management practices in Ontario are clear about ensuring that harvesting improves the quality and health of forests over time. Lower-quality, deformed and diseased trees are removed first, leaving the rest with improved growing conditions and more resistance to pests.

6. Every bit of a harvested tree is used. The “save a tree, consider the environment before printing this email” narrative is misinformed. Trees generally aren’t cut to make paper, they are managed to produce the highest value product that can be derived from them. Every bit of a harvested tree is used – typically, suitable trees are sawed into lumber, then wood chips, bark and sawdust are made into paper products, fibreboard, mulch, pellets and other value-added products. Low-quality, diseased and defective trees must also get harvested to make future forests more healthy and productive. For each tree that is harvested in Ontario, several more are planted or naturally regenerate. Make sure your paper is MADE IN CANADA and don’t be shy about using it.

7. Using wood sequesters carbon. As trees grow, they naturally absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. When a tree is harvested, the absorbed carbon is locked away in the wood products made from that tree for the life of the products. A typical 216 m² wood-frame house sequesters 28.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide, an amount equal to the emissions of a small car over 7 years1.

8. Products and buildings made from wood are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Solid wood is free from dyes and chemicals. You can feel good about having it in your home, and when it’s time for a change, wood can be repurposed or responsibly disposed of instead of contributing waste to landfills.

9. Wood is long-lasting and durable. When you buy handcrafted wood products from a local craftsperson, not only will it be a product that you will enjoy for a lifetime, but future generations will as well. Buying solid, locally made, high-quality wood products is a good start in reducing our reputation as a “disposable society”.

10. You can learn more and be involved. If you want to learn more about the management and sustainability of forest management in our province, you have the opportunity to be involved and see it with your own eyes. You can’t say that about imported lumber or wood products. Check out Forestry | ontario.ca to find out how, or ask a local forest worker who’s proud of what they do.