Kemptville, ON – The Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) has received funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport under the Ontario150 Partnership Program to develop a documentary project related to forest stewardship.

The program will provide $86,000 to EOMF to support the development of a three-part documentary project that engages youth and illustrates the many forest stewardship career opportunities that are available to young people. Trees, Youth, Our Future tells the story of forest stewardship in eastern Ontario – yesterday, today and tomorrow.

“Good forest stewardship is a key driver of Ontario’s growth and prosperity, now and into the future. Well managed forests provide Ontarians with jobs, recreation and health,” explains Astrid Nielsen, registered professional forester and general manager, Eastern Ontario Model Forest. “To maintain and grow this essential service, we need young people, the leaders of tomorrow, to learn about forest stewardship and to be inspired to step into the shoes of the people taking care of our forests today.”

The project brings together a professional production company (Pinegrove Productions), outdoor educators, environmental NGOs, a youth theatre group, forest industry companies, a First Nation, and others to create a three-part series that tells the story of the evolution of forest stewardship – past, present and future. The series will be filmed throughout the spring and summer months, and is set for release in December 2017.

With this project, a diversity of youth will have the opportunity to learn about the colourful history of the timber trade, and gain hands-on experience in forest stewardship.

Additional funding for the project has been provided by the following partners: Algonquin Forestry Authority, Canadian Institute of Forestry, Forests Ontario, Forest Products Association of Canada, Lavern Heideman & Sons, Lanark County Stewardship Council, Mazinaw-Lanark Forest Inc., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Woodlot Association, Ottawa Valley Forest Inc., Renfrew Stewardship Council and Shaw Lumber.

The Eastern Ontario Model Forest is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that provides a platform for collaborative community efforts to promote and ensure sustainable forests and healthy, vibrant forest communities across Ontario.