Woodland Management

The Township of Cavan Monaghan is taking steps to strengthen the protection of its natural heritage with the introduction of a draft Woodland Management By-law. 

Staff are hosting a Public Information Session to gather input on this proposed By-law: 

Date: Wednesday April 1, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 988 County Road 10, Millbrook, ON>  

The community’s rural landscape includes extensive thriving woodlands.  The proposed By-law aims to safeguard these features while allowing normal rural and agricultural practices to continue.

Council first directed Staff to investigate a tree cutting by-law in 2011. The issue returned to Council in 2019, and since then, multiple Staff reports have been presented. A list of those reports is available below under Additional Documents.  Currently, no formal regulation exists to protect sensitive natural features or to manage tree cutting in environmentally sensitive areas of the Township.

The draft Woodland Management By-law focuses on responsible management rather than restricting everyday practices. It applies only to:

• Healthy clusters of five or more trees,
• Trees with a minimum diameter of 15 cm (6 inches),
• Trees located within sensitive natural areas, such as provincially significant woodlands, wetlands, or areas mapped in the Township Official Plan.

The draft by-law also regulates clear cutting, defined as the removal of trees in an area greater than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres). Clear-cutting permits may be issued but require a public meeting and support from Council.

Several exemptions are included. A Woodland Management Permit is not required for:

• Trees under 15 cm in diameter
• Groups of fewer than five trees
• Trees outside sensitive natural areas
• Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees
• Invasive species
• Normal farm practices
• Forest Management Plans
• Firewood use
• Trees removed under an approved Building Permit, and
• Exemptions listed in Section 135(12) of the Municipal Act.

The draft By-law is designed to work proactively and reactively. All Planning Act and Building Permit applications will be reviewed to identify proposed tree removal and applicants may be required to complete environmental or tree preservation studies. The By-law is also complaint‑based with enforcement carried out by Township By-law Officers.

Proposed penalties for contraventions include:

• $300 per infraction for non‑compliance with an order
• Potential requirements for replanting or rehabilitation
• Clear cutting fines in excess of 50 trees

The Township’s approach is consistent with other Ontario municipalities, many of which have introduced stronger penalties and oversight to protect natural areas.

This initiative supports the Township’s Strategic Plan and Official Plan, helping ensure long-term woodland health without impeding typical rural activity or the removal of single trees by property owners.

Additional Documents

• In September 2008 a Motion of Council was carried adopting the proposed Tree 
  Replacement Policy. The Motion states that the Township of Cavan Monaghan does not 
  allow, encourage or promote tree replacement or planting of new trees within the 
  municipal right of way, and that Staff will prepare guidelines for tree planting in proximity 
  to municipal roads
• In January 2011, (Item 13 under Correspondence for Action):  a Resolution from Council was passed stating "That Staff investigate 
  and report on implementing a Tree Cutting By-law, including advantages and 
  disadvantages
• In September 2011, a public meeting was held to discuss a draft Tree Cutting By- law
• In November 2011, a Motion of Council was carried that the Township of Cavan 
  Monaghan abandon any further action on the proposed tree cutting by-law. And that 
  resolution R/04/07/11/15 be carried "that a Public Metting be held on September 19, 2011
  at 7:00pm to receive input and discuss the draft Tree Cutting By-law be rescinded; and
  "That Staff revisit the issue of tree cutting through the draft Site Alteration By-law and the 
  planning process"
• In November 2013, Planning Report 2013-54 was received by Council for information.