• Why has the province introduced the Trees for Tomorrow program?
Through the Trees for Tomorrow program, the province and its partners will plant one million trees every year for five years. The program is a component of the province's Beyond Kyoto action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.
To deliver this program, the Province of Manitoba – Department of Conservation (MC) has partnered with the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA) — a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to public education about trees and forests.
• Who is eligible for these trees?
Free White Spruce tree seedingling will be give to the public (limit of ten per person). Look for distribution centres and displays at malls, home shows, summer fairs and school events and at other events such as Arbour Day, Earth Day, Clean Air Day and National Forest Week.
Schools, municipalities, private landowners and non-profit organizations are eligable for small-scale planting projects (under five acres/two hectares).
Private land owners, municipal, First Nations and Crown lands are eligable for large-scale plantings (over five acres/two hectares). These trees are not available for commercials purposes (Christmas tree growing, resale, etc.)
• How do I know if I’m eligible?
Review the information available on the websites listed below and complete and submit an application form. Staff from the program will contact you.
• What species am I entitled to? How many?
The intent is to plant native tree species and tree varieties which are well adapted to Manitoba’s climate. This will include pine, white and black spruce seedlings and hybrid poplar. Hybrid poplar is ideally suited for the goals of this project because it is fast growing for increased carbon sequestration and can be used for fibre production and, in some cases, biofuels.
Seedlings used will procured from the Pineland Forest Nursery and other regional tree nurseries and production facilities.
• How do I get an application?
For more information and applications please visit one of the following websites:
Manitoba Forestry Association
Download application here
Phone: (204) 453-3182
Manitoba Conservation
Website: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/forestry/t4t
Phone: (204) 945-7989 in Winnipeg or Toll-free at 1-800-214-6497
• Where do I get my trees?
Either free through mall or other displays or as part of the site plan developed with your participation.
• When can I get my free trees? Why can’t I get them today?
As we wish to ensure as many of the five million seedlings survive as is possible we want to maximize your chances of success. For that reason, trees will be available only during the tree planting season (April – September) annually. Most of the trees that will be distributed next summer (2010) are still growing in our nurseries and are not yet available.
• Is there a cost for the trees? If so how much?
The seedlings are free. In addition, based on the individual plan developed with the landowner, the other services such as planting site prep or tending will also be provided free of charge.
• What is considered small scale/ large scale planting?
Small-scale planting projects are under five acres or two hectares for schools, municipalities, private landowners and non-profit organizations.
Large-scale plantings are over five acres or two hectares on private, municipal , First Nations and Crown lands
• Who’s going to plant these trees?
For small scale projects the landowner or organization will be responsible for the planting (depending on the individual plan details).
For the hybrid poplar plantations or the large scale projects all the work will probably be done by MFA \ MC (depending on the individual plan details)
• How do I get my money to plant my tree?
Some people were under the impression that the province was going to pay them to purchase a tree for their yard. Instead the plan provides tree seedlings free of charge. The seedlings received must be planted by the recipient, there will be no reimbursement for the planting. These trees are only 6 - 8 in (15 – 20 cm) tall, making them easy to plant with a basic shovel and by following the tree care instruction on the seedling bag.
• Where I can I get more information about the Trees for Tomorrow program? Website? Printed documentation?
For information and applications please visit one of the following websites:
Manitoba Forestry Association
Phone: (204) 453-3182 ext. 5
Website: http://www.thinktrees.org/Trees_for_Tomorrow_Program.aspx
Manitoba Conservation
Phone: (204) 945-7989 in Winnipeg or Toll-free at 1-800-214-6497
Website: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/forestry/t4t
• Can I use the trees for my Christmas trees or landscaping business?
These trees are not available for commercials purposes (Christmas tree growing, resale, etc.). Christmas tree stock can still be purchased through the MFA’s seedling sales program.