Land Management

South Nation Conservation (SNC) plays a leading role in the stewardship and management of more than 20,000 acres of community forest and conservation land across Eastern Ontario. This includes SNC-owned properties, as well as lands managed in partnership with regional municipalities such as the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G).

These lands provide essential benefits to the watershed — supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, reducing erosion and flood risk, and offering natural spaces for communities to enjoy.

Expertise in Sustainable Forest and Land Stewardship

SNC’s forestry team includes three Registered Professional Foresters and two forest technicians, bringing more than 75 years of combined experience in responsible land management.

Our staff provide science-based services that help ensure forests and natural areas remain healthy, resilient, and well-managed over the long term.

Services for Community Forest Partners

SNC supports municipalities and conservation partners through a full range of land and forest management services, including:

  • Forest management planning and operational oversight

  • Forest inventory, monitoring, and regeneration support

  • Tree marking and sustainable harvest planning

  • Tree planting, restoration, and site tending

  • Inspections of forest operations and contractor work

  • Woodlot advisory services for private landowners

  • GIS mapping and land information management

  • Public, stakeholder, and First Nations engagement

  • Property administration and long-term stewardship

👉 To learn more, visit SNC Forestry Services 

Conservation Lands Strategy

SNC’s work is guided by our Conservation Lands Strategy (2024), which provides the framework for managing and protecting the lands we own or control throughout the watershed.

SNC currently owns and manages more than 12,000 acres across 187 parcels, including forests, wetlands, flood and erosion control lands, and Conservation Areas.

The Strategy establishes clear principles for land stewardship, including conservation, restoration, sustainable use, and long-term planning. It is reviewed every five years to remain responsive to evolving environmental and community needs

👉 Access the Conservation Lands Strategy here.

Supporting the Natural Heritage System

SNC’s conservation lands form an important part of the region’s Natural Heritage System — a connected network of forests, wetlands, rivers, and natural corridors that sustain ecological health across Eastern Ontario.

Protecting and strengthening this system helps:

  • Maintain wildlife habitat and biodiversity

  • Improve water quality and shoreline stability

  • Support climate resilience through natural infrastructure

  • Connect public lands and environmentally significant areas

SNC works closely with municipal, Indigenous, and community partners to enhance ecological connectivity and protect significant natural features across the watershed.

👉 Learn more about Natural Heritage Systems here.

Conservation Areas

SNC owns and operates a network of Conservation Areas that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and nature connection. These public spaces help protect environmentally significant lands while offering residents places to hike, paddle, learn, and enjoy the outdoors.

Our Conservation Areas are managed in partnership with municipalities and community groups, and contribute to long-term conservation, habitat protection, and public access.

👉 Learn more about SNC Conservation Areas
[Insert link to Conservation Areas page]

Water Control Structures

SNC also manages a number of water control and erosion protection structures that play a critical role in watershed safety and resilience.

These structures help:

  • Reduce flood risk in vulnerable areas

  • Manage water levels and flows

  • Support erosion control and shoreline stability

  • Protect downstream infrastructure and communities

Water control structures are an essential part of SNC’s mandate to manage natural hazards and protect people and property while maintaining healthy river systems.

👉 Learn more about Water Control Structures
[Insert link to Water Control Structures page]

Connecting Land, Water, and Community

Together, SNC’s conservation lands, community forests, Conservation Areas, and water management infrastructure form a connected system of natural and managed assets that support a healthier watershed for people and nature.

Learn More

To learn more about SNC’s land management services or partnership opportunities, please email us at info@nation.on.ca or explore our related pages:

👉 Forestry Services
👉 Stewardship and Grant Programs