The MNRF will close its Ontario Tree Seed Plant (OTSP) in August of 2018 — a move that caught many of its customers by surprise.
Since opening in 1923, the plant has earned recognition as a world leader in tree-seed collection, using innovative technology to extract, clean, test, and store billions of seeds annually.
These are used in Ontario forests, woodlots, parks, schoolyards, and backyards.
The OTSP stores and sells viable seeds and supplies 50 native-tree species to nurseries, forestry companies, and the public. Seed sales will continue until August 2018.
The closure is concerning for many professionals in the forest sector, as well as conservation groups. Several have asked the provincial government to reconsider the decision or examine other options.
A news release by the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) on Nov. 9 argued against the closure, saying, “The OTSP closure is a game changer — with the potential to be a game ender. The FGCA and Forests Ontario’s grower and planting partners are very concerned. Where will the millions of stored seeds go? Where will next year’s seed crops be processed? Who will monitor seed quality and track seed source? Who will invest in the expertise needed to establish and maintain a long-term seed bank — a critical weapon to fight the impacts of climate change?”
A www.change.org petition is also being compiled and, at press time, had gathered approximately 6,500 signatures.
Rob Keen, CEO of the non-profit Forests Ontario, said the OTSP helped to keep high quality, locally-adapted seed available.
But the MNRF says their efforts could be put to better use.
“As Ontario’s forest renewal practices have evolved, processing demand at the plant has decreased significantly,” said MNRF Senior Media Relations Officer Jolanta Kowalski.
“Moving forward, the ministry is focusing our efforts on a modern and efficient science-based native seed genetic archive, which will better support biodiversity and meet the needs of climate-change science.”
Originally published in the Jan.-Feb. 2018 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
