COVID-19 update
Halton Regional forests are now open to visitors. Please continue to practice physical distancing when visiting these spaces to help protect yourself and others.
About Halton's Regional Forests
Halton Region has managed its Regional Forests for more than 75 years. It owns 703 hectares (1,739 acres) of forests in 14 separate tracts, which include wooded areas, wetlands and meadows. Regional Forests provide rich and varied habitats for wildlife and are home to several rare species.
Regional Forest tract maps
Halton Region's forests are open to the public for passive recreational use. The maps below highlight forest locations, access information and geological features.
Most forests have small parking lots. Locations marked with an asterisk (*) do not have parking lots.
Forest management plan
In 2005, Regional Council adopted a 20-year Forest Management Plan to guide forest uses. The plan includes a 10-year Capital Plan and a five-year Operating Plan.
Forest use by-law
Regional Forest Use By-law 31-10 (PDF file) lists permitted and non-permitted uses within the Regional Forest tracts.
Biodiversity strategy for Regional Forests
In 2014, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Regional Forests and in support of the Regional Natural Heritage System, Halton Regional Council approved a 10-year Biodiversity Strategy for the Halton Regional Forests (PDF file). Halton Region is the first regional government with a biodiversity strategy, making it a leader in enhancing, maintaining and promoting biodiversity in Ontario.
Forest certification
On February 8, 2015, Halton's Regional Forests achieved certification with the Forest Stewardship Council international system, through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest group certificate FSC No.CO18800.
Forest health report card
Halton Region prepared a 2016 Forest Health Report Card in support of the Forest Management Plan and Biodiversity Strategy. The report card (prepared every five years) looks at forest health and ecosystem integrity from forestry, ecology and hydrology perspectives.
Hunting on Regional Forest properties
Annually, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website (external link) lists the dates for hunting season. Halton Region is located within Wildlife Management Units 79C and 79D.
Dress for safety during hunting season. Wear bright, visible, coloured clothing when visiting Regional Forests.
Deer
Deer
Hunting deer by shotgun or bow is permitted in 12 of the 14 regional forest tracts if:
- It takes place during the Controlled Deer Hunt season (first Monday to Friday in November) OR during Bows-Only Season (October 1 to December 31, except during Controlled Deer Hunt)
- It does not occur at any time within the Cox and Coulson tracts
- Hunters follow all proper Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) hunting practices and regulations
Wild turkey
Wild turkey
Spring wild turkey hunt is permitted within the following forests tracts only from April 25 to May 31, 2021:
- Acton
- Conley
- Elliott
- Finney
- Frank
- Snyder
Other game animals
Other game animals
Hunting for all other game animals in the Regional Forests is not permitted.
For more information, please contact Halton Region Forestry.