A Short Guide for Prospectors to Forest Management Units or Gaining Access to the Forest for Mineral Exploration Purposes
Prospectors usually research an area before they venture into the bush to explore for minerals. There are many different types of maps at their disposal but there is one resource that many of us may not be aware of―Forest Management Plans (FMPs).
The MNRF has divided much of the province's Crown forests into management units (FMUs) and each has a FMP. FMPs have a ten-year duration, though occasionally this may be extended by up to three years. They include details on harvesting locations & schedules and the location, construction and decommissioning of access roads. A map and other details about FMUs are available at
https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-management-planning?_escaped_fragment_=/
Each FMU should also have a Local Citizens Committee, the members of which are volunteers who represent land users including the minerals sector. Each FMP is under continual review by the LCC and the Ministry. To find out when a particular plan is up for renewal, contact the local MNRF district office or use the public Forest Management website noted above. To learn if there is a minerals sector representative on the LCC for your area of interest or to volunteer for such a position, contact MNRF or a member of NWOPA’s Board of Directors.
NWOPA Land Use Contact
Mike Grant - grantme@tbaytel.net
Regional Land Use Geologist (RLUG)
The Regional Land Use Geologist with the Thunder Bay MNDM office can advise you regarding land use issues related to prospecting and mineral exploration issues. Call (807) 475-1663.
MNRF District Offices
Area Code (807)
Atikokan 597-6971
Kenora 468-2501
Dryden 223-3341
Nipigon 887-5000
Fort Frances 274-5337
Red Lake 727-2253
Geraldton 854-1030
Sioux Lookout 737-1140
Ignace 934-2233
Terrace Bay 825-3205
Prospectors usually research an area before they venture into the bush to explore for minerals. There are many different types of maps at their disposal but there is one resource that many of us may not be aware of―Forest Management Plans (FMPs).
The MNRF has divided much of the province's Crown forests into management units (FMUs) and each has a FMP. FMPs have a ten-year duration, though occasionally this may be extended by up to three years. They include details on harvesting locations & schedules and the location, construction and decommissioning of access roads. A map and other details about FMUs are available at
https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-management-planning?_escaped_fragment_=/
Each FMU should also have a Local Citizens Committee, the members of which are volunteers who represent land users including the minerals sector. Each FMP is under continual review by the LCC and the Ministry. To find out when a particular plan is up for renewal, contact the local MNRF district office or use the public Forest Management website noted above. To learn if there is a minerals sector representative on the LCC for your area of interest or to volunteer for such a position, contact MNRF or a member of NWOPA’s Board of Directors.
NWOPA Land Use Contact
Mike Grant - grantme@tbaytel.net
Regional Land Use Geologist (RLUG)
The Regional Land Use Geologist with the Thunder Bay MNDM office can advise you regarding land use issues related to prospecting and mineral exploration issues. Call (807) 475-1663.
MNRF District Offices
Area Code (807)
Atikokan 597-6971
Kenora 468-2501
Dryden 223-3341
Nipigon 887-5000
Fort Frances 274-5337
Red Lake 727-2253
Geraldton 854-1030
Sioux Lookout 737-1140
Ignace 934-2233
Terrace Bay 825-3205