The County of Lanark’s Forestry Sub-Department works to sustain and enhance the health and biodiversity of the ecosystems of the community forests. It helps create opportunities for a variety of responsible uses of the community forests, and strives to promote better understanding and appreciation for their values and uses. It ensures they are managed as a model of sustainable forest management and harvesting practices

For many years, the forests have provided opportunities for community work placement programs, such as Ontario Works, thereby enabling individuals to make valuable contributions to the community.

The County also manages disturbances, such as fire, insects and diseases, to maintain the overall health of the community forests while ensuring that human life and private property are protected from such disturbances in a responsible and effective manner.

In order to manage and provide stewardship of the community forests, the County engages in active partnerships with municipalities, resource agencies, businesses, community groups, farmers and others. It pursues sources of revenue and funding so the forests will be eventually financially self-sustaining.