Are you completing a Managed Forest Plan for your southern Ontario property? Do you have an existing wetland on your property? Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) can help you save money.

How can I get a tax benefit from Ducks Unlimited?

We talked about the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) in our last blog post. Ontario landowners who qualify for the MFTIP and have a wetland that meets certain criteria are eligible for a 40% reimbursement (up to $600) from Ducks Unlimited Canada toward their approved Managed Forest Plan. 

This is a pilot partnership under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s MFTIP program that includes DUC, the Ontario Woodlot Association, and forest landowners. This partnership is meant to help improve wetland stewardship in southern Ontario.

Is my wetland eligible for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program?

To be eligible, landowners must:

• Complete a Managed Forest Plan through the MFTIP program (with a Managed Forest Plan Approver)

• Identify an existing wetland in their Managed Forest Plan, which is a minimum of 5 acres (2 hectares) and provides waterfowl habitat

• Be located within the southern Ontario eligibility area

• Commit to a 10-year Conservation Agreement with DUC

The MFTIP program cannot overlap with other DUC conservation programs such as livestock exclusion fencing or installing wood duck nest boxes.

For more information, visit Ducks Unlimited’s website or contact Ducks Unlimited to speak with a conservation specialist. In Ontario, call (705) 721-4444 (Barrie) or email du_barrie@ducks.ca.

Can I donate land for a tax benefit?

Ducks Unlimited Canada is one of the few charities that accept land donations, primarily land that is considered ecologically sensitive.

To encourage the preservation of ecologically sensitive land, the Canadian Government provides enhanced tax incentives for gifts of land and conservation easements to DUC. These gifts of land offer substantial tax savings and eliminate capital gains that would normally be due if lands were sold. 

How do I get started with land donation?

For more information, visit Ducks Unlimited’s website or contact one of the national planned giving managers, or contact your legal, tax or financial advisor. In eastern Canada, contact Janice O’Dette.