The NWOA came into being in 1996. That year the Norfolk Land Stewardship Council partnered with the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture and worked together to form the Norfolk Woodlot Owners Association. It was felt that there was a need in Norfolk for an organization to represent the many woodlot owners and provide a resource for all matters related to managing private and public woodlands in Norfolk. Part of this need arose due to the downsizing within the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the accompanying elimination of private land forestry services in Southern Ontario.
The NWOA works closely with, and is supported by the Forestry department of Norfolk County. Since its humble beginnings it has grown to a membership of about 300.
Norfolk County is blessed with about 25% or more of our landscape in woodlands, most of which are privately owned. The NWOA hosts events and seminars to educate their members on sustainable forest management. Woodlot members also use the association as a resource to ensure they receive fair market value for timber, information on loggers working in the County, Foresters available for marking woodlots, etc.
The first official annual general meeting for the association was held October 27, 1997 at the Lynedoch United Church, attended by approximately 50 people. The elected directors at that time were Bauke Vogelzang, Paul Beischlag, Earl Johnson, Mike Nemoraski, Craig Smith. At little later Rick Lambert and Alec Landon also became directors. Steve Scheers and Dave Reid participated as advisors to the board of directors.
A few points of interest:
- Instrumental in helping to form the Southwestern Ontario Loggers Association District #1 which is helping to raise the standards and conduct of local loggers. Better loggers leave better forests and the NWOA is serving as a catalyst for maintaining and improving our forested landscape for the betterment of future generations.
- 2003 winner in the Foundation for Rural Living’s Awards of Rural Excellence, Excellence in Community Leadership category.
- 2008 & 2009 – Norfolk County Nominated FOREST CAPITAL of CANADA
- 2008- NWOA- Norfolk Field Naturalists-Norfolk County –sponsor – GREAT TREE HUNT