Mosaic Forest Management has clearly heard that communities value their outdoor access.
After receiving what the company calls an "overwhelming" response to a survey, they will be moving forward with next steps on improving its recreation program. The survey garnered 7,600 responses in 23 days.
"What we heard was clear. Communities value access to the outdoors and want more and better opportunities to do so," said Mosaic’s President and CEO Duncan Davies. "The overwhelming response, combined with the thoughtfulness people brought to their feedback, underscores the need to get solutions right."
The survey showed that many people use Mosaic's lands to get outdoors. Often these forests are the closest place for people to go outside and sometimes the only option when it comes to specific pursuits. Responses demonstrated that surrounding forests are closely tied to well-being, personal history, and daily life.
Survey participants recognized the role of managed access but also called for improvements to the current gate system, which they described as too limited, arbitrary, and unclear. The public submitted comprehensive solutions spanning user fee systems, infrastructure improvements, refined enforcement, expanded partnerships with recreation groups, and more predictable access arrangements.
Mosaic will next be engaging with an external consultant to explore solutions "that address existing issues and better utilize the recreational potential across the land base, while balancing recreation with safety, operational realities, and environmental protection," a release from Mosaic says.
That will include engagement with First Nations, users, and community members. Discussions will also take place with local and provincial governments to address challenges that private forest landowners cannot resolve independently.
The survey showed that 37 per cent of people asked have had poor experience with gates on Mosaic lands, but that people recognized the need for restrictions.
Many respondents noted the gate system lacks flexibility for different types of users. Two issues stood out: restricted hours and limited entry points.
“The hours don’t work for people who don’t have a 9–5 job. It’s not fair that only certain schedules are considered,” one anonymized participant said.
People also asked for a more flexible access system. For example, letting hikers and cyclists through while keeping more impactful activities like ATV use out.
Public updates will be provided on MosaicForests.com so communities can remain informed and engaged.
