January 31, 1996
(Executive Council)

Centre for the Management of Sustainable Forest Ecosystems to be established at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College

Premier Brian Tobin and Federal Natural Resources Minister Anne McLellan announced today in Corner Brook that an agreement has been reached between the federal and provincial government to establish the Centre for the Management of Sustainable Forest Ecosystems at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College.

"We are focussing our expertise and forestry research in this way because land-based renewable resources can provide secure, well-paying jobs long after other developments have run their course. Our future for generations to come must be based on careful management and full- development of our renewable resources," said Premier Tobin.

"Through this partnership approach with the Newfoundland government, forest industry, and the Western Model Forest, we are able to maintain the Canadian Forest Service in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Ms. McLellan. "More importantly, this new approach will enhance the research and education components to further benefit the industry and its future potential."

The centre, to be housed in a new building constructed through a $5 million contribution from the Economic Renewal Fund, will bring together three current programs:

• The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) of the federal Department of Natural Resources. The 30 professional, technical, and post- graduate staff of the CFS will be established in Corner Brook to pursue research on forest ecosystems and strategies for advancing sustainable development.
• The Western Model Forest currently located in Corner Brook. Funded by the federal government, the model forest is a joint effort of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, Abitibi-Price, the City of Corner Book, Humber Environment Action Group, Centre for Forestry and Environmental Studies of Fisher Campus of the Westviking College, Wildlife Division of the provincial government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Service. Funding under the model forest is directed at developing the forest management planning process, integrating wildlife and water quality objectives with timber management plans and creating greater public awareness of forest resource management.
• The two-year Forest Diploma Program of Memorial University which is currently offered at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College.

"Combined with the introduction of a degree program in environmental science, the establishment of this centre will make Grenfell College a major focus of Memorial University's programs in renewable resource education. It complements the other forestry research and education initiatives already in the Corner Brook area," said Premier Tobin.

Contact:

• Cathy Coady
  Director of Communications
  Premier's Office
  (709) 729-3570 or (7090 682-3599

  Lisa Hart
  Press Secretary
  Minister's Office
  Natural Resources Canada
  (613) 996-2007