May 23, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Province upholds commitment to establish Forestry Centre on West Coast

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today that the province is keeping its promise to establish a Forestry Centre in Corner Brook. "I am happy to be able to tell you that the Forestry Centre will proceed as planned." The minister said: "Not only will the project proceed as planned, but the centre has even been placed on the fast track to bring completion in as soon as possible."

The centre will be of tremendous value to the forestry and environmental sectors province-wide. It will bring together a critical mass of forestry expertise which will not only strengthen the existing forest research capability, but will foster new alliances and partnerships among industry, educational institutions, and both levels of government.

The Centre for Management of Sustainable Forest Ecosystems will house three programs currently operating on the West Coast: The Canadian Forest Service, the Western Newfoundland Model Forest, and the two-year forest diploma program at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. The facility will contain "state of the art" office and laboratory technology which will enhance Newfoundland's participation in national forest science networks.

The project is being built with $5 million of funding from the Economic Renewal Fund and construction is expected to begin in October of this year with an expected completion date of July 1997.

"This initiative further demonstrates government's strong commitment to the effective management of forest ecosystems," said the minister. "As well, the new centre consolidates other forestry research, environmental education and sustainable development programs already in the Corner Brook area."

Contact:

     
     Dr. Mohammed Nazir                 Anna Buffinga
     Assistant Deputy Minister          Coordinator
     Forestry and Wildlife              Information and Education
     (709) 729-2704                     (709) 729-3750