June 17, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

The following statement was issued today by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. It was also read in the House of Assmebly:

Ministerial Statement - Silvicultural Program

I would like to announce the details of the 1996 silvicultural program in Newfoundland and Labrador as it is implemented on both Crown forest lands and pulp and paper industry-held forest lands. The primary focus of this over $11 million program is to enhance the productivity of our forest resources. The major thrust is on promoting the growth of trees by manually thinning the very dense young forest stands that often occur with natural regeneration. Reducing competition provides the young trees with more space and light to grow.

The second major component is the reforestation of unstocked or understocked forest lands which can occur after harvesting or from natural causes such as insect infestation or fires. Both programs are very labour intensive, therefore, they provide immediate jobs, as well as long term increased productivity of our forests for future use.

The province will invest $2,251,528 in 54 projects on Crown land to carry out site preparation of about 1,600 hectares, planting of 1,800 hectares and tree thinning 1,900 hectares of forest land. This level of investment will generate 2,814 weeks of employment. In addition to this expenditure, the province will:

• (1) Contribute $1,010,684 which includes seedlings to the value of
  $175,000 to the Pulp and Paper Company Program;

  (2) Spend $814,000 to grow some 7,500,000 seedlings which will
  generate another 1,017 weeks of employment; and

  (3) Spend $1.7 million on research and development, monitoring of
  company and Crown projects, and program administration. Thus,
  the province's total expenditure on silviculture will be
  $5,776,212.

I would like to bring to the attention of my honourable colleagues that the industry will invest $6,249,850 in 35 projects on company limits to undertake site preparation of 668 hectares, planting of 103 hectares and thinning of 4,969 hectares of forest land.

In total, some $11,015,400 will be invested on silviculture in the province by the provincial government and the two pulp and paper companies in 1996. This investment will generate over 12,000 weeks of employment and improve forest productivity on over 11,000 hectares of prime forest lands. I have available a summary of projects on Crown forest lands for more details.