Silviculture project to be undertaken by Hamilton Sound Development Association in Bonavista North

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the award of a contract to the Hamilton Sound Development Association to carry out silviculture work in the Carmanville area. "This project involves the thinning of young, overly dense softwood regeneration by removing the unwanted trees," said the minister. "Naturally regenerating forest can result in tree densities competing for light, moisture and nutrients. Thinning allows for more concentrated growth for the remaining crop trees."

In completing this project, the Hamilton Sound Development Association will recover up to $50,000 to cover the costs of labour and materials. This work will reduce stand density to approximately 2,500 softwood stems per hectare. An unthinned buffer is to be left around the treatment area and around large openings in order to reduce the risk of wind damage. This thinning process will allow the forest to produce larger trees over a shorter rotation period.

"It is encouraging to see local organizations taking the lead in coordinating a forest management initiative in their own back yard," Mr. Tulk said. "In this way, this project truly represents the community's investment in the future of the forest industry for the people of Bonavista North."

The project will be under way in the next month, and will be concluded not later than October 31, 1996.

Contact: Anna Buffinga, (709) 729-3750.