September 9, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Thinning Project contract awarded near Port Hope Simpson, Cartwright/L'Anse au Clair District

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the award of a contract to thin 25 hectares near Port Hope Simpson.

A $14,125 contract was awarded to Saunders Lumber of Happy Valley/Goose Bay. "The intent of this project is to control the spacing of an area of young regeneration by felling excess trees and by maintaining an even distribution of the remaining crop trees at a prescribed density and spacing," said the minister. The objective of spacing is to concentrate growth on the remaining trees by reducing the competition for light, moisture and nutrients. This will increase the wood yield and the individual tree size and value.

"Contractors must strictly enforce pre-commercial thinning standards and wildlife habitat-environment protection guidelines," Mr. Tulk emphasized. "These measures will ensure that thinning treatment enhances or at least has no adverse impacts on wildlife habitat and biodiversity," he added.

The project will employ 10 people for six weeks.

Contact:

Rubin Vineberg
Department of Forest Resources and Agifoods
(709) 729-3750

Ken Colbert
Regional Resource Director, Labrador Region
Department of Forest Resources and Agifoods
(709) 896-3405