August 5, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture project in Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the award of a $36,570 contract to carry out a silviculture project in Gander District. The Thomas Howe Forest Foundation of Gander have been awarded a contract for silvicultural work in the Demonstration Forest.

MHA for Gander, Sandra Kelly, said: "This project will get underway by mid-August for a scheduled completion for mid-November. I am pleased that seven people will be able to secure 14 weeks of employment on this worthwhile project.

"This project will involve clearing of the forests slash and blowdown on the access roads and the interpretation site. Additional work on the infrastructure of the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest will help maintain and expand this valuable educational and visitor attraction for the Gander area."

"Forests and forest-related economic and recreation activities are part of the cultural identity and community sustainability of this province," added Mr. Aylward. "The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest is an excellent interpretive facility which reminds us of the value of the forest, and why we need to always be aware of our responsibility for stewardship of this resource."

This project is made possible through a commitment of $2.5 million under the provincial government's Employment Initiatives Fund for the development and maintenance of the forest resource and the jobs associated with this resource.

Government has continued to provide strong support to the ongoing silviculture program. For 1997, government announced a total of $12.4 million to be spent on silviculture-related work. This amount represents direct provincial contributions combined with partnership arrangements with the two pulp and paper companies, Abitibi Consolidated Inc. and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, plus a combination of federal/provincial government investment through the Transitional Jobs Fund.

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