August 5, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Contracts awarded to Exploit's Valley Development Association

Roger Grimes, MHA - Exploits, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, are pleased to announce the award of a two contacts valued at $40,000 each to carry out silviculture projects in the Exploits District. The Exploit's Valley Development Association in Grand Falls-Windsor was awarded the contract for stand reclamation near Miguel Lake off the Bay d'Espoir Highway and a second contract for precommercial thinning in the Rowsell's Lake area.

Mr. Grimes said: "These projects will get underway by mid-August for a scheduled completion for mid-September to mid-November. I am pleased that seven people will be able to secure 13 weeks of employment on the Miguel Lake project, and 7 people will work 13 weeks on the Rowsell's Lake project. In total, these projects are providing 170 person-weeks of employment in this district."

"The Miguel Lake area was burned is the 1996 wildlife," explained Mr. Grimes, "And this project is aimed at improving the aesthetics of the area, as well as providing productive sites for reforestation purposes for future activities such as planting. The thinning work in the Rowsell's Lake area will improve stand density on a 40 hectare site. Reducing competition for sunlight and nutrients will then promote growth on the trees remaining on the site."

"Silvicultural projects provide meaningful work that will contribute to the long-term viability of the over 80 rural Newfoundland communities that rely on various levels of forestry related activity," added Mr. Aylward. "Moreover, this investment is an effective way to stimulate short-term employment as silviculture projects create immediate wealth through the simple fact that 70 per cent of each dollar spent is salary-related."

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 continues 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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