August 8, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture projects in Topsail District

Ralph Wiseman, MHA - Topsail, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, are pleased to announce the award of a $30,000 contract to carry out a silviculture project in the Topsail District. The Northeast Avalon Community Futures Development Corporation was awarded the contract for precommercial thinning in the Trout Pond area of Topsail.

Mr. Wiseman said: "This project will get underway by mid-August for a scheduled completion for mid-October. I am pleased that seven people will be able to secure 10 weeks of employment on this worthwhile project. The thinning work will improve stand density on a 30 hectare site. Reducing competition for sunlight and nutrients will then promote growth of the trees remaining on the site."

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.

"This project will promote the production of sawlog material for future harvesting. Silvicultural projects provide meaningful work that will contribute to the long-term viability of the over 80 rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities that rely on various levels of forestry related activity," stated 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."

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.

Contact:

Anna Buffinga
(709) 729-3750

Ed Blackmore
(709) 256-1451