August 8, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture project in Bonavista North District valued at $40,000

Beaton Tulk, MHA - Bonavista North, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods are pleased to announce the award of a contract valued at $40,000 to carry out a silviculture project at Four Mile Pond in the Indian Bay watershed. The Gambo-Indian Bay Development Association in Trinity was awarded a contract for precommercial thinning.

Mr. Tulk said: "This project will provide employment for seven people who will be working for approximately 14 weeks on this worthwhile project. The leadership shown on the part of the local development association is an indication of local participation in forest enhancement initiatives. This kind of stewardship is of benefit to both the community and the forest. The project will start in mid-August for a scheduled completion by mid-November."

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 additional funding for silviculture will go a long way to reach the goal of a sustainable forest and forestry industry sooner," said Mr. Aylward. "This project will reduce stand density on a 27 hectare site and allow the remaining crop trees to enjoy accelerated growth. This is also an important goal of my department's long-term silviculture strategy."

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