August 11, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture projects in Torngat Mountains District

Wally Andersen, MHA - Torngat Mountains, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, are pleased to announce the award of a $25,000 contract to carry out a silviculture project in the Torngat Mountains District. The Postville Community Council was awarded the contract for softwood management work to be carried out in the Postville area.

Mr. Andersen announced: "I would like to commend the Postville Community Council for their initiative in undertaking this worthwhile project. Work will get underway by mid-August for a scheduled completion for mid-November. I am pleased that approximately four people will be able to secure up to 14 weeks of employment. The treatment will be carried out in young regenerating forest stands with the aim of improving forest stand structure, thereby improving both the quality and quantity of future wood supply."

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.

Mr. Aylward added: "These projects provide the communities with a real sense of stewardship for the resources in their area. The forests are a provincial resource, and the work involved in managing this resource can provide employment opportunities throughout rural Newfoundland."

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.

Contact:

Anna Buffinga
(709) 729-3750

Ken Colbert
(709) 896-3405