August 21, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Fogo Island Development Association receives $40,000 silviculture contract

Gerry Reid, MHA - Twillingate-Fogo, and Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today the award of a $40,000 contract to the Fogo Island Development Association to carry out a diameter limit thinning project near the community of Stagg Harbour on Fogo Island.

Mr. Reid announced: "This project will commence in mid-August with a scheduled completion for late November. I am pleased that six people will be able to secure 14 weeks of employment on this worthwhile project. The thinning work will reduce stand density to promote increased growth of individual trees."

Mr. Aylward said: "Silviculture initiatives such as this one continue to be an important initiative by government and are part of its commitment to manage our forests responsibly and, on a sustainable basis. This project will contribute significantly to reforestation in the area, and provide much needed work for the people in the district."

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. The Employment Initiative Fund complements previous commitments for 1997, where 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) 256-7131