September 10, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture project for Bellevue District

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced a contract valued at $24,570 under the Provincial Job Creation Program for silviculture work near the community of Bellevue. "This contract," the minister stated, "like others we have announced, will provide meaningful employment for people and in turn contribute to the long term viability of over 80 rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities that rely heavily on the forest sector. This investment is an effective way to stimulate short term employment and create income for people because 70 per cent of each dollar spent is salary related.

I am pleased to inform the public that the Isthmus Development Association has been awarded this contract, which will see 25 hectares of forest thinned near the community of Bellevue."

Percy Barrett MHA - Bellevue, joined the minister in making the announcement. Mr. Barrett said: "This type of work is necessary to allow for the future growth of a healthy crop of young vigorous trees and will employ nine workers in the area for a six week period."

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 & Paper, plus a combination of federal/provincial government investment through the Transitional Jobs Fund.

Work on this project is expected to start within the next week and take approximately six weeks to complete.

Contact:

Ed Blackmore , Central Region Forest Office , (709) 256-1451

Anna Buffinga, Communications, (709) 729-3750