September 10, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture Project For Topsail Area

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and Ralph Wiseman, MHA-Topsail, announced today that funding has been allocated under the Provincial Job Creation Program, to thin 30 hectares of forest near Trout Pond on the Trans Canada Highway.

"I am pleased to announce this initiative along with my colleague Mr. Wiseman," the minister said. "Such silviculture treatments are important to the future development of our forest industry, as well as help maintain a healthy forest ecosystem."

Mr. Wiseman added: "I am pleased to inform the public that the Northeast Avalon Community Futures Development Corporation has been awarded this contract valued at $30,000. They will employ five people for a tweleve week period and contribute to the economy of the area."

This project is made possible through a commitment of $2.5 million dollars under the provincial government's Employment Initiatives Fund for the development and maintenance of the forest resource and jobs associated with the forest resource.

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 Job Fund.

Work on this project is expected to commence within the next week and will be completed by early December.

Contact:

Ed Blackmore , Central Region Forest Office, (709) 256-1451
Anna Buffinga, Communications, (709) 729-3750