March 26, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

1998 Wildlife Inventories Program

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods has changed its method of conducting wildlife inventories. Since wildlife contributes $200 million annually to the province's economy, both in resident and non-resident activities, the management of wildlife resources is being put on a much firmer footing. Provision of an ongoing program of wildlife inventories is provided in this budget to ensure that wildlife management plans are based on up-to-date and accurate information.

The minister responsible for wildlife, Kevin Aylward, stated today: "In the past, wildlife inventories were carried out periodically for a few years and then, for a number of years no inventory studies were conducted. Now, there will be more stable and ongoing inventories being conducted. This will give our Wildlife Division a more accurate and current reflection of the health of our wildlife resources."

Contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6183.