May 3, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

The following statement was issued today by Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I take this opportunity today, to announce National Forestry Week from May 3 to May 8. It is sponsored, nationally by the Canadian Forestry Association and by the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Protection Association in our province.

In the early 1920s, Forest Fire Prevention Week began with the intention of encouraging greater public awareness about Canada's forests. At that time, there was no apparent shortage of trees for industrial expansion, and the greatest threat was from forest fires, mainly due to human causes.

National Forestry Week, as it now known, was adopted in 1967. This was in response to more general recognition of the many needs - both human and environmental.

National Forestry Week emphasizes greater awareness of the nature and management of Canada's forests. Although special activities are promoted each year by a nation-wide network of cooperators, National Forest Week remains first and foremost a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about the nation's forest heritage and to support greater recognition of it.

The theme for National Forestry Week is Forest Fires - Handle with Care. Forest fires can have devastating affects on human and ecological values. Wildfires can lead to loss of human life and cause enormous property damage by destroying homes, infrastructure, recreational areas and timber. Fires can also destroy ecologically sensitive areas such as critical fish and wildlife habitat.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the number of human-caused fires is alarming. The vast majority of the 192 fires recorded last year were caused by people - only 24 were caused naturally, by lightning. The remaining 168 fires in the province were caused by human carelessness.

This province saw a greater than average number of fires in 1998, the total area burnt - over 40,000 hectares, mostly non-productive forest land.

Our fire protection and management staff work hard to advocate fire prevention by visiting schools, youth organizations and service clubs, particularly during National Forest Week. Messages are aired, through the media, signs are posted on public highways, secondary and woods roads, and in cabin development areas. Beware and Prepare public awareness kits are distributed to individuals, cottage associations and other concerned groups to educate the public about wildfire hazards, and provide information on property protection.

In addition, the Fire Order has been issued for the 1999 season. On the island, there will be no open fires permitted after May 7 and May 14 in Labrador.

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is dedicated to managing our province's forest ecosystems, with a view to protecting and developing our valuable resources. We strive to integrate modern and traditional management strategies into a holistic ecosystem management perspective.

All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should enjoy continued access to our forests for commercial and recreational activities with the confidence that they are maintained responsibly.

I encourage all Members of the House of Assembly, and the general public, to participate in National Forest Week and recognize the contribution of our forests to our economic and social well being.

In light of the current debate on forestry issues, I would like to also take time to inform the Members of the House that our department will host a Round Table on Forest Resources. Industry, labour, community representatives and other agencies have been invited to participate in this round table to be held on June 1 in Stephenville.

It will provide a mechanism for dialogue among various stakeholders on current and future forest policies and programs in the province.

As our department prepares for the year 2000, it is important that all users understand the key issues and develop strategies to sustain our valuable forest resources.

1999 05 03 3:25 p.m.