June 16, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

100 hectares of forest selected for thinning

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced that 100 hectares of balsam fir and black spruce in the Birchy Bay/Jumpers Brook area of the Lewisporte District will be thinned to ensure a future crop of young, vigorous trees. RDN Construction Ltd. of St. John's received the $41,900 contract.

"Projects, such as this one, are necessary to improve the overall growth and health of timber stands," stated Minister Aylward. "The 100 hectares planned for precommercial thinning was commercially logged by three sawmill operators about 20 years ago."

Brush saws will be used in thinning, to comply with environmental standards and protection. This project is due to start July 5, and will run for six weeks. It will create 14 jobs, contributing significantly to the total number of silviculture jobs introduced in the district for this season.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 06 16         10:20 a.m.