December 10, 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:

As part of the Christmas season, many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will soon be traveling into the woods in search of their Christmas tree. It is fitting therefore that I address the regulations involved in this festive tradition.

I ask that it be noted that it is illegal to cut any tree within 102 metres of the centre line of any highway or to cut trees in any forest improvement or preservation area, such as plantation, thinning, "No Cutting" areas or provincial and national parks.

Also, in the interest of conservation I urge people to decide upon their tree before cutting it, as it is also illegal, not to mention wasteful, to cut trees down and leave them in the forest.

Selling Christmas trees is also a seasonal industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Venders who plan on cutting trees to sell, require a commercial cutting permit. These can be obtained from any district Forestry office throughout the province.

Another seasonal industry, which is growing by leaps and bounds, is the Christmas wreath industry which provides employment on several levels from harvesting tree tips to wreath tying and the final marketing of the product.

Newfoundland and Labrador is an ideal place for a Christmas wreath industry. There is an abundance of balsam fir which is the species of choice for wreath making and many facilities available for production of the wreaths.

Last year, two pilot projects at Clarenville and Victoria Cove produced 10,000 Christmas wreaths and employed or trained approximately 80 people. These results were very promising. Operators were able to train wreath tyers, establish local markets, and gain entry into lucrative export markets. This year the number of wreaths manufactured locally has more than doubled, with approximately 25,000 wreaths produced. The majority of these wreaths are exported to the United States, and there are wreaths available at local retail outlets. I encourage the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to hang a locally grown wreath in their homes this Christmas season. Not only will you have a beautiful Christmas decoration but you will also be supporting local industry and jobs.

In closing, as people begin their hunt for that perfect Christmas tree, I ask that they observe the rules and also that they use care and common sense while in the woods and make this a safe and happy Christmas.

1999 12 10 9:25 a.m.