March 22, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Silviculture helps maintain sustainable forests

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods will invest $6.4 million in silviculture for the 2000/2001 fiscal year. The Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods Kevin Aylward said today: "Silviculture work enhances the future forest resource for the next generation. There are obvious long-term economic benefits, which make silviculture activities uniquely suitable for employment generation in rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

"During the forestry sectoral forum on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth, all stakeholders emphasized the significant contribution of silviculture," said Aylward. "The success of current silviculture is clearly evident. It was indicated that our discussion on future jobs and growth in the forest sector would have been very different had silviculture programs not been implemented. Silviculture work leaves a visible legacy that will provide surrounding communities with long-term benefits. It builds on rural strengths, relying on the established skills of the rural labour force, which are largely related to the traditional industries of fishery and forestry, in terms of outdoors experience, competence in the use of chainsaws, and an affinity for the forests."

A total of 11,318 hectares will be treated through site preparation, thinning and stand reclamation as well as projects related to research, development and monitoring and 9,174 weeks of employment will be generated. In addition, over seven million seedlings will be grown in the province�s nurseries at Wooddale and Happy Valley-Goose Bay at a cost to the province of $550,000. This will generate another 1,600 weeks of employment.

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

2000 03 22