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March 22, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Forest roads provide access to resources

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods has maintained the 2000 Forest Access Roads budget at $2 million.

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Kevin Aylward said today: "These funds will be used to continue improving access to the province�s timber stands and will have a positive impact on the sawmilling industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The additional funding will also work toward stabilizing the economies of rural Newfoundland."

Forest access roads not only serve to provide better access to timber stands in the province, in fact, several roads have significant long term benefits. Hunters, anglers and people wishing to gain access to remote areas for recreation, all benefit from the construction of these public access roads.

By the end of 1999, the department had funded the construction of 2,430 kilometres of access roads throughout the province. The province will maintain its traditional levels of new resource roads annually.

"The expansion of the roads program this year is a further example of the increased focus on rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. The utilization of the forest resource gives rise to a host of economic activities. The forest industry is currently the third largest contributor to the economy. We must also focus attention on the long term stability of the forest sector in the province," Minister Aylward said, noting that forestry in Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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

2000 03 22 


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