NLIS 2
May 30, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

$240,000 announced for silviculture project

Funding in the amount of $240,000 has been made available for a silviculture program in the district of Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune this summer. The announcement was made today by Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister, Kevin Aylward in conjunction with area MHA, Oliver Langdon. The funding has been made available through the Provincial Silviculture Program.

"Investing in the future of our provincial forest resource through the planting of tree seedlings is an integral component of the Newfoundland Forest Service�s responsible approach to sustainable forest management," said Aylward. "Silviculture activity enhances the quality and availability of the future wood supply while maintaining ecosystem health and integrity."

Langdon added: "Silviculture activity also acts as an important economic generator particularly in rural areas of the province. Tree planting and thinning projects provide a consistent source of employment for hundreds of individuals in several communities throughout the province each year. It is expected this project will create work for 28 people for a duration of 12 weeks."

Activity is expected to take place near Bay d� Espoir in the areas of White Hills, Forebay and Swanger Cove. A total of 300 hectares of productive forest land will be treated. Silviculture treatments to be carried out include pre-commercial and commercial thinning and hardwood management. Such activity involves reducing densities thus reducing crop rotation. Some tree seedling planting is also proposed.

This project will be administered through the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and is expected to start on June 7

Media contact: Craig Renouf, (709) 637-2923, fax (709) 637-2403.

2000 05 30                             4:05 p.m.