Minister to extend domestic cutting permits

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today that an extension to the 2000-2001 domestic cutting permits will be granted on a case-by-case basis following complaints from some permit holders who cannot access their wood due to the large amount of snow.

"My department has received numerous requests to extend cutting permits for this year due to the snow conditions, which is a legitimate concern," said Mr. Woodford. "I sympathize with those who are faced with this problem and we have decided to review each request to ensure permit holders have a fair opportunity to get their wood."

Permit holders who have not been able to access their wood due to the snow are asked to contact their local forestry office to obtain an extension.

Mr. Woodford noted that some domestic permit holders have switched from snowmobile to ATV for hauling wood in the past few years making the job of accessing wood more difficult this year with the high level of snowfall.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2001 03 14                             10:40 a.m.