NLIS 3
June 11, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

New silviculture agreements announced

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced new silviculture agreements with Abitibi-Consolidated and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper that will see more than $32.5 million invested in silviculture initiatives in the province over the next five years. Joining Minister Woodford for the announcement at the Glynmill Inn in Corner Brook were Bill Furey, woodlands manager for Abitibi-Consolidated, and Kevin Sheahan, vice-president and general manager of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. 

Each five-year agreement with the pulp and paper companies is valued at $16,250,000. Silviculture initiatives will focus on pre-commercial thinning and tree planting, and will take place throughout the province. The agreements will also see the provincial government contribute seedlings from its nursery

A new component of the silviculture agreements compared to previous agreements is an annual expenditure of $200,000 for innovative silviculture research and development projects to enhance the growth, quality and yield of silviculture treatments. The $200,000 will be cost shared 50:50 between government and industry.

Minister Woodford said he is extremely pleased with the silviculture agreements, which he says demonstrate government's continued commitment to prudent and sustainable forest ecosystem management.
"Silviculture is key to the overall management of our forest ecosystem and plays a critical role in helping sustain our forest resources for future generations, while at the same time provides meaningful employment in rural areas of our province" said Minister Woodford. " These new five-year agreements also demonstrate effective partnership and cooperation between government and industry in advancing sustainable forest management in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Mr. Furey said Abitibi-Consolidated is pleased to be entering into a renewed partnership with government in the area of silviculture. "Forest renewal is an important component of our business in Newfoundland and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing our program into the future. The increased fibre produced as the result of silviculture programs will be an important part of our future wood supply at our two mills in the province."

Mr. Sheahan said: "This silviculture agreement announced today is very positive for the forestry industry in this province. We are pleased by the significant investment being made by the province and expect the results will be improved management of the forest ecosystem. Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is committed to sustainable development and to ensuring that many more generations can rely on our forest resources for economic benefit and employment in the future." 

Meanwhile, Mr. Woodford said that in addition to the government-industry silviculture agreements, the provincial government will also be investing approximately $25 million in silviculture on Crown lands over the next five years.

Silviculture initiatives create approximately 800 seasonal jobs each year. An average of 10,000 hectares of trees are planted annually through silviculture programs.

Media contact:

Sonia Glover
Communications Director
Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
(709) 729-6183

Roger Pike
Public Relations
Abitibi -Consolidated
(709) 292-3340

George VanDusen 
Forest Management Superintendent
Corner Brook Pulp and Paper
(709) 637-3322

2001 06 11                                                          2:05 p.m.