Minister announces silviculture funding

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford has announced funding totalling $61,272 for two silviculture initiatives in the province. 

"Investing in silviculture work being done in Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrates government's commitment to responsible forest management. Tree planting initiatives contribute to the forest regeneration process which provide a future wood supply while enhancing the health of forest ecosystems," said Woodford. "In addition, projects such as these create meaningful employment and provide a significant boost to local economies particularly in rural communities."

One silviculture initiative is for the district of Lewisporte and involves the planting of 512,000 tree seedlings on a site of 205 hectares. The project, valued at $36, 475, is under way creating employment for 10 individuals for a period of eight weeks. 

A second project, valued at $24,797, will take place in the district of Harbour Main-Whitbourne and consists of reforestation activity as 250,000 seedlings will be planted on the site of a cutover encompassing approximately 100 hectares in the Fox Marsh area. This project is scheduled to get under way July 16 creating employment for 15 people.

Funding for these projects is being provided through the provincial government's silviculture program. The seedlings were grown at the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery.

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

2001 07 03                                                    1:05 p.m.