Minister announces $121,900 in silviculture funding

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford, along with Tom Lush, MHA for Terra Nova, today announced $121,900 in funding for silviculture work encompassing the provincial districts of Terra Nova, Bonavista South and Trinity North. Funding is being provided through the provincial silviculture program.

The project will see approximately 1,060,000 tree seedlings from the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery planted over 424 hectares. The tree planting initiative is part of the Province�s ongoing reforestation effort that will result in a vigorous, uniformly spaced and healthy tree plantation.

"Investing into the future of our forest resource through tree planting initiatives is an integral component of government�s responsible approach to sustainable forest management," said Minister Woodford. "This year, approximately eight million tree seedlings will be planted as part of the provincial silviculture program. Government�s commitment in this regard will help sustain a healthy forest for the future."

Mr. Lush said, "Silviculture initiatives are important to our province�s reforestation efforts. Government is committed to an aggressive silviculture program, which is key to prudent management and protection of our valuable forest resources."

TerCan Holdings Inc. Limited was awarded the contract for the project, which is scheduled to commence on June 23 and will provide employment for 27 people for approximately six weeks.

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

2003 06 20                                      1:10 p.m.