Silviculture projects announced for Humber East and Humber West

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, and Bob Mercer, Minister of Environment and MHA for Humber East, have announced funding in the amount of $529,977 for silviculture projects taking place this summer throughout the districts of Humber East and Humber West. Funding is being provided through a five year cost-shared silviculture agreement, valued at $16.25 million, between the provincial government and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. Under this agreement Corner Brook Pulp and Paper contributes 65 per cent of the funding with the remaining 35 per cent provided by the provincial government.

Minister Woodford said silviculture initiatives taking place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are a key component of government's overall forest management strategy. "Silviculture is vital to our province�s reforestation efforts. Accordingly, government is committed to an aggressive silviculture program, which is key to prudent management and protection of our valuable forest resources."

Minister Mercer feels the combined efforts of both Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and the province will provide several long-term benefits for the forest industry. "This joint venture between government and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper clearly demonstrates how government and industry can work together in an effective manner to promote and advance sustainable forest management in Newfoundland and Labrador."

In Humber East two projects will be taking place. These include a tree seedling planting initiative near Island Pond valued at $253,647 that will see 637,000 white and black spruce seedlings planted over an area of 530 hectares. The second project, valued at $47,858, will involve the planting of 200,000 white spruce seedling over a 100 hectare area in the Upper Glide Lake region. Seedlings for both projects are being supplied by the provincial tree nursery at Wooddale.

In Humber West, this year's silviculture work will consist of three pre-commercial thinning projects. One project is taking place in the Lewis Hills area and is valued at $126,929; the second project, valued at $101,543 is taking place in the North Brook area while the final project is taking place in the Serpentine area and has a value of $126,929.

Media contact:

Craig Renouf, Communications, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 637-2923
Carmel Turpin, Communications, Environment, (709) 729-2575

2003 07 03                                    11:05 a.m.