Silviculture funding announced for Harbour Main-Whitbourne

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, along with the MHA for Harbour Main-Whitbourne, Tom Hedderson, have announced funding in the amount of $55,000 for a silviculture project in the district. The funding is being provided through the provincial silviculture program. Government will invest $7.3 million in the silviculture program in 2004.

Minister Byrne says silviculture projects ongoing throughout the province this year will play a vital role in sustaining a future wood supply for the province. "It is through these various silviculture initiatives that government is demonstrating it is taking a responsible approach toward the long-term development of our forest resource," said Minister Byrne.

Mr. Hedderson said, "Silviculture programs such as this are very important to the local forest industry. In addition, such initiatives create meaningful employment opportunities in rural parts of the province while helping sustain and enhance our valuable forest resources for future generations."

This project is taking place in the vicinity of Fox Marsh and will see the spacing of immature timber stands that will provide for improved tree growth. Approximately 60 person weeks of employment will be created through this initiative. It is expected the project will be completed in October.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282

2004 06 16                                     11:55 a.m.