Minister Byrne announces $270,881 for silviculture initiatives

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, has announced a total of $270,881 in funding for two silviculture projects. One project is taking place across the provincial districts of Windsor-Springdale, Humber Valley and St. Barbe and is valued at $228,000. The other project is taking place in the district of Windsor-Springdale and is valued at $42,881.

Project activities will consist of the spacing of young timber stands to provide for improved tree growth over an area of 300 hectares and the planting of 537,500 black spruce seedlings over an area of 215 hectares. The tree seedlings are being provided by the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery.

Minister Byrne says silviculture projects ongoing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this summer will play a vital role in supporting a healthy forest ecosystem while ensuring there is a future wood supply for the province. "Important silviculture activity such as the planting of tree seedlings and the pre-commercial thinning of timber stands demonstrate government�s commitment to responsible forest management," said Minister Byrne. "In addition, the provincial silviculture program provides meaningful employment opportunities for many individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly in rural communities."

It is expected that both projects will create 240 person weeks of employment. Funding for these projects is being provided through the provincial silviculture program. This year, government will invest a total of $7.3 million into the silviculture program throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

2004 06 30                                      11:30 a.m.