Silviculture initiatives taking place in Lewisporte District

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, and Tom Rideout, MHA for Lewisporte District, today announced $248,700 in funding for two silviculture projects taking place in the district. The funding is being provided through the $7.3 million 2004 provincial silviculture program.

According to Minister Byrne, responsible management of the province�s forest resource through meaningful silviculture activities such as tree planting and site preparation will ensure the forests of our province remain productive into the future.

"Silviculture is a critical component of our province�s forest management strategy," said Minister Byrne. "In addition, such work provides employment opportunities while acting as a significant boost to local economies, particularly those in rural communities."

Minister Rideout said, "I agree with my colleague. These projects will bring about some much needed employment in the region as well as preserving our forests for future generations. I am pleased that these projects are taking place in Lewisporte district as I am sure are the residents."

One project, valued at $139,200, will involve the site preparation of 600 hectares at various locations for tree planting in 2005. The contract for this project was awarded to Central Forest Developers Limited.

The other project, valued at $109,500, will see the planting of 1.25 million black and white spruce seedlings over an area of 500 hectares in the vicinity of Brinks Pond, Gander Bay. The tree seedlings were provided by the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery. The contract for this project was awarded to TerCan Holdings Inc.

It is anticipated both projects will create 132 person weeks of employment and will be completed by late September.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, (709) 685-4624

2004 09 15                                 10:00 a.m.