Silviculture projects planned for Lewisporte and Bonavista North districts

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, and Tom Rideout, MHA for Lewisporte and Minister of Transportation and Works, along with Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North, have announced a total of $188,640 for two silviculture projects taking place in the districts this year. The funding is being provided through the $7.3 million 2005 Provincial Silviculture Program.

�These two silviculture projects taking place in Lewisporte and Bonavista North districts are a prime example of how government�s forest management strategy is actively planning for the future viability of the resource,� said Minister Byrne. �In addition, the Provincial Silviculture Program creates meaningful employment opportunities for many individuals in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.�

�These projects will go a long way toward developing and maintaining the forest ecosystem in these areas of our province,� said Minister Rideout. �A number of employment opportunities will be created through these projects and will contribute significantly to the economy of the central region and the province in general. Government continues to make strategic investments into the province�s resources and maintains its commitment to revitalize rural Newfoundland and Labrador.�

�This funding for silviculture site preparation will provide some short-term employment in my district of Bonavista North,� said Mr. Harding. �The announced project will allow for the planting of seedlings over a total area of more than 400 hectares next summer. This will help contribute to the long-term sustainability of our forest resources and the jobs associated with the forestry industry.�

One project, valued at $101,640, will consist of site preparation activity over an area of 420 hectares on previously logged sites. Project activity is taking place in the vicinity of Brink�s Pond and Gander Bay. When the project is complete the site will be ready for tree seedling planting next year. This project started in late July and is expected to be complete in late August.

The other project, valued at $87,000, is taking place in the general areas near Birchy Bay, Wing�s Point and Horsechops, and will consist of pre-commercial thinning activity over an area of 150 hectares. This project is scheduled to commence in late August and conclude in mid-October.

Both projects are expected to create a total of 120 person weeks of employment.

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

2005 08 23              10:30 a.m.