Province celebrates National Forest Week

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale, assisted by Exploits MHA Clayton Forsey, today planted the 200-millionth tree seedling produced in Newfoundland and Labrador at the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery as part of National Forest Week celebrations.

Minster Dunderdale said National Forest Week is an opportunity to reflect on the true value of the forest resource and the important contribution it makes to communities, the provincial economy and the daily lives of residents.

"The planting of tree seedlings is the cornerstone of government�s approach toward sustainable forest management," the minister said. "National Forest Week is an appropriate time for us to promote our responsible management practices while encouraging everyone to respect and protect this valuable forest resource."

The minister encourages all residents to participate in National Forest Week activities taking place across the province in cooperation with the Canadian Forest Service. Events are planned in several communities, including 14 municipal tree planting ceremonies.

"The province�s forest ecosystems provide an array of economic, cultural and recreational benefits and these ceremonies serve to remind people of the importance of this resource," Minister Dunderdale said. "Government will continue to work with its forest sector partners to ensure the resource is managed in a responsible manner. By working together we can better achieve that fine balance between environmental, social and economic values."

Another event planned for the week is a provincial book reading tour by accomplished children�s book author Marie Resmer. She will visit as many parts of the province as possible, including visits to the Janeway Children�s Hospital and the coastal Labrador communities of Port Hope Simpson and Sheshashuit.

A Ms. Resmer�s book reading tour is a fun and novel way to educate our youth about the importance of our forests," the minister said.

A schedule of events for National Forest Week 2006 is attached. It can also be found on the department�s web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/nr/

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703

National Forest Week 2006 � Schedule of Events

Monday, September 25

9:00 a.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour - St. Mary�s Elementary School
Location: St. John�s

10:30 a.m.
Official opening of National Forest Week 2006 and celebration marking the planting of the 200-millionth tree seedling in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Location: Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery

2:00 p.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour - Janeway Children�s Hospital
Location: St. John�s

8:30 a.m.
National Forest Week Breakfast
Western Newfoundland Model Forest Building � Corner Brook

9:00 a.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour � Clarenville
Location: Clarenville Primary School

10:00 a.m.
City of Corner Brook Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Atlantic Forestry Centre

10:00 a.m.
Town of St. Anthony Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

10:30 a.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour
Balbo Elementary School � Clarenville

1:00 p.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour - Gander
Location: Gander Academy

1:00 p.m.
Town of Port Hope Simpson Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Community Playground

3:30 p.m.
City of St. John�s Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Bowring Park

4:00 p.m.
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

6:30 p.m.
Town of Clarenville Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Waterfront

6:45 p.m.
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

10:00 a.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour � Corner Brook
Location: Arts and Culture Centre

10:00 a.m.
Town of Stephenville Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Stephenville Middle School

10:00 a.m.
Town of Roddickton Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

2:00 p.m.
Town of Gander Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

3:00 p.m.
Town of Old Perlican Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Baccalieu Collegiate

6:00 p.m.
Town of Gambo Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Logger�s Monument

Thursday, September 28

TBA
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour � Sheshashuit
Location: Peenamin Mackenzie School

TBA
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour � Port Hope Simpson
Location: DC Young Pentacostal School

10:30 a.m.
Town of Bay d�Espoir Municipal Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: Town Hall

9:00 a.m.
Marie Resmer Book Reading Tour � Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Location: Peacock Academy

2006 09 25                                               11:00 a.m.