NLIS 1
July 19, 2006
(Natural Resources)
Funding announced for
silviculture projects
Natural Resources Minister Kathy
Dunderdale today announced $278,000 in funding under the 2006 Provincial
Silviculture Program for two silviculture projects in the Western and
Central regions of the province.
�The responsible management of our forests through meaningful
silviculture activity will ensure the resource remains productive into
the future,� Minister Dunderdale said. �Projects such as these are a
critical component of our reforestation effort and the work involved is
a boost to our local rural economies.�
One of the initiatives will see pre-commercial thinning take place over
an area of 180 hectares across the electoral districts of Humber Valley
and Baie Verte. The work, valued at $160,200, will be done in the
vicinity of Chain Lakes and near the La Scie Highway.
Minister Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte, said the funding for the
silverculture project will provide employment for people in both
districts. �At the same time, we are ensuring the forest resource is
developed in a sustainable and environmentally-responsible manner,� Mr.
Shelley said. �This is an important industry and projects such as this
ensure its future viability. It is another example of the provincial
government's continued support of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."
The second project involves a total area of over 500 hectares in Forest
Management District 8. The project, valued at $118,500 will consist of
site preparation activity that will allow the area to be planted in
2007.
�This is certainly welcome news for Lewisporte District,� said Minister
Tom Rideout, area MHA. �These projects are consistent with government�s
commitment of ensuring the sustainability of rural regions of our
province. Forest resources have a large presence in the Lewisporte area
and past silviculture activity has proven to be very productive in
sustaining the local industry. This funding will contribute to further
forest management measures for the area and certainly generate very
meaningful employment opportunities.�
Both projects are expected to create 227 person weeks of employment.
Funding for the Provincial Silviculture
Program was increased in Budget 2006 as part of a three-year plan to
increase the total funding for the silviculture program in the province
to $10.3 million. This year, the Forestry Services Branch of the
Department of Natural Resources will produce 15 million tree seedlings
for planting throughout the province.
Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703
2006 07 19
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