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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                              9:45 a.m.
 


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