As a result of the success of the student tree planting pilot program initiated last year, twice as many post-secondary students will be hired this summer as part of the ongoing program.

"Last year�s pilot program made a significant contribution to the Provincial Government�s overall reforestation efforts and provided meaningful employment opportunities for post-secondary students," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "The student tree planting program has proven to be a very positive initiative and it is an important component of our provincial silviculture program."

Planting tree seedlings is physically demanding work in varying weather conditions. Tree planting projects will take place in six areas this year � Codroy Valley, Clarenville, Gambo, Lewisporte, St. Anthony, and the Avalon Peninsula area.

This year the number of positions available for post-secondary students in those areas where planting will take place has been doubled to 40. This will result in upwards of two million tree seedlings being planted by students. The efforts of students will assist the province in maintaining its commitment to manage the forest resource on a sustainable basis.

The student tree planting program is offered in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Training Association. The association will administer the program, which is expected to start in early June and last for 12 weeks.

Government�s decision to continue its additional $1 million investment in Budget 2007 for silviculture initiatives will increase the total number of tree seedlings planted in the province from 11 million to 15 million this year. This brings government�s total investment in silviculture this year to $9.4 million.

More information about these jobs is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/nr or by visiting the Service Canada Web site at www.jobs.gc.ca. 

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 07                                                 2:30 p.m.