"We are making a major investment into the future of the province�s forest resource through our silviculture projects across the province," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "It is critical that we take appropriate action today to maintain a healthy wood supply to ensure the future viability of those communities dependent on a vibrant forest industry for their economic well-being."

The four projects in the Lewisporte area are valued at over $444,000 and will consist of pre-commercial thinning, site preparation and tree planting. It is expected the projects will generate over 369 person weeks of employment � work for roughly 40 people � at various locations in Forest Management District 8, including Wing�s Point, Horwood, Chapel Island, South Pond, Ten Mile Lake and Exploits Bay. The projects are expected to be completed around mid-August.

"Sustaining healthy forest management practices is vital to ensuring an adequate timber supply is available into the future," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, MHA for Lewisporte. "The economies of many communities in the Lewisporte area rely heavily on the forest industry and projects such as these will ensure they continue to do so. Silviculture activities also create much needed employment in many rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

Silviculture is the cornerstone of the Provincial Government�s responsible approach toward sustainable forest management. The program received an additional $1 million in each of the last two years, bringing this year�s total investment to $9.4 million. This will increase the total number of tree seedlings planted in the province from 11 million to 15 million this year.

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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 07 27                                                 11:35 a.m.