Public and private silviculture partnerships are increasing local student participation in reforestation efforts and will result in over two million tree seedlings planted by students in the province this year.

"Through our own student tree planting program, we are attempting to develop an experienced pool of student tree planters to assist in our summer reforestation activities," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "It�s great this year to see the initiative of an enterprising local consulting company to enter into a partnership with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited that will see 27 students employed this summer planting nearly one million tree seedlings on behalf of the company."

The province�s own student tree planting program began in 2006 through a partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Training Association. The third year of the program this summer will see 40 students hired for projects based out of Paddy�s Pond, Clarenville, Lewisporte and Gambo.

The tree planting program being carried out by Anderson and Yates is supported through the province�s silviculture cost-sharing agreement with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. As part of the agreement, the Provincial Government will share the cost of the pulp and paper company�s 2008 $4 million silviculture program.

Anderson and Yates, a Corner Brook-based company operated by two local graduate foresters, have hired 27 students to plant an area of over 575 hectares at various sites on the province�s west coast starting in mid-May.

These partnerships are consistent with the Provincial Government�s objectives to create a positive image of student tree planting, create an experienced team of planters and provide a viable means for the Provincial Government and private industry to meet their reforestation goals. Students interested in working with the province�s student tree planting program this summer can email resumes to angelawarren@gov.nl.ca.

The Provincial Government has increased its investment in silviculture by $1 million this year, for a total budget of $10.4 million in support of silviculture activities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes $300,000 for the province�s student tree planting program. In all, approximately 14 million tree seedlings will be planted throughout the province this summer.

Budget 2008 also contains $14 million in new funding to support diversification initiatives for the forest sector to provide for stability and create growth in the industry.

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

2008 05 08                                                   10:55 a.m.