The 2008 provincial silviculture program will see the site preparation of 37 hectares of land in the St. George�s area in anticipation of future planting.

"Silviculture plays an important role in the reforestation of our province," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "By maintaining a healthy ecosystem, we ensure that the quality and quantity of our forest products continue into the future."

The project is valued at $21,000 and involves slash raking in the area known locally as Camp 180. Slash raking is a process in which logging debris is piled. In this instance, it will be used to prepare the site for controlled burning. It also creates boundaries so the fire does not escape. Controlled burning is used to remove logging debris and undesirable natural tree seedlings in preparation for tree planting.

"Site preparation is an important part of silviculture activities and it is critical to preparing areas in our region for future growth," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East. "Forestry is an important industry in this area and projects such as this ensure the continued viability of our forests."

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. 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