Two silviculture projects being funded in the Terra Nova area will see 92,500 tree seedlings planted and an additional 95 hectares prepared for future planting as part of the Provincial Government�s approach to sustainable forest management.

"Responsible forest management is a priority of this government," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Silviculture activities play an important role in ensuring our forests are healthy and sustainable into the future."

As part of this year�s provincial silviculture program, seedlings consisting primarily of black spruce with lesser amounts of white spruce, Norway spruce, white pine, red pine and eastern larch will be planted in Muddy Hole Brook and Nut Cove. All seedlings are grown at the provincial tree nursery in Wooddale.

Site preparation activities in the area this year involve preparing 45 hectares of land in Bulls Pond, 25 hectares in Chain Rock Cove, and 25 hectares off the Port Blandford access road. This work will facilitate planting and promote healthy forest growth.

The two projects are valued at $43,400.

"The forestry industry is very important to the economy of my district," said the Honourable Paul Oram, MHA for Terra Nova. "Silviculture initiatives like these help to ensure a continued supply of resource for future generations of forestry workers. People are benefiting from the jobs created from this reforestation work and the preservation of the resource for future use."

The Provincial Government has increased its investment in silviculture by $1 million this year, for a total budget of $10.4 million.