The 2008 provincial forest resource roads program will see 10.3 kilometres of new access road constructed and another 360 kilometres of existing access road graded through eight different projects in the communities of Gambo and Glovertown. The value of the eight projects is $365,000.

"Our resource roads program is an example of sound forestry management in this province," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "It shows our continued commitment to supporting and strengthening the industry and ensuring this resource is harvested in a sustainable way."

The construction of new forest access roads will ensure commercial and domestic operators have greater access to the timber resource in this part of the province. The project will see the clearing and construction of new forest roads located off the Content Peninsula, Rodney Pond South, Northwest Pond, Chain Pond and the Northwest Arm resource road.

Two large grading projects will also take place in Gambo and will see the professional grading of over 360 kilometres of forest resource road. Grading involves creating a smooth road surface by removing surface rocks and road debris and creating ditches to support the roadway. Grading will take place on the following resource roads: Mint Brook, Dead Wolf, Fleigher�s, Riverhead, Drover�s Ridge, Goose Cove, Content Peninsula and Northwest Arm.

"I�m very pleased with the Provincial Government�s funding announcement of the resource roads program this year," said the Honourable Paul Oram, MHA for Terra Nova. "Resource roads are critical for sustainable forest management and provide valuable work for the people in our communities."

The Provincial Government continues to invest in the forest industry in this province, with Budget 2008 providing $55 million for the forest sector. This includes $14 million in new funding announced in April 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