The Provincial Government has approved three silviculture projects for the Terra Nova area for 2009 valued at approximately $255,241. These projects include mechanical site preparation and the planting of over one million tree seedlings.

"Silviculture activities help to guarantee the long-term productivity of our province�s forests," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Projects such as the three for the Terra Nova area will ensure the future health and sustainability of our forests."

Mechanical site preparation in anticipation of future reforestation started last week throughout Forest Management Districts 4 and 5. A total of 440 hectares of land in the Terra Nova area will be prepared this summer, with tree planting scheduled for 2010. The project will employ four people and create 20 person-weeks of employment.

Tree planting occurred over the summer across 460 hectares in the Riverhead and Deadwolf areas, both of which are southwest of the community of Gambo. These areas were planted with black and white spruce, Norway spruce, white and red pine, and eastern and Japanese larch, for a total of 1,150,000 seedlings. In addition, 11 hectares were planted in the vicinity of Chain Rock Cove, near the community of Bunyans Cove. A total of 27,500 seedlings were planted there, consisting primarily of black spruce.

The tree planting activities employed approximately 25 people and created 130 weeks of employment. The seedlings came from the Provincial Tree Nursery at Wooddale.

"Reforestation efforts will be of tremendous value to this area," said the Honourable Paul Oram, MHA for Terra Nova. "This will be a huge help in maintaining our forest resources for the benefit of future generations."

Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation includes a $10.9 million investment by the Provincial Government for silviculture activities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, a $200,000 increase over last year.

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