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September 21, 2009

Futures from Forests Initiative Launched During National Forest Week 2009

The province�s forests, sustainable forest management practices, forest products and the future of the industry are the focus of a new educational program being launched today in Corner Brook.

Futures from Forests is designed to get senior and junior high school students thinking about the forest industry and how forests are managed in Newfoundland and Labrador. The resource package produced by the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Natural Resources Canada�s Canadian Forest Service was unveiled during a luncheon to celebrate National Forest Week 2009 which will take place from September 20 - 26.

�The Provincial Government has recognized a need to raise awareness about the value of our forests and forest industry. Our forests play a significant role in the lives of the people of our province; providing social, cultural and economic benefits,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �This initiative brings the forest industry directly to the students whose decisions on the use of our natural resources will shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The Futures from Forests initiative includes a modern, up-beat DVD that was developed in consultation with the Department of Education. It features students expressing their views on the forestry industry as well as an outline of forest management practices and a discussion on the future of the industry. This and other materials included in the resource will be distributed to senior high classes across the province.

�It is important to promote the forest industry in our school system and this DVD is an excellent source of up-to-date information for senior high school students,� said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. �It is incorporated into the environmental sciences curriculum, providing students with valuable information about the industry in their own province during a time when they are making decisions about career paths, post-secondary education and future work-related choices.�

�It is a priority of the Provincial Government to explore new ways of creating a sustainable and diversified forestry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �My department has played an integral role in assisting local industry operators diversify and advance their product lines, increasing their competitiveness in niche export markets. Educating the public about the best use of our forests, especially through youth education, is key to ensuring the industry�s long-term sustainability.�

The Futures from Forests initiative was managed by the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Institute of Forestry, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. and Human Resources and Skill Development Canada also contributed to the initiative.

The theme for National Forest Week 2009 is Strong Roots, Green Shoots. It highlights the legacy of our forests and the investment and infrastructure that is the backbone of this sector. During the week, the Department of Natural Resources is holding municipal tree-planting ceremonies and other events at various locations across the province.

A list of National Forest Week events is available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestweek.stm

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Media contacts:

Connie Boland
Manager of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
Richard Mercer
Manager of Communications
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-7311, 691-8785
richardmercer@gov.nl.ca
 

2009 09 21                             1:35 p.m.
 


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