The Provincial Government�s ongoing silviculture activities will see 85 hectares of land regenerated in the Round Valley area of St. George�s-Stephenville East.

"Our silviculture programs contribute to the economic viability of our forest industry and communities," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "This project, for example, involved planting forest sites that failed to regenerate naturally."

Valued at $27,000, this work involved areas that were harvested between 2006 and 2008 and now required planting to ensure healthy new growth. A total of 212,500 Japanese and eastern larch seedlings were planted with seedlings from the Provincial Tree Nursery at Wooddale. The project employed 20 people for one week.

"This investment represents our commitment to managing and developing a healthy and sustainable forest," said the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East. "Projects such as this one are an investment both in the future of the forest industry and for the people of St. George�s.

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

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