This year�s Provincial Silviculture Program saw site preparation and vegetation management work valued at $46,250 completed across 30 hectares of land in the Gander area.

"Site preparation is an important first step in the forest management process," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "We are working to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of our forest resources for the long term."

Site preparation occurred on several commercially-harvested sites to assist with reforestation, employing four people for 16 weeks.

"This project has provided for the preparation of non-regenerating forest sites for future planting," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA for Gander. "This will help maintain the growth and strength of the forest industry in the area."

Vegetation management was conducted in the vicinity of Jumper�s Brook and Boot Pond. Managing vegetation speeds up the growth of tree seedlings by removing competing plant species from the area.

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

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