Silviculture Sustains Future Growth in Central Region

The Provincial Government has continued its support of the forest industry in the central region with $72,400 in funding made available under the 2009 Provincial Silviculture Program for site preparation activity in the district of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans.

�By preparing sites for planting, we are helping to ensure the future use of the forest resource and maintaining the strength of this industry in Central Newfoundland,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �Silviculture activities contribute to the healthy growth of our valuable resource and these projects are an important part of forest management.�

Site preparation across 200 hectares of land was completed this month at Lemottes Lake, southwest of Grand Falls-Windsor. The work was valued at $47,700. These sites were harvested between 1999 and 2006. The work took about three weeks to complete and provided six person-weeks of employment.

A 200-hectare controlled burn was also conducted in early September at an area referred to as Grindstone, near the headwaters of Mary March Brook. A controlled burn is a method used for site preparation prior to planting. The site was approximately 20 kilometres north of the community of Millertown in Forest Management District 12. The value of this work was $24,700.

�It�s wonderful to see government taking the initiative to maintain the continued growth of the province�s forestry industry, particularly in my district,� said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans. �This industry plays a vital role in the lives of many individuals and their families throughout this region, and these projects help to ensure a positive future for the people of Central Newfoundland.�

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.

- 30 -

Media contacts: