Text Size
Bookmark and Share
Natural Resources
September 19, 2011

Events Planned to Celebrate National Forest Week 2011

Tree-planting ceremonies, a geocaching contest, and presentations to school-age children are among the activities planned to mark National Forest Week 2011, September 18 to 24. The annual event raises awareness of one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest natural resources.

“As our forest industry evolves it continues to play a significant role in the lives of all residents, for commercial and domestic harvesting, for activities such as hiking and hunting, and as a tremendous part of our heritage,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources and the minister responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “National Forest Week provides a great opportunity to showcase what the forest industry means to our province. I encourage residents to participate in some of the many events planned throughout the province.”

The theme for National Forest Week is Forests for People. The event is celebrated in many municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador where the forest is used for traditional means such as lumber and wood harvesting, to support the pulp and paper industry and the manufacture of wood pellets for home heating appliances, furniture and other products. A list of National Forest Week events is available at: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestry/index.html.

In addition, during the week, the Department of Natural Resources will recognize the winners of the 2011 National Forest Week Poster Contest. This past spring, Grade 5 students were invited to participate in a province-wide contest. A provincial winner and three regional winners have been selected.

Rhya Bedard-Oravec, a student at Bonne Bay Academy in Norris Point, is the provincial winner. Regional winners are Heather Hutchens, St. Francis of Assisi School, Outer Cove, Eastern region; Kristopher Thomas, Labrador Straits Academy, L’Anse au Loup, Labrador region; and Abby Hickey, St. Gerard’s Elementary, Corner Brook, Western region. Judging was based on originality, creativity and adherence to the theme.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2011 09 19                                                                        11:00 a.m.

 
 
Last Updated:
This page and all contents are copyright, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, all rights reserved.