April 10, 2014
Creating a Sustainable Forest Resource for Future Generations
Provincial Government Tenders Tree Planting Contracts
The Department of Natural Resources will tender 18 tree planting contracts this spring over 3,075 hectares. The contracts will be awarded in several areas extending from Port au Port in the southwest to Daniels Harbour in the north and Salmonier Line in the east and create approximately 1,076 weeks of employment.
“Each year, between eight and nine million tree seedlings are planted throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to establish new, young forests. These contracts encourage job creation and help sustain one of our greatest natural resources.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
Tree seedlings are grown by the department at the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery, located near Grand Falls-Windsor. Contractors are expected to plant between 2,000 and 2,500 seedlings per hectare with departmental staff monitoring the work to ensure the planting process meets prescribed standards.
The 2014 tree planting contracts range in size from 35 to 335 hectares. Tender documents are posted at www.gpa.gov.nl.ca/gs/report/Default.asp.
Budget 2014 continues to invest in ongoing programs that ensure the forest resource is managed in a sustainable manner for future generations, including $8.3 million for silviculture projects.
QUICK FACTS
- The Department of Natural Resources will tender 18 tree planting contracts over a total area of 3,075 hectares.
- The tree planting contracts extend from Port au Port in the southwest to Daniels Harbour on the Northern Peninsula and Salmonier Line in the eastern region.
- Public tenders for tree planting contracts are announced in early spring with contracts awarded by late April. Planting typically begins in late May, after the forest access roads have dried and snow has melted from cutovers.
- Planting contracts are tendered on a per hectare basis which means prospective contractors must bid a rate per hectare. Barring unusual circumstances, the lowest bid is awarded the contract.
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Media contact:Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
2014 04 10 3:00 p.m.