Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods
September 16, 2016

Protecting Forest Resources

Events Planned to Recognize National Forest Week

Tree planting ceremonies, Explore Forestry Day and a charity golf tournament are among the activities planned to mark National Forest Week, September 18-24, an annual event celebrating one of Canada�s greatest natural resources.

�The forest industry plays a vital role in Newfoundland and Labrador, providing social, cultural and economic benefits for residents. It�s important for us to take this opportunity to reflect on what the industry means to our province and to highlight the sustainable forest management practices that are being used here in Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

This year�s theme, True North Strong and Green - Celebrating Canada�s Forests, recognizes Canada as a world leader in resource stewardship and innovation. Explore Forestry Day invites Grade 5 students from the Humber Valley region to participate in forestry-related demonstrations, games and a barbeque at Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook. The event is hosted by the Forest Service of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods, Resource Innovations Inc., Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Inc., Canadian Institute of Forestry- NL Chapter, the Forestry Safety Association of Newfoundland and the Association of Registered Professional Foresters for Newfoundland and Labrador.

To celebrate National Tree Day on September 21, tree planting ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Victoria Park in St. John�s and at noon in Margaret Bowater Park, Corner Brook.

Protecting and sustaining the forest resource is an important component of Newfoundland and Labrador�s Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy. The strategy is renewed every decade under the Forestry Act and lays out government�s policies for managing the resource in a sustainable manner.

Information on National Forest Week, National Tree Day and a list of additional National Forest Week events occurring across the province can be found at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/nfw/

QUICK FACTS

• Tree planting ceremonies, Explore Forestry Day and a charity golf tournament are among the activities planned to mark National Forest Week, September 18-24, an annual event celebrating one of Canada�s greatest natural resources.
• This year�s theme, True North Strong and Green - Celebrating Canada�s Forests, recognizes Canada as a world leader in resource stewardship and innovation.
• Newfoundland and Labrador�s wood products industry provides significant revenue, employment and diversification to the provincial economy. In 2015, the forest industry employed approximately 2,300 people and contributed $336 million to the provincial economy.
• � Information on National Forest Week, National Tree Day and a list of additional National Forest Week events occurring across the province can be found at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/nfw/

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Media contact:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods 709-729-3733, 682-6593 VanessaColmanSadd@gov.nl.ca

2016 09 16            3:35 p.m.