Silviculture project in The Straits-White Bay North District

Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Rick Woodford today announced funding in the amount of $361,200 for a silviculture project in the district of The Straits-White Bay North. Funding is being provided through the provincial silviculture program.

Minister Woodford said silviculture initiatives ongoing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador play a vital role in sustaining a future wood supply for the province. "The planting of tree seedlings on the Northern Peninsula and other parts of the province continues to demonstrate government�s commitment to responsible forest management," said Minister Woodford. "In addition, the provincial silviculture program creates meaningful employment opportunities in our rural communities."

Project activity, which is already underway, consists of tree planting of 300 hectares of cut-overs with white spruce seedlings from the Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery, as well as tree thinning activity over a 215 hectare area. The project is expected to create 364 person weeks of employment and will conclude in late September.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183

2003 07 16                                         2:30 p.m.