Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Natural Resources
March 18, 2008

A new organization dedicated to helping communities in Newfoundland and Labrador affected by a decline in traditional forest-related activities has received funding from the Provincial Government. The Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador has received $31,500 from the Regional/Sectoral Development Fund (RSDF) to develop and implement a marketing strategy.

"Helping communities develop and implement long-term strategies for their own business and economic development is at the heart of our mandate," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "I am pleased that we are able to assist the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador help communities traditionally focused on the forestry."

Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador, which replaces the Western Newfoundland Model Forest, is an organization dedicated to sustainable forest development and to maintain the health of the province�s forest. The new organization will also see the establishment of Forest Community Networks in White Bay South, Humber Valley � Gros Morne Corridor, Great Northern Peninsula and Labardor/Nitassinan.

"Our forest resources have sustained communities around the province for generations," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "With evolving economic circumstances in the forest industry, we are working to find additional ways to maximize the economic benefits from this valuable resource."

The marketing plan�s first phase is to develop a strategy to introduce the new Forest Communities Concept to targeted network communities and begin working towards incorporated network groups. The knowledge acquired through the model forest programs will be shared with the networks and used to create development plans to sustain communities adversely affected by declining commercial activities.

"The Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador will receive core funding from Natural Resources Canada," said Sean Dolter, general manager of Model Forests. "However, funding for approved activities will be solicited from our stakeholders and partners. This contribution from the Provincial Government will help launch the new organization."

RSDF is a $5 million fund of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and a component of the province�s Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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2008 03 18                                                      2:50 p.m.