3.5 MILLION NEW TREES IN PROVINCIAL FOREST THIS SPRING

Saskatchewan Environment's spring reforestation projects are now underway, and are adding approximately 3.5 million new trees to Saskatchewan's northern forests.

Tree planting projects are being co-ordinated by Saskatchewan Environment's Forest Service staff in the north-central and north-eastern areas of the provincial forest. Planting operations are being carried out by three silvicultural contractors. Crews hired by these companies will hand-plant jack pine and white spruce seedlings.

Preparation of the site, purchase of seedlings and planting costs total nearly $1.75 million. The actual planting involves approximately 100 tree planters and support staff. Work is expected to be complete by the end of June.

"May 31st to June 5th is Environment Week and proper forest renewal is important to the long-term sustainability of our forests and our comitment to building a green and prosperous economy," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "By planting trees today, we are helping to maintain both healthy ecosystems and a valuable renewable resource."

Under current Forest Management Agreements (FMAs), larger forest companies are responsible for reforesting the areas they harvest. Other harvesters pay a renewal fee, either to a FMA-holder's renewal trust fund or directly to government. Saskatchewan Environment retains responsibility to renew areas not covered by agreements, and for areas harvested before the FMAs were in place. Each year, industry and government plant approximately 16 million seedlings in Saskatchewan forests.

Saskatchewan Environment plans to plant an additional 500,000 trees this fall.

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For More Information, Contact:

Shane Vermette Environment Prince Albert Cell: (306) 961-0634