ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION KICKS OFF NATIONAL FOREST WEEK

National Forest Week in Saskatchewan began today with a tree planting ceremony celebrating Arbor Day in a new fuel break in the Nisbet Provincial Forest near Prince Albert. The theme for the week, May 4th to 10th this year, is "From the Ashes: Fire's Role in Renewal."

The ceremony, hosted jointly by the Saskatchewan Forestry Association (SFA) and Saskatchewan Environment, also included recognition of the provincial winners of the SFA's annual Poster Challenge, as well as the kick off of the province's new public awareness and fire prevention campaign.

"We know that fire, whether naturally occurring or when used as a tool for forest management, has an important role to play in keeping our forests healthy," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "National Forest Week is an appropriate time to reflect on our responsibility to be good stewards of these vital, diverse ecosystems."

Forestry is a multi-million dollar industry that has experienced dramatic growth. Since industry and government announced a major expansion of the forest sector four years ago, there have been over 8,000 new direct and indirect jobs created and almost $1 billion invested in new and expanded facilities.

"Forestry is a key sector of our economy, creating jobs and opportunity for Saskatchewan people, particularly those in northern Saskatchewan," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Dynamic industries like forestry ensure that Saskatchewan's future is wide open."

National Forest Week is cerebrated annually as a time for Canadians to appreciate the importance of forests in their lives. Activities throughout the week, co-ordinated through the Saskatchewan Forestry Association in co-operation with other agencies, are designed to remind the public of the impact of forests on Saskatchewan. On Arbor Day, the Monday in National Forest Week, everyone is encouraged to plant a tree.

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For More Information, Contact:

Val Nicholson Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-2459

Marie Grono Forestry Association Prince Albert Phone: (306)763-2189