TWO MILLION SEEDLINGS FOR FOREST RENEWAL

Contracts have been approved to grow and store two million seedlings for renewing Saskatchewan's forests.

"Renewal is an important part of sustainable forest management," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "These seedlings will help ensure that our forests continue to make an important contribution to a green and prosperous economy."

Under the agreements, worth approximately $950,000, Pacific Regeneration Technologies (PRT) will grow white spruce, jack pine and poplar seedlings for the provincial renewal program. PRT will provide cold storage for the trees until they are needed. The seedlings will be planted in the spring and fall of 2007.

Under current Forest Management Agreements (FMA), forest companies are responsible for renewing the areas they harvest. However, there are some harvested areas that are not part of an FMA or the harvesting predates the current agreement. The provincial renewal program targets these areas. Together, government and industry plant nearly 16 million seedlings in Saskatchewan each year.

PRT operates forest nurseries across western Canada, including a facility north of Prince Albert.

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For More Information, Contact:

Shane Vermette Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2346