Forestry aid scheme re-opened

A SCHEME which assists forest-owners, whose plantations are damaged as a result of fire, frost, disease, drought and wind-blow, has been re-opened.

Minister of State Mary Wallace said yesterday she had decided to re-open the old Forest Reconstitution Scheme pending agreement on a new forestry programme in Brussels. She said the Forest Service will grant aid for the reconstitution of plantations if they have been well managed up to the time of damage.

Ms Wallace reminded forest owners, however, that the grant would not compensate for increment-loss or timber-loss. She advised owners to insure their forestry investment adequately.