April 18, 1996 * Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry [to Oct 1996] Charlottetown, March 18, 1996 --- A special report on clearcutting in Prince Edward Island forests will be featured on Island cable channels this Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. The report is part of a new weekly television program, "Focus on Resources" being produced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The feature on clearcutting will examine some of the issues around the practice of clearcutting, including its benefits, and at some of the misconceptions which have led to criticisms directed at the forest industry. Based on interviews with government, industry and environmental representatives, the feature report says that most clearcuts take place on old field white spruce which are facing collapse, and that clearcutting allows for the establishment of new forests with improved species and more biodiversity. The feature was produced by Lloyd MacDonald. Copies will be available from the department at a nominal cost. Media Contact: Wayne MacKinnon