May 29, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Opening date, Salmonier nature park

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the reopening of Salmonier Nature Park on Saturday, June 1, 1996. The park will remain open until late October 1996. Salmonier Nature Park is located on the Salmonier Line (Route 90), 11 kilometres south of the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1) on the Avalon Peninsula.

Salmonier Nature Park provides a wonderful opportunity for Newfoundlanders and tourists alike to view our wildlife in a natural setting," said the minister, "Each year more children and tourists take advantage of the quality interpretation tours provided by our staff."

The park is open seven days a week and visitation hours are noon until 7 p.m. until Labour Day when opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each week. School groups and other large groups will be received by pre-booking. There is no admission fee.

Salmonier Nature Park encompasses 1,200 hectares of ponds, streams, barrens and woodlands backing on to the Avalon Wilderness Reserve which is home to the southern-most caribou herd in North America. Forty hectares have been developed using carefully laid trails and captive animal displays. There are 2.5 kilometres of boardwalks and trails that lead to mammal and bird enclosures, waterfowl areas, wetlands and a variety of Newfoundland plant life. Animals at the park include: moose and caribou, lynx, snowshoe hare, arctic fox, mink and beaver. Birds of prey include snowy owl, great horned owls, bald eagles. There are also Canada geese, ducks and spruce grouse.

Although the park is home to a small number of endangered Newfoundland pine marten, this species will not be on display. These animals are part of a captive breeding program that is designed to assist the recovery of this species in the wild. The park has future plans to install a video monitoring system in the enclosure, which will allow undisturbed viewing of the animals from the park's Visitor's Centre.

"Salmonier Nature Park offers the rare chance to see many of this province's plants and animals in one place and at one time," said Mr. Tulk. "I would like to welcome everyone to enjoy this opportunity."

     Contact:
     Lucy O'Driscoll                         Anna Buffinga
     (709)729-6974 or 229-7888        (709) 729-3750


1996 05 29                    3:30 p.m.