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November 21, 1996
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


King George IV Ecological Reserve established

Premier Brian Tobin and Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today the establishment of the King George IV Ecological Reserve under the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves (WER) Act, 1980.

Located on the southwest coast of the island, approximately 90 kilometers north of the Town of Burgeo, the King George IV Ecological Reserve protects one of the island's largest undisturbed deltas. "This pristine wetland site has been described as one of the province's most important areas for breeding and staging of Canada geese and other waterfowl," said Premier Tobin. "In addition, it supports a rich and diverse wetland plant community, and preserves an example of the Central Newfoundland Forest Ecoregion and its sheltered valley which provides valuable habitat for caribou, moose and other wildlife."

King George IV is the 15th reserve to be set aside in the province. With a total area of approximately 19 square kilometers, it is the province's second largest ecological reserve.

"The WER Act (1980) provides for the preservation of natural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Ms. Kelly. "These areas are used for education and scientific research, and form a provincial contribution to national and international efforts to preserve genetic diversity, representative ecosystems, and important scientific sites." Within the King George IV Ecological Reserve, nonconsumptive adventure tourism activities such as hiking, canoeing and nature photography are permitted.

The King George IV Ecological Reserve was initially set aside in 1984 as a Provisional Ecological Reserve. Since that time public hearings have been held in Burgeo and Stephenville, a management plan has been prepared for the site and outstanding land use rights have been settled.

"The establishment of this reserve has been made possible through government's partnership with Abitibi-Price Limited, Noranda Minerals Incorporated and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. With the assistance of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Abitibi-Price Limited generously donated land and timber rights which it held within the reserve. As well, Noranda Minerals Incorporated donated its mineral rights within the reserve. Government is grateful to all those who were involved in making the King George IV Ecological Reserve a reality," said the Premier.

Premier Tobin also said that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud that the success of this public/private partnership has enabled the government to provide an opportunity for residents of the province and visitors to the island to continue to celebrate and experience an important part of our natural heritage.

Contact: Laura Cochrane, (709) 729-0928.

1996 11 21   1:50 p.m.

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