April 3, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

National Wildlife Week - April 6 - 12, 1997

Beaton Tulk, minister responsible for wildlife, is pleased to announce that the launching of National Wildlife Week will be happening in Newfoundland. "We are delighted to welcome Colin Maxwell, executive vice-president of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, to our province to participate in the many activities my department has planned for the week," said Mr. Tulk. "Events to mark National Wildlife Week will be held from Tuktoyaktuk to Toronto, from White Horse to Wabana, to remind everyone of the importance of wildlife to Canadians. I am pleased that Newfoundland will be first to begin the celebrations."

The 1997 theme for National Wildlife Week is "Ecological Sustainability: Wild Things need a Place to Grow."

"This theme fits in very well with the mandate of this department," said Mr. Tulk. "Our department has made a firm commitment to the ecological management of our province's forests, habitat for many of the wild creatures we are recognizing in this week of celebration."

Events taking place this week include a display at the Village Mall for the full week. This display will feature exhibits from the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division, the Protected Areas Association, Terra Nova National Park, the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, and the Conservation Core to name a few. There will be prizes, contests, and information on new and exciting environmental education programs.

During National Wildlife Week, Salmonier Nature Park will officially open its Newfoundland Marten Captive Breeding Program. When the park opens in June, the public will be able to view our captive marten through the remote video system linked to a display monitor in the Visitor Centre.

Various radio stations will be giving away Wildlife Week T-shirts and prizes during the week.

Contact: Lucy O'Driscoll, Salmonier Nature Park, (709) 729-6974, or 229-7888.