March 27, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Minister clarifies department's position on watershed management

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, responded to recent concerns about watershed management today.

The only river plan that has been accepted and in place is the Gander River plan. This plan is a two year pilot project and a report on the river plan must be submitted to government for assessment of the river project. No other river plans have been accepted by government.

Minister Aylward said today: "There seems to be some confusion and I want to clarify the status of the issue for the general public. The pilot project in Gander has to be assessed before further projects can proceed. We are interested in seeking constructive public input from all sides on this issue before any other plans are accepted in the province."

Watershed management is meant to allow for local input in enhancing salmon rivers of the province, not controlling them. Minister Aylward confirmed the direction of watershed management policy by saying, "public access is guaranteed with our policy direction. This policy will continue to be guaranteed. There will be no privatization of our rivers."

The minister committed today that he and his department are willing to work with local stakeholders to design model river plans that will have local interests being consulted, but the control, which will include catch limits, licencing and ownership, will stay with the government.

Contact: David Wells, Communications (709) 729-6183.