March 17, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister announces project to raise public awareness and appreciation
of our province�s parks and natural areas

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today an exciting promotional display developed by the department�s Parks and Natural Areas Division, which will provide brochures and other information to the public.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is home to some of the most spectacular parks and natural areas on the planet," said Minister Furey. "From beautiful Cape St. Mary�s, to the rare plants of Burnt Cape, to the fossils of Mistaken Point, to the wilds of Labrador, our outdoors spaces are the envy of the world and this program is an opportunity to showcase them throughout the province. Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have never taken the time to visit these special places, and we want to educate and inform the public about what they are missing, right here at home."

The promotional display will travel across the province using local shopping malls as venues. This project is phase one of the Parks and Natural Areas� strategic promotional plan. This phase has three goals: to heighten awareness of the services, facilities and programs available; to increase awareness of our parks and natural areas as a key tourism product; and, to promote environmental stewardship through outreach strategies.

The display will be at the Exploits Valley Mall in Grand Falls-Windsor on March 21 and 22 and at the Gander Mall on March 23 and 24. Additional venues will be announced later this spring. More information on the project can be obtained by calling Scott Andrews, project co-ordinator at (709) 729-2424.

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-0928, or (709) 682-0366.

2000 03 17 3:20 p.m.