NLIS 1
September 1, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Provincial parks close for camping

 Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that

two of the province's 14 provincial parks which offer camping facilities will close on September 5. In addition, six natural and scenic attraction parks will also close on that date.

"Overall, this has been another successful year for the provincial parks after a slow start, which is mainly attributed to the poor weather and the late start to the summer we experienced throughout the province," said Minister Furey. "A new brochure, which highlights all of the provincial parks and natural areas, has proven to be a great source of information for tourists and residents alike this season and serves to further promote these beautiful areas to the public."

 The camping parks scheduled to close on September 5 are Blow Me Down Provincial Park and Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park. Eleven of the remaining 12 camping parks will remain open for camping until September 18. These parks include:

• Barachois Pond

• Butter Pot

• J. T. Cheeseman

• Dildo Run

• Frenchman�s Cove

• La Manche

• Lockston Path

• Notre Dame

• Pinware River

• Pistolet Bay

• Sandbanks

In addition, the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Chance Cove Provincial Park will remain open to visitors until October 9.

"In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping season during this Labour Day weekend period, special regulations will be enforced from August 30 to September 4. Any violation of the regulations will result in an immediate eviction from the park and charges possibly being laid," added Mr. Furey. "I wish everyone a safe and relaxing Labour Day weekend and encourage you to take in the sights and sounds of the province as you enjoy our outdoor spaces."

The following are special regulations which must be observed:

• Only one piece of camping equipment is permitted per campsite;

• Excluding family situations, a maximum of four persons are permitted per campsite;

• Persons must be 19 years of age or older to register for a campsite;

• Visitors are not permitted to enter the campground area after 9:00 p.m.;

• Visitors to the campground must register at the checkpoint or park office;

• Quiet time is from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.;

• Campsites must be kept clean and tidy. If a site is left dirty and littered, the person to whom it is/was registered will be charged;

• Campfires must not be left unattended;

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to designated campsites or picnic sites;

• The cutting of trees and bushes is not permitted.

Although all of the province�s provincial parks will shortly close for the season for camping, unmotorized access will continue to be permitted. Park users are reminded that they may continue to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling on park roads, bird watching, nature photography or simply enjoying the changes in the natural environment as the seasons change from the hot, sultry days of summer, through the cool, comfortable days of autumn to winter�s cold and snow.

Minister Furey praised park staff for providing park users with courteous service and clean

facilities during the summer camping season. As well, he requested that all park users "go that extra step" to help protect the natural environment of all of these special places for the benefit of present and future generations.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 09 01 10:55 a.m.