Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador supports government�s 
proposal for Main River Canadian Heritage River designation

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Acting), is pleased that Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is supportive of governments� draft management plan for the designation of the Main River as a Canadian Heritage River (CHR).

"Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador made representations to the province in recent days that a measure of extra protection was needed in the areas where the corridor is narrow. In response, the province negotiated the matter with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, and I am pleased to announce that the minimum �no harvest� buffer will now be 300 metres from the river," said Minister Kelly. Previously, the minimum buffer was 150 metres. "This adjustment to the draft management plan is an important addition to the wilderness character of the protected area corridor, and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is to be congratulated for this additional contribution."

The minister thanked Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador for its intervention. "Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is a key stakeholder group, as the designation of Main River as a CHR will result in increased eco-tourism opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts from around the world will come to the Main River for a unique and extraordinary wilderness experience."

Roger Jamieson, president of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, said that they are "pleased to be able to support this draft management plan, which is a balanced approach to issues surrounding the Main River. This plan maintains the wilderness and recreational qualities of the Main River, which will in turn protect the tourism potential of this magnificent waterway. We believe that this plan will also result in the successful designation of the Main River as a Canadian Heritage River, which will be a great tourism attraction for the province."

Commenting on Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador�s decision to support the proposed Main River management plan, Kevin Sheahan, vice president and general manager of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper said, "We are very pleased to see that Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes and supports the contribution we have made to help establish a protected area that allows everyone, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and visitors alike to enjoy the natural and wilderness values of the Main River."

The draft management plan will be forwarded to the CHR Board of Directors this month, for consideration in February 2001. Government is committed to achieving fair and balanced solutions to the competing issues surrounding the Main River, and are confident that this draft plan will be an important step towards this goal.

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

2000 12 12 5:05 p.m.