Interpretation wetland opens

The collaborative efforts of the Department of Works, Services and Transportation, Ducks Unlimited and C.A. Pippy Park Commission have resulted in the opening of Fogarty�s Interpretation Wetland on June 3, 2002.

Fogarty�s Wetland is approximately 15,600 square metres and is located in a narrow valley in the central portion of Pippy Park, between the Outer Ring Road and the Mt. Scio Savoury Farm. The wetland is accessible through the Rennies River Hiking Trail and excellent views of the area can be seen from the Old Burnt Pinch Road Trail.

"I am very pleased with the cooperation between Ducks Unlimited, C.A Pippy Park Commission, and this department to restore the picturesque Fogarty�s Wetland,"said Works, Services and Transportation Minister Percy Barrett. "This entire exercise is an excellent example of how various organizations can work together to enhance both infrastructure and the environment. I invite Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, along with tourists visiting from outside of the province, to visit the site and see the results of our efforts."

Through the course of planning and constructing the Outer Ring Road, the Department of Works, Services and Transportation, carried out a major clean up of the area which helped drive the restoration of the wetland. By cleaning up rusted car wrecks and a large amount of car parts and debris, workers allowed ground water storage adjacent to the wetland to be substantially increased.

The department also worked with Newfoundland Power to arrange for the redirection of power transmission lines that otherwise would have been placed in the wetland. Furthermore, to make the wetland more accessible to the public, Works, Services and Transportation routed a section of the Rennies River Hiking Trail through the bottom corner of the wetland and installed a pedestrian bridge over Nagle�s Brook.

"It is very fitting that we are holding this opening at the beginning of National Environment Week," said Environment Minister Kevin Aylward. "I am very encouraged by the progress made in developing this wetland, and I applaud the efforts of all those involved in the project."

Wildlife such as frogs and muskrat live in Fogarty�s Wetland, along with an abundance of vegetation. The area consists of juniper shrubs, yellow and white pond lilies, insect eaters such as the pitcher plant, herbaceous plants such as the scent-bottle orchid and many other wetland plants. Also, the wetland offers good water quality, provides a storage for storm runoff and is the main tributary to Nagle�s Hill Brook, which is a source of water for the Fluvarium.

"It is wonderful to have this area, which is of such significance to the environment, restored to the point that it is now a haven for various flora and wildlife," said St. John�s North MHA Lloyd Matthews. "I�m sure the people of St. John�s North will enjoy the presence of the wetland, as well as the system of walking trails that has been developed in the area."

The wetland is accessible for school projects and has already been used by science classes and other groups interested in the area.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2002 06 03                              2:30 p.m.