Public workshop on recovery efforts of Newfoundland Marten

The future of the endangered Newfoundland Marten and ongoing marten recovery efforts will be the topics of discussion at a workshop taking place March 4-5, at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. The workshop is being hosted by the Newfoundland Marten Education Committee of the Marten Recovery Team, established by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The two-day facilitated workshop is aimed at providing an opportunity for the public to learn more about the marten and get involved in the recovery efforts of this endangered species.

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne said, "I wish to take this opportunity to commend the Newfoundland Marten Education Committee for its continued diligent work related to the recovery of the marten. Government is committed to protecting and preserving our species that are at risk, and it is through the work of the marten recovery team and forums like this workshop that we are able to achieve our goals."

Experts on the marten, as well as stakeholders and other interest groups will be participating in the workshop, which will be facilitated by Dr. Alistair Bath from Memorial University. The workshop will include a keynote presentation on March 4 by Joe Brazil, co-chair of the Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team and chief of endangered species and biodiversity with the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Members of the general public are encouraged to participate in the workshop and can contact Bruce Rodrigues, (709) 637-2043 or e-mail BruceRodrigues@gov.nl.ca for more details. Limited funding is available to assist with travel costs for anyone interested in attending from outside the Corner Brook area.

The Newfoundland Marten Education Committee is an issue-specific action group of the Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team. The committee�s mandate is to provide resource users, students, environmental educators and the general public with accurate information about the marten and its management. Funding for the workshop is from the Government of Canada�s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.

For further information on the workshop or the Newfoundland Marten Education Committee, contact Gerry Yetman, senior biologist, Enhancement Stewardship and Partnership, Inland Fish and Wildlife Division, (709) 637-2013.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 02 17                  4:30 p.m.