NLIS 2
May 10, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
Cape St. Mary's
Ecological Reserve opens for 2005 season
Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment
and Conservation, today announced that the Cape St. Mary's
Ecological Reserve and Interpretation Centre will officially open to
the public for the 2005 season on Saturday, May 14 and will remain
open until October 10, 2005.
Minister Osborne encouraged the public to visit Cape St. Mary's
Ecological Reserve, which is an internationally significant seabird
colony. The reserve is the largest gannet colony in Newfoundland and
Labrador and the second largest one in North America, as well as the
most accessible seabird colony in North America.
�The seabirds have returned to nest at this magnificent reserve,�
said Minister Osborne. �I encourage everyone to visit Cape St.
Mary�s this season and enjoy the various services and activities
offered at this world famous ecological reserve.
The interpretation centre is open to the public daily, seven days a
week, with interpreters available on site to provide information to
visitors and offer interpretation programs and guided tours. Tour
bookings and other on-site information can be obtained by calling
(709) 277-1666. A daily recorded weather update for Cape St. Mary�s
is available by calling (709) 337-2473.
Minister Osborne also noted that Witless Bay Islands Ecological
Reserve, which has the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North
America (260,000 pairs), is another popular seabird watching
destination in our province and one of the best places to watch
whales. Boat tours are available to view our provincial bird, the
Atlantic Puffin, nesting on the islands of this reserve.
�Cape St. Mary�s and Witless Bay Ecological Reserves are truly two
of our province�s world famous seabird wonders,� said Minister
Osborne. �They are excellent examples of our unique, diverse and
breathtaking natural wonders, and I encourage everyone to take the
opportunity to explore them.�
Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications (709) 729-5783, 728-8650
2005 05 10
9:20 a.m. |