NOTE TO EDITORS:

Environment and Conservation signs MOU with Canadian Boreal Initiative;
Part of WERAC 25^th anniversary celebrations

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cathy Wilkinson, director, the Canadian Boreal Initiative, an independent organization which works with industry, Aboriginal people and conservationists to link science, policy and conservation activities in Canada�s boreal region. Under the MOU, the province and the Canadian Boreal Initiative agree to work cooperatively to advance the establishment of protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador�s boreal region. The signing will take place today, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. at The Fluvarium, St. John�s.

The MOU signing coincides with the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (1980-2005). Established through legislation, the advisory council�s role is to advise the provincial government on the establishment and management of wilderness and ecological reserves in Newfoundland and Labrador. To mark the 25^th anniversary, a reception for current and former WERAC members will be held tonight, January 18 at The Fluvarium from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Minister Tom Osborne will give the opening address, followed by a presentation on the accomplishments of WERAC, and conclude with remarks by Cathy Wilkinson of the Canadian Boreal Initiative.

Members of the media are invited to attend both events.

Media contact:
Diane Keough, Department of Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401
Kelly Acton, Canadian Boreal Initiative, Cell (613) 762-2525

2006 01 18                                       10:05 a.m.