Avalon Wilderness Reserve � Snowmobiling prohibited

The Minister of Environment and Conservation Clyde Jackman today reminded the general public that snowmobiling is prohibited in the Avalon Wilderness Reserve.

A number of activities can take place in the Avalon Wilderness Reserve like canoeing, hiking, hunting and back country skiing. Human activities which can influence productivity and survival of species and impact the environment are regulated. Snowmobile restrictions are in place in the winter range of the Avalon caribou herd to limit stress and harassment they can experience when exposed to this activity.

"Government has received a number of complaints regarding illegal snowmobile use in the Avalon Wilderness Reserve," said Minister Jackman. "We have responded with increasing enforcement efforts in those areas." From recent patrols conducted in early March by enforcement personnel from the Department of Natural Resources, charges are pending against 25 individuals. "If convicted under the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act, individuals may be subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and not less than $200 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 60 days," added the minister.

Entry permits are mandatory for both the Avalon and Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserves and can be obtained free of charge. For more information on entry permits or activities that are permitted within reserves, please call (709) 635-4520 or e-mail parks and natural areas at parksinfo@gov.nl.ca.

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2006 03 24                                                2:45 p.m.