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NLIS 1
May 4, 2006
(Environment and Conservation)
 

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve opens for 2006 season

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Interpretation Centre officially opens to the public on Saturday, May 13, and will remain open until Monday, October 9.

Minister Jackman is encouraging the public to visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve. "The seabirds have returned to nest at Cape St. Mary�s, and as the largest northern gannet colony in Newfoundland and Labrador and the second largest gannet colony in North America, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view from the end of the cape, only 10 metres from the nesting colony, making it one of the most accessible seabird colonies in North America," said Minister Jackman.

Minister Jackman also referenced the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve located on the Avalon Peninsula and home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America with approximately 260,000 pairs. He added, "The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a great location for watching whales as they migrate north and for viewing the seabirds."

"As two of the most popular ecological reserves in the province, Cape St. Mary�s and Witless Bay Ecological Reserves are truly two of our province�s many wonders," Minister Jackman said. "Both reserves illustrate the diversity and uniqueness of the place we call home. I encourage the public to experience and explore the natural wonders located right in own backyard."

The Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Interpretation Centre are open to the public daily, seven-days a week, with interpreters available on-site to provide information and offer interpretation programs and guided tours. Tour bookings and other 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.

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

2006 05 04                            10:35 a.m.


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