Provincial parks opening for 2006 season

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, announced today that seven provincial parks will open beginning Wednesday, May 17, for the summer camping season. The remaining camping parks and scenic attraction parks will open later.

The provincial parks scheduled to open on May 17 and the number of designated campsites in each park includes: Barachois Pond (150); Butter Pot (149); Frenchman's Cove (76); La Manche (70); Notre Dame (100); Lockston Path (56); and J.T. Cheeseman (102).

"The provincial parks, wilderness and ecological reserves provide visitors and residents an opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of our province," said Minister Jackman, "Government is committed to ensuring a high quality and safe outdoor experience for residents and non-residents, while also protecting ecosystems and significant features in our parks. To encourage and attract more individuals to our parks we have dropped fees. In Budget 2006 government eliminated the daily ($1) and nightly ($2) group camping fees and dropped the $5 remote camping fee at Barachois Pond Park."

The minister added that government acknowledges the value of the provincial parks system and will continue to invest and upgrade our parks to make them more attractive for travelers and visitors. Through a new long-term investment strategy improvements in the level of services offered in many provincial parks will commence this year. They include construction of another comfort station at Butter Pot Provincial Park; a new comfort station for Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park; a comfort station and dumping station for Pinware River Provincial Park; and dumping stations for J.T. Cheeseman and Frenchman�s Cove Provincial Parks. Last year government committed to providing a new comfort station and dumping station at La Manche Provincial Park that will be operational this year.

In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, the minister is encouraging all users to follow park regulations that will be strictly enforced throughout the summer camping season.

The alcohol ban implemented in Notre Dame Provincial Park in 2004 will be put into effect again this year and will also include Barachois Pond Provincial Park. "The alcohol ban will be in place at Notre Dame for the Victoria Day weekend and all weekends until the end of June, and it will be in effect at Barachois Pond for the Victoria Day weekend only," said the minister. "This is the third consecutive year that alcohol has been banned and we are very pleased with the success of the ban and the positive response received from park patrons."

The province's parks and natural areas system includes 14 camping parks, six natural scenic attraction parks, the T'Railway and 11 park reserves for a total of 32 provincial parks. Visitors can explore and appreciate nature through our system of provincial parks and reserves and enjoy many outdoor recreational opportunities, such as camping, hiking and canoeing. Currently, we operate 14 camping parks and six offer interpretation programs.

"This summer I invite you to celebrate our natural heritage in our provincial parks and reserves," said Minister Jackman. "With outstanding natural values and friendly staff we hope your stay in our provincial parks, be it short or long, is an enjoyable and re-memberable experience."

Further information about provincial parks and reserves may be obtained by calling the Parks and Natural Areas Division at (709) 635- 4520 or at www.gov.nl.ca/parks

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

Note: These dates are subject to change.

2006 05 09                            3:20 p.m.