Seasonal closure dates announced for provincial parks and reserves

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced the closure dates of provincial parks and reserves for the 2006 tourist season.

"I hope all visitors enjoyed the spectacular natural environment, as well as the various interpretation and recreational opportunities available in our provincial parks and reserves this past season," said Minister Jackman. "Even though provincial parks and reserves are now closing for camping, protected areas are open for sightseeing and hiking experiences. These sites become beautiful backdrops for fall colours."

The following parks are now closed:

The provincial parks reservation line is available to the public until September 18.

Provincial parks scheduled to close September 18:

Chance Cove Provincial Park is scheduled to close October 3.

Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve is also open for interpretive tours until October 3.

Tours to the gannet colony at Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve Interpretation Centre are available to the public until October 9.

People who wish to enter the Bay du Nord or Avalon Wilderness Reserves can do so at any time of the year with an entry permit.

Government acknowledges the value of the provincial parks system and continues to invest and upgrade provincial parks to make them more attractive for travellers and visitors. "This year�s budget allocated $1 million to increase the number of campsites and improve amenities at a number of provincial parks," said Minister Jackman. "Through a long-term investment strategy, work is progressing on these projects and the level of services offered in many provincial parks is improving."

The province�s system of provincial parks and natural areas includes 14 camping parks, 11 park reserves, six natural scenic attractions and the T�Railway Provincial Park for a total of 32 provincial parks. The system is completed by two wilderness reserves and 17 ecological reserves. Each of the parks and reserves protects significant features of the landscape and habitat in which they are located while also providing recreational opportunities to the people of this province and visitors from away.

For more information on provincial parks or reserves, please contact the Parks and Natural Areas Division at (709) 635-4520 or visit online www.gov.nl.ca/parks.

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

2006 09 15                        10:45 a.m.