The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

1.) Port aux Basques to Belle Isle (Appalachian) Hiking Trail

Proponent: International Appalachian Trail NL Chapter Inc. (Reg. 1372)

The proponent plans to develop additional or amend trail routes to the hiking trail along the Long Range Mountains of Western Newfoundland from Channel-Port aux Basques in the south to Belle Isle in the north. The proposed trail will be an extension of the US Appalachian Trail and International Trail from New Brunswick to the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. The Western Newfoundland section will comprise 550 kilometres of new non-contiguous walking/hiking trail connected to existing trails and roads to cover the route. The trail will be approximately one metre wide over original soil with no bridges or boardwalks. The trail development has already begun in some areas. The first phase (Indian Lookout Trail) was developed in 2006, with three additional trails developed in 2007 (Indian Head, Humber Valley and Flat Hills Trails). The trails developed in 2007 were previously registered and released from the Environmental Assessment process in 2005.

New sections of trail range in length from one km to 90 kms. The trail is planned to be developed over a six-year period.

This undertaking was registered on April 1, 2008; public comments are due by May 8, 2008; and, the minister's decision is due by May 16, 2008.

2.) Long Pond, Conception Bay South Marina Development      

  Proponent: MAE Design Limited (Reg. 1373)

The proposal is to construct a 101-berth recreational small boat marina at Long Pond in Conception Bay South. The project will include the construction of a marginal wharf, finger piers, boat lift, slipway, boat storage space, vehicle parking, municipal and utility services, an accessory building and fuel storage area. To facilitate this construction, there will be some dredging and harbour filling required. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2008 and be completed in 2011.

This undertaking was registered on April 3, 2008; public comments are due by May 8, 2008; and, the minister's decision is due by May 18, 2008.

Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister, and are welcome prior to the deadline date shown.

The project registration documents are available for public review on the government website or by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessment at (709) 729-4211 or toll-free: 1-800-563-6181 or by mail to:

Environmental assessment information is on the government web site at

//www.gov.nl.ca/env

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca