The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that seven provincial parks will open on Wednesday, May 14. The remaining parks are scheduled to open at later dates.

The provincial parks, and the designated number of campsites, scheduled to open on May 14 include: Barachois Pond (150); Butter Pot (175); Frenchman's Cove (76); La Manche (68); Lockston Path (57); Notre Dame (100); and J.T. Cheeseman (92).

"The provincial parks throughout Newfoundland and Labrador provide a high-quality outdoor experience for residents and visitors," said Minister Johnson. "Residents and tourists can look forward to exploring the natural wonders of our provincial parks, wilderness and ecological reserves, as these facilities prepare to re-open for the 2008 season."

In an effort to raise the level of service to the public, all provincial camping parks are now equipped with modern comfort stations, including hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilet facilities. As part of an ongoing capital investment of $4 million over four years by the Provincial Government, improvements will continue to be made within the provincial park system to enhance the camping experience.

The minister also said that the parks reservation system introduced in the 2007 season is being widely used by the public. Last year, reservations increased to almost 8,000 � 61 per cent of reservations was made online and 39 per cent was made through the 1-877 telephone service. This system allows residents and visitors to make reservations and confirm campsite availability by booking online at www.NLcamping.ca or by calling toll-free 1-877-214-CAMP (2267).

Each park has its own list of rules and regulations which park patrons are encouraged to observe, as they will be strictly enforced by parks staff throughout the summer camping season. An alcohol ban will be in place at Notre Dame Provincial Park for the Victoria Day weekend and subsequent weekends until June 23. A similar ban will be in effect at Barachois Pond Provincial Park for the Victoria Day weekend only.

The province's parks and natural areas system includes 13 camping parks, one day-use park, six natural scenic attraction parks, the T'Railway and 11 park reserves, for a total of 32 provincial parks. Along with the provincial parks, there are currently two wilderness reserves and 18 ecological reserves.

The Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve opened on May 10, and the Mistaken Point and Burnt Cape Ecological Reserves are scheduled to open on June 9. These three sites allow visitors a glimpse into some of the unique natural history our province has to offer. Park interpretive staff are on site to assist visitors in understanding these areas and the rare natural features that make these areas special places. In 2007, approximately 20,000 people visited the Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve.

"I invite the public to visit our provincial parks and reserves and have a safe and enjoyable experience," said the minister. "Our natural areas, all throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are waiting to be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts, and I wish everyone a memorable season."

Further information about provincial parks and reserves may be obtained by calling 709-635-4520 or online at www.gov.nl.ca/parks.

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Media contact:

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

NOTE: These dates are subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions at the time of opening.

2008 05                                                    13 2:10 p.m.