The Provincial Government is continuing its efforts to responsibly manage Crown lands in the province through the posting of notices on structures that are illegally occupying these areas. This effort is not focused on individuals who participate in gravel pit camping activities on a short-term basis throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

"On a continuous basis, we identify and post notices on structures which are illegally occupying Crown lands on a permanent or long-term basis," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "There are structures such as cabins which have been built illegally and, in other instances individuals have modified their camper trailers to establish these structures as permanent dwellings. Without a legal Crown title to these properties or a licence to occupy, individuals are in contravention of our Lands Act. We are not targeting people who wish to use Crown lands for a short-term camping experience."

In keeping with the management criteria established for Crown lands in the province, individuals may apply for legal occupation providing the title to the land meets all development approvals which are outlined under provincial legislation. Individuals who have illegal structures that are currently occupying Crown lands, and have been posted, have 60 days to come forward and provide proof of legal title to the land in question, apply for such title, or remove the illegal structure. If these conditions are not met, the structures will be removed.

"Again, I wish to reiterate that we are not focusing our efforts on people who wish to enjoy a weekend camping on Crown land with their families, or individuals who take their trailer and head off for a few days for hunting activities," said Minister Johnson. "Our focus is on those who have set up long-term or permanent occupation of land to which they do not have legal title. Crown land is a very valuable resource, and we are committed to managing it responsibly."

The minister also said that many of these illegal structures pose a threat to public safety. There are also environmental concerns due to a lack of proper infrastructure, and some have also been built in areas where requests for titles have previously been refused.

"We have identified illegal structures which do not have proper sewage systems in place, for example, and they pose a safety threat to nearby water supplies," said Minister Johnson. "Sewage is being piped into the ground without any environmental controls. Furthermore, some of these structures are located in areas where we have denied requests in the past because of a failure to meet our requirements."

For applications or to learn more about Crown lands in the province, please go to www.gov.nl.ca/env/lands/cla/index.html

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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