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Environment and Conservation
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
October 12, 2010

Consultations Taking Place on George River Caribou

Consultations with targeted stakeholders will take place in Labrador today and tomorrow on the management of the George River caribou herd. Preliminary census results, from a post-calving census conducted in July 2010, indicated a significant decline in the population. Feedback received from the consultations will be used by the Provincial Government in the decision-making process regarding revised harvest management approaches.

"The preliminary data we have received points toward a substantial decrease in the population of the George River herd, and appropriate management measures need to be discussed, developed and implemented," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "An important part of determining these measures involves consultation with key individuals, groups and organizations that have a vested interest in the sustainability of this herd. I look forward to the feedback that will be generated during the meetings."

The census of the herd was conducted in partnership with the Government of Quebec, Laval University, the Nunatsiavut Government, Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board and the Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research. The final results and analysis of the census will be available later this fall.

"The George River caribou herd is critically important to the people of Labrador as it contributes almost exclusively to their caribou harvest needs," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs.  "It is important that we hear, first-hand, what these individuals and groups have to say about ensuring the future health of the herd."

"Caribou are intrinsically linked to the cultural identity and traditions of the Aboriginal people of Labrador and are an important staple for their dietary needs," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "These consultations are essential to the planning of conservation efforts as we all work to secure a future for the herd."

The meetings with key stakeholders will be conducted by the Minister of Environment and Conservation, along with officials with the Wildlife Division and representatives from the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. In addition to the stakeholder meetings, interested groups and individuals can submit feedback to GRCHcomments@gov.nl.ca, via fax to 709-637- 2099, or via mail to:

Wildlife Division
Department of Environment and Conservation
P.O. Box 2007
117 Riverside Drive
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1

Written submissions must be received by October 26, 2010 . A presentation on the George River caribou herd is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation's website at www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife

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Media contacts:

Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2010 10 12                                                      10:00 a.m.
 


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