Environment and Conservation
October 5, 2012

Feedback Sought for Five-Year Moose Management Plan

The Provincial Government is seeking input from stakeholders and the general public on the development of a five-year moose management plan for the island portion of the province. A series of public consultation sessions will be held to discuss how moose are currently managed, to solicit feedback on future management decisions, and to understand how the public views the resource.

“We manage moose populations in the province to provide maximum benefits to all residents and maintain healthy and sustainable wildlife habitats, while also recognizing their importance from a cultural, social, recreational and economic standpoint,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “Through the consultations, we want to ensure the public has an opportunity to provide input for a five-year plan. We want to hear first-hand the various perceptions and opinions on moose management in the province and capture any factors that differentiate one region of the province from another, if indeed they do exist.”

Sessions will be held at the following locations from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.:

Individuals interested in attending a session are asked to pre-register by calling toll-free at 1-855-637-2064 or email mooseplan@gov.nl.ca

Input can also be provided by e-mail at mooseplan@gov.nl.ca, or regular mail at:

Moose Management Plan
Department of Environment and Conservation - Wildlife Division
PO Box 2007
117 Riverside Drive
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1

Written submissions must be received no later than November 8, 2012. A document outlining details of the public consultation sessions is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife.

An online questionnaire will also be available on the website from October 22 to November 8.

“We recognize that, along with hunting, there are many other factors we need to consider such as forest degradation and the issue of moose along our highways,” said Minister French. “The more information we garner from these consultations, the better informed our decision-making process for a five-year moose management plan will be. I encourage all residents to share their views and ideas to help ensure our future decisions reflect a balanced approach based on both feedback and science.”

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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

2012 10 05                                   11:45 a.m.