Environment and Conservation
July 31, 2014

Celebrating 60 Years of Provincial Parks

Minister Helps Celebrate Provincial Park System’s Impressive Milestone

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Environment and Conservation, joined campers, visitors and parks staff today at Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park in Cormack to recognize the 60th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Parks.

“Today we recognize 60 years of dedicated employees and loyal visitors to our beautiful provincial parks. As we celebrate this significant milestone, the Provincial Government continues to establish, protect and manage these natural habitats for future generations while offering unique nature experiences, hiking, camping and outdoor adventures for everyone to enjoy. It’s fitting to gather here in the first provincial park, Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, to mark this occasion.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Environment and Conservation.

The provincial parks system was established in 1954, with the creation of Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, and has expanded to a network of 13 camping parks, seven day use parks, the T'Railway Provincial Park, the Main River Waterway Provincial Park and 10 park reserves. The province also has two wilderness reserves and 18 ecological reserves that protect significant seabird colonies, rare plants and significant fossil sites.

Throughout the remainder of the season, visitors are encouraged to visit the province’s parks as part of the Parks Proud - Celebrating 60 Years of Service celebration.

QUICK FACTS:

• The provincial parks system celebrates its 60th year with Parks Proud – Celebrating 60 Years of Service.
• Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, established in 1954, is Newfoundland and Labrador’s first provincial park.
• Parks Proud – Celebrating 60 Years of Service is an initiative of the Parks and Natural Areas Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation. The division protects and preserves the province’s natural heritage, and provides a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities province-wide to encourage visitors to celebrate, discover, explore, understand and appreciate the province’s natural history.
• More information about provincial parks, events, fees and reservations is available from the Parks and Natural Areas Division by calling 709-637-2040 or online www.gov.nl.ca/env/parks

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2014 07 31                                    10:35 a.m.