Environment and Conservation
April 28, 2016

Protecting our Natural Heritage

Minister Reports on Permits Issued Under Endangered Species Act

The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation, reported today that 17 permits have been issued under Section 18 of the Endangered Species Act, for research activities undertaken in 2015-16.

Section 18 allows the minister to issue permits under certain conditions for activities affecting species at risk. Research conducted under these permits has provided valuable information relevant to the recovery of these species.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to approved research which is essential to finding ways to support the recovery of species at risk. These research activities will assist in the management and recovery of many valuable species in our province."
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation

These permits cover research on American Marten, Piping Plover, Long's Braya, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Barrens Willow, Fernald's Braya, Boreal Caribou, Mackenzie's Sweetvetch, Lindley's Aster, Low Northern Rockcress and Porsild's Bryum.

In addition to research permits issued this year, 18 possession permits issued in previous years remain active. These include permits to possess mounted American Marten for educational and display purposes and permits to possess specimens of Barren's Willow, Long's Braya and Fernald's Braya.

Three economic activity permits issued in 2014 are ongoing until 2017, for activities in areas affecting designated species. These cover activities related to the Maritime Link Project (Emera), development of the Muskrat Falls Generation Facility and HVAC line from Muskrat Falls to Churchill Falls, and development of the Labrador-Island Transmission Link and associated activities at the Shoal Cove site.

All permit holders have met the conditions of the permits they were issued. Details of the issued permits, as well as the information required for permit requests can be found at: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/endangeredspecies/permits.html

QUICK FACTS:

• Minister Trimper reported today that 17 permits have been issued in 2015-16 under Section 18 of the Endangered Species Act, for research activities undertaken in 2015-2016.
• Approved research is essential to finding ways to support the recovery of species at risk and ensuring species covered under these permits were not put at further risk.
• Eighteen possession permits issued in previous years also remain active.
• Three economic activity permits that were issued in 2014 are ongoing until 2017, for activities in areas that affect designated species.
• Details of the permits can be found at www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/endangeredspecies/permits.html

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Media contact:

Emily Timmins Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca

2016 04 28                              1:15 p.m.