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Amendments enhance protection of provincial parks Amendments to the Provincial Parks Act during the last session of the House of Assembly has greatly enhanced government's preservation mandate for the province, says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly. The passage of Bill 35 in the House last fall underscores government's commitment to preserving the incredible natural heritage in our provincial parks," Kelly says. "Park issues which were previously covered under policies, are now governed by law, while fines for offences and the authority of park officers have been increased." The minister noted that to ensure the preservation of park environments, mineral exploration, mining, logging, hydro development and private cottages, are now prohibited by law, rather than departmental policy. Park incidents of mischief and rowdiness have greatly decreased in recent years, and this year even greater authority has been given to provincial park officers, the minister said. "While park officers already have the authority of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary within park boundaries, they now have the additional authority of forestry officer under the Forestry Act, and peace officer under the Highway Traffic Act," Kelly says. Fines under the penalty section of the act have been increased significantly, the minister noted. "Fines for park offences have gone from `not more than $500,' to `not less than $100 nor more than $10,000' which is in line with similar fines under the Wildlife Act," she said. "Many of these changes are simply keeping pace with the times, and the heightened awareness of the value of our parks," Kelly noted. "They will enable us to be responsive to our park's preservation needs, while establishing sufficient deterrents to those who would abuse a highly-treasured resource." Contact: Doug Burgess, (709) 729-0928.
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