2002 enforcement figures released

Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today released legislation and compliance statistics for 2002.

A total of 1,614 violations consisting of 671 written warnings and 943 charges were recorded throughout the province in 2002. A regional breakdown shows 688 violations in the Eastern region while the Western region and Labrador recorded 771 and 155 violations respectively. Of the 1,614 violations recorded, 774 consisted of offences under the Forestry Act and 686 were wildlife offences. Other offences included 100 ATV violations, 40 federal fisheries offences, and 13 violations under the Migratory Bird Act.

Minister Woodford said he is pleased with the 2002 enforcement program, which saw the number of violations slightly decrease over the year before. In 2001, a total of 1,651 violations were recorded in the province. The minister said results of the 2002 program clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the department�s integrated enforcement efforts and highlights our high calibre enforcement team.

"Our well educated and trained enforcement officers and field staff now form the backbone of our department. Government is committed to a high quality enforcement program and its continued investment in training and equipment is providing for an unprecedented level of forest and wildlife resource protection in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The minister said the intensity of the department�s law enforcement saw a number of aircraft-based illegal hunting charges over the past couple of years and a number of successful investigations. He added that conservation officers have been involved in several undercover operations, which have proved to be a useful tool in helping curb the abuse of our natural resources.

During 2002, conservation officers issued charges and warnings for a variety of offences including illegal activity involving sawmill operations, timber cutting, forest fires, hunting, trapping and firearms. There were also charges laid for violations involving illegal fishing, migratory bird hunting and illegal ATV use.

The minister said that several companies and businesses were also either charged or convicted during the past year for various offences. As well, numerous guide licences have been cancelled as a result of licenced guides being convicted of offences under the Wildlife Act and Fisheries Regulations. Convictions have resulted in thousands of dollars in fines and several items forfeited to the Crown, including firearms and ammunition, quantities of big game, salmon, timber, fishing and hunting equipment and several vehicles including an aircraft.

Conservation officers were also diligent last year in enforcing regulations under the department�s new Load Slip System, which was introduced in 2002. The new regulations help control the illegal transport of commercial timber throughout the province.

Minister Woodford commended all conservation officers for their hard work and professionalism throughout 2002. "Our officers should be proud of their enforcement successes and efficiency. I wish them well in their efforts in 2003."

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2003 02 27                                      10:05 a.m.