Barachois Pond Provincial Park Plan Open House concluded, consultation continues

Following a two-day open house hosted by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on the future of the Barachois Pond Provincial Park, the province is reviewing the input provided by stakeholders and continuing the consultation process in order to develop a park management plan.

Some 41 people attended the open house at the Holiday Inn in Stephenville on June 24 and 25, and a further 44 people obtained information and provided comment at a Parks and Natural Areas display set up in an adjoining mall. Participants, most of whom were residents of the Bay St. Georges area, represented a range of parks users, including day visitors, overnight campers, outdoor recreationists and seasonal permit holders. Representatives of tourism and outdoor recreation groups also attended the open house.

"We were delighted with the turn-out," said Mike Cahill, the department�s Director of Parks and Natural Areas. "People were very interested in the information we had available and were very willing to provide constructive criticism and share their views about the current operation and future possibilities of the park."

Open house participants provided comments on the current condition of the park, what users enjoy and what they would like to see improved. Some participants expressed concern that the natural features of the park should be protected and maintained as a public asset. Mr. Cahill assured attendees that "Park planning is not about privatization. Government has clearly stated that it will maintain its core network of 14 provincial parks, seven natural scenic attractions and the Newfoundland T�Railway, and will not lease any additional parks. This consultation is being conducted to hear what the public thinks about the park and wants to see done with the park."

Barachois Pond Park is the province�s largest provincial park and one of its most heavily used. The only provincial park in the Long Range Mountains, it is an important outdoor recreation and camping facility for residents and visitors, as well as a valuable tourism asset. Its diverse habitats include ponds, streams, marches, forests and barrens, and it is home to some rare animals and plants, including the American Marten and several species of orchids.

A management plan has been developed for Notre Dame Provincial Park and a draft plan has been prepared for Butter Pot Provincial Park. A management plan for Barachois Pond Provincial Park will complete the planning cycle for the province�s keystone parks. Over time, the Parks and Natural Areas Division is aiming to develop management plans for all provincial parks.

Park management plans define the role, significance and classification of the park, within the provincial park system. They also outline policy for the protection, planning, development and management of park resources and attributes, compatible with environmental protection values and responsible public interest. Additionally, park plans provide guidance for the preservation of significant natural resources and the preparation of services, site development and operational plans needed for day-to-day implementation of park policies and programs and to achieve park objectives.

The Barachois Pond Park Management Plan is being prepared with input from key stakeholders: people who use the park, provide services there and value it as part of the region�s natural heritage, outdoor recreation and tourism experiences. A preliminary plan, based on consultants� reports and internal research and analysis, is expected later in 2003, with a full management plan to be completed in 2004.

Interested members of the public can learn more about Barachois Pond Park and the park planning process or express views about the current operation and future possibilities for the park by contacting Michael Cahill, Director of Parks and Natural Areas Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Tel: 709-635-3857; email: mikecahill@gov.nl.ca) or by calling 1-877-214-CAMP.

Media contact: Deirdre Robinson Greene, Communications, (709) 729-0084

2003 07 02                                        9:20 a.m.