Environment and Conservation
September 24, 2015
Promoting our Provincial Parks and Natural Areas
Online Campsite Reservation Service has Successful First Season
A new campsite reservation service launched in April has had a highly successful first season, seeing a 20 per cent increase in usage over 2014. The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, released the latest statistics today showing that the online service, which allows users to create a user profile, and includes other new features, was well received.
"We have noticed significant growth in the usage of the online booking service this season and it shows that the new campsite reservation service is more convenient for visitors to our parks. It is also encouraging to see that so many people continue to enjoy camping, and experiencing the outdoors in our beautiful province."
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation
Responding to the needs of clients, the new campsite reservation service allows for the payment of fees upfront and reduces the number of vacant campsites. Over 63,000 campsite nights were sold this year, which is on par with last season.
While provincial campgrounds have now closed for the 2015 camping season, day-use provincial parks, including the Arches, Cataracts, Codroy Valley, Deadman's Bay, Dungeon and Gooseberry Cove, remain open until October 5. Chance Cove Provincial Park will close on October 19. Cape St. Mary's and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves will remain open to the public until October 18.
"This was certainly a successful season in our provincial parks and I would like to extend sincere thanks to all parks and natural areas staff for their efforts this year. Your hard work and dedication ensures an enjoyable experience for the public."
- Minister Crummell
The province's network of parks and natural areas includes 13 camping parks, seven day use parks, the T'Railway Provincial Park, Main River Waterway Provincial Park and 10 park reserves, for a total of 32 provincial parks. In addition to provincial parks, there are two wilderness reserves and 18 ecological reserves that protect significant seabird colonies, rare plants and significant fossil sites.
For more information about provincial parks, wilderness and ecological reserves, contact the Parks and Natural Areas Division at 709-637-2040 or visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/parks .
QUICK FACTS
- A new campsite reservation service launched in April has had a highly successful first season, seeing a 20 per cent increase in usage over 2014.
- The new campsite reservation service allows for the payment of fees upfront and reduces the number of vacant campsites.
- Day-use provincial parks, including the Arches, Cataracts, Codroy Valley, Deadman's Bay, Dungeon and Gooseberry Cove, remain open until October 5.
- Chance Cove Provincial Park will close on October 19. Cape St. Mary's and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves will remain open to the public until October 18.
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Media contact:
| Emily Timmins
Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 709-693-1292 emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 24 10:40 a.m.