2005 News Archives

Back

May 13th, 2005
PAA establishes Northern Peninsula office

Roddickton, NL -- The Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador PAA) is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Roddickton on the Northern Peninsula, and the hiring of local Coordinator Chantal Weir.

The PAA is a non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to conservation and sustainable use of our province's natural resources. Since its establishment in 1989, the PAA has worked across the province to promote the establishment of new parks and reserves, protection of endangered species, and encourage and inform public debate on resource conservation issues.

On the Northern Peninsula, the organisation has been active in raising awareness of the unique forests of the Main River, as well as advancing snowmobile management plans in Gros Morne National Park. With the establishment of a new office in Roddickton, the PAA will now expand its work to address forest conservation and sustainable forest use in the region.

"As a young person from the Northern Peninsula, with a family background in the logging industry, I am excited about the opportunity to work on the issue of forest conservation," said new Coordinator, Chantal Weir. "The future of our communities and regional economy depends on healthy forests. I am hoping that I can encourage individuals and groups who share a concern for the future health of our forest environment and an interest in diversifying our economy to work together and affect change."

In recent years, forest ecologists have become aware that the eastern side of the Northern Peninsula supports the last large area of intact, old-growth forest on the Island. Yet forest resource use is high in other parts of the peninsula, and constantly expanding with new cabin developments, logging and mining operations, and road construction. Meanwhile, the potential of wilderness and eco-tourism is just beginning to be discussed. Given this scenario, planning for the future of these forest resources - both use and conservation - is now a critical issue.

"Our organisation believes that communities adjacent to resources must play an important role in the management, planning, use and conservation of those resources," stated Chris Hogan, Conservation Director with the PAA. "For that reason, we look forward to working with interested parties to ensure their voices are heard."

The PAA is holding an Open House meeting today in Hawkes Bay to meet with the public, introduce the work of the PAA, and discuss local environmental and resource conservation issues. This meeting will take place at Maynard's Torrent River Inn from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For further information:

Chantal Weir, Northern Peninsula Coordinator
709-457-2480 (office)
chantal.weir@nf.aibn.com

Chris Hogan, Conservation Director
709-726-2603 (office)
chris.hogan@nf.aibn.com

It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.
~Ansel Adams