2004 News Archives

Back

March 5, 2004
Call to Action: Please Support Little Grand Lake

To those who value Wilderness:

The Little Grand Lake Ecological Reserve is finally near realization. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador now have an opportunity to ensure that this area, so critical to the endangered Newfoundland marten, is preserved. The reserve and the marten need our help.

The area around Little Grand Lake (about 20 km southeast of Corner Brook) is considered one of the most ecologically significant areas in Newfoundland. It is here that 3 ecoregions merge, and this unique forest is home to the largest remaining population of endangered Newfoundland marten.

Although Newfoundland Rangers noted the importance of the area as marten habitat as early as 1934, it was not made a no-cut environmental assessment area until 1982, or a provisional ecological reserve until 1999. Now it is our turn to help make this 731-km2 area a permanent, fully protected reserve.

We have until March 11 to let government know we support this reserve. An ecological reserve would ensure the highest level of protection under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act. It would protect the Newfoundland marten and the hundreds of other species there. It will also provide a relatively pristine environment where the people of this province will be able to take part in traditional activities such as skiing, hiking, and boating.

Where are we now?
After decades of work, we are in the final stages of ensuring that the Little Grand Lake Ecological Reserve is fully protected. Since the February 11 public hearing in Corner Brook, we have been concerned that the mining industry may try to stop the reserve. Ultimately, the decision on whether to establish the reserve requires full Cabinet approval. Our government needs to know that this reserve has a broad base of strong public support.

There are two things you can do:
1. Most importantly, we need government to know there is strong support for the establishment of this reserve. Attached is a form letter you can rewrite or submit as is. The mining lobbies are submitting comments. We need to have conservation voices heard loud and clear!

2. To go one step further, review the draft management plan and submit comments on it. The plan includes options on such things as snowmobiling, hunting and roads. Request a copy of the plan from Parks and Natural Areas Division by calling 635-3854 or by e-mailing Paul Taylor at PaulATaylor@gov.nl.ca.

Both of these responses are due by Thursday, March 11, 2004.

We need to ensure not only that this reserve is established but that it adequately protects the ecological integrity of this unique area -- and represents the desires of the people of this province. Please take time to review the plan and chose the options that you feel are most important, or at least send the attached letter, or your own version, to reassure Minister Osborne that there is solid public support for the Little Grand Lake Ecological Reserve.

Thanks so much!

Form letter of support for Little Grand Lake Ecological Reserve (WORD file)

For further information:

Laura Jackson
Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
tel: (709) 726-2603
email: laura.jackson@nf.aibn.com

Catherine Boyd
Sierra Club of Canada
tel: (709) 639-8109
email: catherineb@sierraclub.ca

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