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April 1, 2003
Conservation groups withdraw lawsuit given Government’s assurance to protect Windmill Bight Provincial Park

Conservation groups today agreed to withdraw their lawsuit aimed at halting construction of a proposed golf course in Windmill Bight Provincial Park, citing Government’s December 2002 rejection of the development as a strong commitment to uphold protection of the park.

In October 2002, the Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PAA), Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (NHS), and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), represented by Sierra Legal Defence Fund, filed the lawsuit against the then provincial Minister of Environment for approving construction of the golf course without environmental assessment. The groups had also asked that the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation not remove any lands from the Park.

“The decision to keep Windmill Bight intact as a protected area keeps the smile in Our Smiling Land – Government’s vision for protection and use of outdoor resources” said Robert Wright, the Sierra Legal Defence Fund lawyer handling the case. “The question is, will the Government now put some teeth behind that smile with a strong protected areas plan?”

"We interpret Government's decision as a renewed commitment to upholding the integrity of our province park system," said Rita Anderson of the NHS. "Each environmentally-enlightened decision by Cabinet to protect our natural heritage is a small step towards creating a natural areas network for the Province that will be a legacy to our future generations."

Nonetheless, the fact that government even contemplated constructing a golf course within a provincial park remains a concern. To effectively preserve our provincial parks, the groups ask that the Provincial Parks Act be strengthened to require mandatory public consultation.

“One of the root causes of the Windmill Bight controversy is that Government does not have an overarching public plan for establishment and management of parks and reserves,” stated Laura Jackson of the PAA. “The public, as well as the business sector, need to see the implementation of the Natural Areas Plan so that protected areas get the attention they deserve in competing land-use decisions. This goal is the number one priority for conservation groups in 2003.”

“Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in the country without a natural areas system plan,” added Stephen Hazell of CPAWS. “Implementation of a public plan is a critical step for Government to ensure that the natural environment of Newfoundland and Labrador is preserved for future generations to use and enjoy.”

Now that Government has confirmed Windmill Bight’s protected status, the groups are hopeful that it will also see fit to invest in promotion of the site as a unique eco-tourism destination that can contribute to the local economy.

For further information please contact:

Laura Jackson, Protected Areas Association
tel: 709-726-2603


Rita Anderson, Natural History Society
tel: (709) 737-8771


Stephen Hazell, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
tel: (613) 232-8097


Robert Wright, Sierra Legal Defence Fund
tel: (416) 368-7533

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