Nature NL wants to see the special lands of the Island of Newfoundland conserved, so that we can enjoy them forever. A planned system of reserves, protected by legislation is the best way to ensure natural habitats, systems, and resources are maintained for future generations. The new Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland is a chance to implement a strategy for designating protected areas, and use land use planning to conserve places that are important to us. We understand that this plan is not perfect, and there are many valid concerns. These concerns can be shared during the public consultation process, and they will be used to help refine the plan and make it better. Site-by-site consultations will then take into account local opinions, land use activities, and challenges, so that reserves will be designed and moved forward with local considerations in mind.
Catch up with some of the most recent media coverage, and take a look at the plan on the engagenl.ca consultation site as well as the maps of the proposed areas. We encourage you to read our thoughts on why we need protected areas, submit your comments on the plan, and consider how nature can be conserved for future generations here on the island.
February 23rd, 2020: Expert Advisors to Newfoundland and Labrador Government Resign in Protest
February 25th: Environmentalist at Odds with Minister Over Progress on Protection of Natural Areas
February 26th: Environmental advisers resign claiming N.L. government won’t listen to advice
February 27th: Byrne ‘ready to go’ on natural areas protection plan
February 28th: Outdoor Advocate Calls Departure of Ecologists from WERAC ‘Troubling News’
March 1st: Committee prepares to release natural areas protection plan for Newfoundland and Labrador
March 8th: Resigned WERAC co-chair concerned about ‘spin’
May 29th: WERAC conservation plan released after 25 years
May 29th: NCC Applauds Draft Release of Provincial Protected Areas Plan
June 5th: Deadline extended for public review of WERAC Newfoundland wilderness protection plan
June 11th: WERAC chair says concerns over its conservation plan for Newfoundland are a bit premature
June 12th: Just stop making things up
June 19th: The Island of Newfoundland needs more protected areas
June 24th: A Protected Areas Plan for Newfoundland
June 26th: Wilderness protection plan creates deep divides on Northern Peninsula
July 30th: Why we need protected areas
September 17th: Protected areas plan a golden opportunity (Nick White)
September 29th: Searching for a ‘Ome for Nature (Brendan Kelly)
