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Nature Canada Hails Establishment of National, Provincial Parks in Labrador Mealy Mountains National Park to be largest in eastern Canada February 5, 2010 (Ottawa) – Nature Canada congratulates the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador on their announcement today to preserve over 13,000 square kilometres of boreal habitat in eastern Canada. In a joint appearance Friday in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Charlene Johnson, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Environment and Conservation, announced their commitment to establish a National Park Reserve in the Mealy Mountains of Labrador, as well as a waterway provincial park to protect the Eagle River. "This is an important day for land conservation and endangered species protection in Canada," said Nature Canada's executive director, Ian Davidson. "The permanent protection of such a large area of boreal forest ensures at-risk species like the woodland caribou and the harlequin duck have the habitat they need to survive." "I congratulate Ministers Prentice and Johnson, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, Parks Canada, the steering committee, the Innu Nation, Labrador Metis Nation, the Inuit and the local communities who provided support for conserving this exceptional boreal landscape," Davidson continued. The Mealy Mountains rise dramatically from the shores of Lake Melville in southeastern Labrador. Reaching heights of more than one kilometre above sea level, they are an island of arctic tundra surrounded by boreal forests and coastal seascapes. The parks will serve as a large anchor of protected boreal forest, wetland and tundra along the Atlantic Flyway, an important breeding ground and migration route for many arctic bird species heading to wintering grounds in the south – some as far as South America. Species breeding in or migrating through the park include Peregrine Falcon (nationally Threatened), Least Sandpiper, Rusty Blackbird (Special Concern), Blackpoll Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher (provincially Threatened) and Arctic Tern. "The nationally at-risk eastern population of Harlequin Duck nests along wild rivers throughout the region," said Alex MacDonald, Nature Canada's protected areas campaign manager. "Creating a national park will protect important river ecosystems and limit human activities around nesting sites, which can help this species to rebound throughout its breeding range." The Mealy Mountain herd of the Threatened boreal forest population of Woodland Caribou, estimated at just 2,000 remaining, will gain urgently needed protection of its habitat within the national park's boundaries. Caribou need large areas of undisturbed old growth woodland, as these forests not only provide a necessary food source, but protection from predators such as wolves and bears. Establishing a national park will also help mitigate the effects of global warming. The soils of the Mealy Mountains region are rich in organic carbon, which makes them an important storehouse for greenhouse gases that can accelerate global climate change. Leaving these soils and extensive wetlands undisturbed will help to reduce potential carbon emissions that could impact climate change. Nature Canada has pressed for the establishment of Mealy Mountains National Park for more than 15 years. "Today's announcement represents a significant step toward honouring Canada's commitment to create a national park in each of this country's 39 natural regions," said Davidson. "National Parks help preserve our nation's unique ecosystems and the plants and animals that live within them so that they are not lost forever." About the Mealy Mountains Region The Mealy Mountains rise dramatically from the shores of Lake Melville in southeastern Labrador. Reaching heights of more than one kilometre above sea level, they are an island of arctic tundra surrounded by boreal forests and coastal seascapes. The region slated for protection contains wild lakes and rivers, glacier-worn mountains, subalpine plateaus, bogs and fens, marine coasts, salt-swept islands, sandspits, coastal plains and boreal forests. The area is home to some of Labrador's most pristine wetlands and Atlantic Salmon habitat. One of North America's finest wild rivers, the Eagle River, runs through them. About Nature Canada Nature Canada is an Ottawa-based non-profit whose mandate is to protect and conserve wildlife and habitats in Canada by engaging people and advocating on behalf of nature. Nature Canada has pressed for the establishment of Mealy Mountains National Park for more than 15 years. Online Resources Nature Canada's web site has profiles on many of the species that will benefit from the establishment of protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador: Woodland Caribou: http://www.naturecanada.ca/endangered_know_our_species_woodlandcaribou.asp Chris Sutton Alex MacDonald - 30 - |
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