News Release

Valuable habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador conserved by the Government of Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. -- October 25, 2011 -- Today the Government of Canada announced the Nature Conservancy of Canada's successful acquisition of the Grassy Place – 1,570 hectares of land in southwest Newfoundland in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Peter Penashue, Member of Parliament for Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, made the announcement on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent.This project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program.

“Our government is pleased to be working with dedicated partners, such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, for the long-term conservation of the biological diversity of Canada's natural treasures, such as the Grassy Place,” said Minister Penashue. “The forest on this property provides habitat for the threatened Newfoundland Marten. It is also an important refuge for the La Poile Woodland Caribou herd which feeds here in early summer and fall.”

The Grassy Place property is part of the Southwest Newfoundland Natural Area and is located in the Robinson’s River Valley, approximately 65 kilometres southwest of Stephenville Crossing. The Grassy Place contains the most extensive example of natural grassland in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the largest fluvial wetland of its type in the province.

“This acquisition marks another achievement under our government's Natural Areas Conservation Program. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations,” said Minister Kent. “Your actions today will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that will constitute our natural heritage tomorrow.”

“As the largest piece of private land on the Island of Newfoundland and the largest property held by NCC in Atlantic Canada, the Grassy Place is a jewel in our crown,” said Linda Stephenson, Atlantic regional vice president for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “A true ecological oasis, the Grassy Place is an exceptionally beautiful property. It includes a broad lush valley grasslands, 120 meter waterfalls and mountain summits.”

The Government of Canada's $225-million Natural Areas Conservation Program and ongoing contributions from donors ensures the protection of natural areas in Canada. As of March 2011, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has protected 160,796 hectares, almost three times the size of Quebec City, which includes habitat for 101 species at risk.

Related document:

Natural Areas Conservation Program [Backgrounder 2011-09-26]

For more information, please see the attached backgrounder or contact:

Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

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