There was a 7.8 per cent increase in occupancy rates in provincial parks in Newfoundland and Labrador this camping season, the provincial government announced today.
In addition, there was a 9.1 per cent increase in the number of reservations booked through the campsite reservation system, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth in its usage.
“I am very pleased with the continued growth our camping parks have experienced this year,” said Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation, in a news release.
“Even though our campgrounds are closed for the season, we still encourage everyone to explore and enjoy our natural areas throughout the fall and winter. Protected areas offer wonderful opportunities for hiking, photography and outdoor recreation.”
All 13 campgrounds are now closed for the 2012 camping season.
These include Barachois Pond, Blow Me Down, Butter Pot, Dildo Run, Frenchman’s Cove, J.T. Cheeseman, La Manche, Lockston Path, Notre Dame, Pinware River, Pistolet Bay, Sandbanks and Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park. Cape St. Mary’s and Burnt Cape ecological reserves remain open until Oct. 7, while Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is open until Oct. 8. Day-use parks — Chance Cove, the Arches, Cataracts, Codroy Valley, Deadman’s Bay, Dungeon and Gooseberry Cove — will close Oct. 9.
“We are fortunate that our provincial parks and natural areas offer such a unique glimpse into this province’s spectacular natural history,” Tourism Minister Derrick Dalley said.
“This makes our camping parks, ecological and wilderness reserves, and day-use parks valuable contributors to our tourism industry.”
The Parks and Natural Areas Division is responsible for the management of 54 parks and protected areas, including 13 camping parks, seven day-use parks, T’Railway Provincial Park, 10 park reserves, one waterway provincial park, two wilderness reserves, 18 ecological reserves, one public reserve and a special management area. These areas protect significant natural features of the province, while also providing outdoor recreation, education and research opportunities.
For more information visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/parks
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
