A collaboration involving the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the federal government, and a mining company has led to the establishment of a new 16 square-kilometre nature reserve in central Newfoundland. The Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve encompasses areas near Millertown, Beothuk Lake, Rushy Pond, and a section of the Exploits River, aiming to safeguard the Exploits River watershed, fish habitats, wetlands, and forests.
Marie-Michèle Rousseau-Clair, Vice President of Eastern Canada at the Nature Conservancy of Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasizing its significance in protecting natural habitats, including watersheds, forests, and wetlands, which play a crucial role in safeguarding drinking water and mitigating extreme weather events.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada disclosed that the land, acquired for $1.3 million from Domtar (formerly Abitibi-Bowater), received financial support from the federal government ($180,000) and Teck Resources ($2 million). Teck Resources, which previously operated the Duck Pond Mine near Millertown, has been instrumental in realizing the nature reserve project, despite ongoing site cleanup following the mine’s closure in 2015.
Chris Adachi, Teck’s Director of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the initiative’s role in preserving watersheds, supporting salmon habitats, and ensuring long-term conservation benefits for future generations. Notably, the former mine site is not included in the nature reserve.
The announcement of the nature reserve preceded a community consultation session in Millertown. Mayor Fiona Humber welcomed the reserve as a positive development, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Indigenous groups to enhance the area while addressing concerns related to the preservation of Beothuk culture and lands.
Piers Evans, Programs Director of the Nature Conservancy in Newfoundland and Labrador, emphasized the importance of consulting with Indigenous partners to ensure that management decisions align with everyone’s interests. While the nature reserve designation will entail restrictions on certain activities like camping and wood cutting, it will still allow recreational activities such as legal hunting, fishing, and ATV use.
Rousseau-Clair emphasized the need to define the vision for the site in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, following the initial step of site protection. The consultation process aims to gather input to shape the future management and use of the area, fostering a shared vision among all involved parties.
