Conservation Biology​​​ in the Boreal
HOW DOES NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR COMPARE??​
Newfoundland and LabradorRestoration Projects
Newfoundland and Labrador are home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Canada, but these wonderful ecosystems, like so many places in the world are under threat from climate change, urbanization and industrial activity. Much of the natural wilderness has been disturbed and some has been damaged beyond the point of self-repair. This is where restoration projects step in, though compared to the rest of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador are lagging behind in many aspects of conservation, restoration being one of them. There have been multiple proposals, but few as of yet have come to true fruition. Below are some of the few restoration efforts that have been undertaken in the province.
In 1998, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the town of Grand Falls-Windsor had joined in signing a Municipal Stewardship Agreement. This agreement proclaims the protection of sensitive wetlands near the Corduroy Brook region as well as the nature trail system. Ponds in the Corduroy Brook region have been historically famous for a habitat for waterfowl and their breeding grounds 2.​
The provincial organization called the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV), had worked closely with a local conservation group Corduroy Brook Enhancement Association (CBEA) for the purpose of increasing the restoration and protection of the wetlands for the waterfowl 2. After multiple surveys, the project was deemed acceptable for the resource management plans. To show their support for the agreement, the Newfoundland and Labrador Government had donated a large amount of land to the town of Grand Falls-Windsor with the proposition of the stewardship. With the assistance and lobbying of the CBEA, Grand Falls-Windsor has successfully made 8 hectares of wetlands protected from future development in Corduroy Brook region.
Grand Falls Windsor Stewardship
Limestone Barrens
The limestone barrens are a wondrous and unique habitat even among the varied landscape of Newfoundland. There are two main limestone barrens in the province and both are under threat of habitat degradation due to factors like climate change, urban activities, gravel pitting etc 3. Limestone barrens are home to some of the rarer flora of Newfoundland and is disappearing along with this amazing habitat. That being said there are some small-scale restoration efforts occurring at places like Sandy Cove to help return the barrens back to their original pristine state and protect the organisms that call them home 3.
For more information on the Limestone Barrens project, click the image above to browse the official project page.