Provincial parks reservations system open to the public

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne announced today that the provincial parks reservations phone line is open to the public and will remain open until September 2004.

"The travelling public is offered this service in an effort to improve customer service, as well as optimize the camping experience in our provincial parks and ecological reserves," said Minister Osborne. "Approximately 1,900 reservations were made in 2003 through this line and, judging from the interest and calls we are receiving so far this year, reservations made through this service are expected to increase in 2004."

The public wishing to make use of the reservations line can call 1-877-214-2267 (CAMP) and reserve a campsite on a 24-hour basis. The provincial parks reservations system will operate until September 10 for Squires Memorial Park and Blow Me Down Provincial Park. The reservations line will remain open until September 18 for Butter Pot, La Manche, Notre Dame, Frenchman’s Cove, Barachois Pond, Lockston Path, J.T. Cheeseman, Sandbanks, Pinware River, Dildo Run and Pistolet Bay Provincial Park.

All reservations must be made at least three days prior to the first night that the camper wishes to stay. There is a cancellation fee (the first night stay will be charged) if an individual does not cancel three days prior to the reservation date or does not show up. Reservations will not be taken for the July 1 (Canada Day) and September 6 (Labour Day) weekends.

More information about provincial parks and natural areas in our province can be obtained by calling the Parks and Natural Areas Division at (709) 635-4520, or by visiting our Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/parks&reserves/

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications (709) 729-5783

2004 06 03                                       10:25 a.m.