King George IV Ecological Reserve protects the largest undisturbed river-delta system on the Island of Newfoundland. Its 18.4-km2 includes the area where the upper section of the Lloyds River and an unnamed stream enter the southwest corner of King George IV Lake. This reserve contains several freshwater marshes, which are a rare occurrence on the Island.
The Lloyds / Exploits is the largest river system on the Island. The nutrients in the alluvial soils of the reserve’s delta areas support a particularly rich floral and faunal community.
- How to get There
- Activities
- Maps
- Services
- Fees and Schedules
- Rules and Regulations
- Permits
- Other Resources
- Contact Information
The spectrum of plant life in King George IV Ecological Reserve includes sphagnum moss carpets over water, grasses, sedges, rushes, cattails, water lilies, and shrubs. As well, there are barrens, forests, and several peatland types, such as basin bogs and shore fens. Because of this variety of plant life and landscape, a wide range of wildlife finds useful habitat in the reserve area.
The reserve area is particularly important as an oasis for waterfowl. Canada geese, black ducks, green-winged teal, American goldeneyes, and ring-necked ducks all build nests among the drier parts of the marsh in the spring. After the chicks are able to fly, they brood with the parents among the more open, wetter areas of the delta.
The reserve also contains valuable habitat for the La Poile caribou herd. In 2004, the herd had about 3,000 animals, some of which enter the river valley in winter, find shelter in the forest, and feed on tree lichens.
Located about 90 km north of Burgeo, the reserve is in the Central Newfoundland Forest-Portage Pond subregion (902 KB). This ecoregion is generally characterized by forests, but they are often absent from the Portage Pond subregion, which is dominated by barrenland because of its higher elevation. The forested areas in the King George IV reserve include balsam fir and black spruce, along with their associated plant families.
The reserve was established as a provisional ecological reserve in 1984, and given full designation in 1997 as the result of collaborative efforts by stakeholders and interested parties. The land for the reserve was donated by Abitibi-Price Inc., who gave up timber rights in the process. Noranda Mines relinquished mineral rights, thanks to the involvement of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
How to get there
King George IV Ecological Reserve is located 90 km north of Burgeo on the Island of Newfoundland, about 5 km west of Route 480, the road to Burgeo from the Trans-Canada Highway.
There is no road into the reserve. Access is on foot or by canoe. However, a network of forest access roads near the reserve provide access points to launch a boat or access for hiking.
Use of motorized vehicles (including ATVs and snowmobiles) and landing aircraft in the reserve is prohibited.
Activities
Hiking and canoeing are permitted in the reserve, though camping overnight and building fires is prohibited.
Scientific research and educational programs may also take place in the reserve. For more information and research guidelines, see Science & Research.
The use of all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles is prohibited in the reserve. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are prohibited in the reserve.
Services
There are no services in the reserve.
Fees and Schedule
There are no fees involved in obtaining scientific research, commercial operator, or educational tour permits.
Rules and Regulations
Biodiversity protection and habitat conservation are two of the key purposes of ecological reserves, so certain rules apply within all the reserves in the province.
The public can visit most ecological reserves for educational purposes or low-impact recreational activities, such as hiking or sightseeing. No entry permit is required.
The following activities are strictly prohibited in all wilderness and ecological reserves:
- Disturbing, destroying, or removing plants, animals, or fossils
- Introducing plants, animals, or anything else to the reserve landscape
- Forestry, mining (including exploration), hydro development, agriculture, new roads, tracks, or building construction
- Driving off-road vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
At the King George IV Ecological Reserve:
- Camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping are not permitted in the reserve, and building fires is prohibited.
Read the official reserve regulations:
- Botanical Ecological Reserve Regulations
- King George IV Ecological Reserve Order
- Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act
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