In an effort to curb illegal dumping, address issues around abandoned vehicles and damage to water resources, and to ensure compliance with the Environmental Assessment process, the Resource Enforcement Division within the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has now been tasked to enforce regulations under the Environmental Protection Act and Water Resources Act.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s wilderness areas are some of the most picturesque on the planet, where residents and visitors alike have for generations enjoyed an abundance of activities, including hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. Preserving these areas for future generations is a priority for government.
In addition to this new enforcement capacity by the Resource Enforcement Division, current efforts provided by Digital Government and Service NL environmental protection officers and Environment and Climate Change water resources officials will continue.
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division consists of more than 90 highly-skilled, cross-trained conservation officers who are stationed throughout the province. In addition to their new responsibility to enforce environmental protection legislation, these individuals will continue to enforce a broad range of statutes related to forestry, wildlife, wilderness and ecological reserves, fisheries, animal health and protection, as well as motorized snow vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
Quotes
“This new authority provided to Resource Enforcement Division officers allows them to take timely action to help address damage being done to sensitive natural areas and water bodies in remote and secluded locations. I applaud our professional team of officers for their ongoing and dedicated efforts to protect our outdoor resources on behalf of the people of the province.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“It is important we take all possible measures to protect the environment now and for future generations. We all have a role to play in ensuring activities that could potentially cause harm do not occur. Providing the ability for Resource Enforcement Officers to enforce regulations under the Environmental Protection Act and Water Resources Act is another tool to support our collective efforts for environmental protection.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“We are fortunate to have a pristine environment in Newfoundland and Labrador that lends to wonderful outdoor experiences. Increasing the number of officials who can respond to environmental concerns and enforce the legislation is a welcome addition to our ongoing efforts to protect our natural heritage.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
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Media contacts
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca