Mealy Mountains National Park: New National Park In Newfoundland

“This part of Labrador is not only of ecological significance, it is also of great cultural importance and we are committed to moving forward in a way that recognizes and respects the traditional connections people have with the land.”

Species breeding in or migrating through the park include Peregrine Falcon (nationally Threatened), Least Sandpiper, Rusty Blackbird (Special Concern), Blackpoll Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher (provincially Threatened) and Arctic Tern.

"The nationally at-risk eastern population of Harlequin Duck nests along wild rivers throughout the region," said Alex MacDonald, Nature Canada's protected areas campaign manager. "Creating a national park will protect important river ecosystems and limit human activities around nesting sites, which can help this species to rebound throughout its breeding range."

The Mealy Mountain herd of the Threatened boreal forest population of Woodland Caribou, estimated at just 2,000 remaining, will gain urgently needed protection of its habitat within the national park's boundaries.