New Quebec Park One of North America's Largest

Pew applauds protection of area three times the size of Yellowstone

QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Mathew Jacobson of the Pew Environment Group's boreal campaign issued the following statement in response to the Province of Quebec's announcement today that it has created a 6.5-million-acre park. The new Tursujuq National Park spans Quebec's boreal and arctic territory.

"We commend the government of Quebec for the creation of the Tursujuq National Park, which ranks among North America's largest. The result of years of aboriginal and Quebec government collaboration with the support of conservation groups, the park will safeguard globally significant wildlife habitat and precious watersheds while protecting cultural values.

"The creation of this park was based on a partnership with aboriginal communities. We hope to see a similar process as the province carries out its commitment to protect at least half of the northern boreal region and to balance conservation with the sustainable development of its resources. In fact, it is a model we hope takes hold in other parts of the world."

Background

Located on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, Tursujuq National Park straddles an ecological transition zone that includes boreal and arctic elements, an area about three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. It includes Clearwater Lake, Quebec's second-largest natural lake; the Nastapoka River watershed, which provides habitat to beluga whales and landlocked salmon; and the Lacs des Loups Marins, home of one of the world's only populations of freshwater seals. The Pew Environment Group's boreal protection team has partnered with the Kativik regional government, the Grand Council of the Cree, and Societe pour la nature et les parcs to promote the value of this area. Canadian governments have designated more than 135 million acres of new parks and wildlife refuges since 2000. Canada's boreal surpasses the Amazon Rain Forest in size and carbon storage.

The Pew Environment Group is the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nongovernmental organization that works globally to establish pragmatic, science-based policies that protect our oceans, preserve our wildlands, and promote clean energy. www.PewEnvironment.org

Contact: Matt Jacobson, [phone] or [email protected]

SOURCE: Pew Environment Group

http://www.pewenvironment.org