Path: Bear Cove Point Path (Kingmans Cove to Renews)

Date/Time: Sunday, July 17, 2011, 10:00 am

Duration: 5-6 hours

Distance: 11.6 km

Rating: Moderate

Type: Regular hike

Meeting Location: Meet in Renews. Turn off Highway 10 into Renews and park at the Regina Mundy Complex below the church. Some vehicles will be left there and hikers transferred to Kingman’s Cove for the start of the hike.

Leader: Gail Sharpe
gsharpe51@gmail.com
242 3967

Co-Leader: An experienced hiker selected from among the participants.

Maintenance Outing:
Trail: Bear Cove Point Path (Maintenance Outing)
Date: Saturday July 9, 2011

In-town Meeting Time & Place: 8:00am at the in-town meeting point in the Village Mall parking lot – on the corner of Columbus Drive and Topsail Road.

Please let the hike organizer, Anand, know by 6 pm on Thursday July 7 if you plan to attend so enough tools will be present. Include your phone number in case of cancellation due to weather. Also, please indicate how many people you can carry in your car, or if you need a ride to the in-town meeting point or after.

Description of work: We will work north from the lighthouse. The work includes brushing, lopping and pruning.

Please bring: Work gloves, enough water and a lunch. If you have safety glasses, please bring them – if not, we will provide you with a pair. Other desirable equipment includes: a Fox 40 whistle, bug repellent, sunscreen, hat and earplugs in case you are going to be working around the weed whacker. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended and will protect you from vegetation scratches.

Bring rain gear as well because if it has been raining, trees and brush will be wet and we will be hiding the material we cut in the brush.

If you have First Aid/Safety Training, please let us know so that we can keep track of that information.

Organizer: Anand Yethiraj
ayethiraj@mun.ca
579 3274

The Protected Areas Association’s Green Team will be preforming its original play “Something Unique in Every Place” throughout the summer. A sneak-peak performance will be held Tuesday, July 12^th at noon at the Environmental Gathering Place.  Come bring your lunch and see the changes we’ve made for this year and give your feedback.    

For further information:
http://www.paanl.org

Queens College room 4028
4:40-5:30

Companion planting means putting plants together in the garden that help each other out. This introductory workshop with Fatima Hammond covers the selection and cultivation of plants which repel insect and bug pests in our gardens and generally improves the condition of your crop. Some combinations are even known for improving the flavour of produce – like basil does for tomatoes. Sponsor: Memorial University Community Garden

Dear Editor: We write regarding James MacLeod’s article in the June 18, 2011 edition of your paper “PUB sets sights on Muskrat Falls.”  The article reported on the request from the Goverment of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Provincial Public Utilities Board(PUB) to determine if Muskrat Falls is the cheapest source of power for Newfoundlanders. However, in the terms of reference, the Newfoundland government limited the assessment to “an isolated island scenario.” Specifically the PUB was ordered not to consider any of the excess power generated from Muskrat Falls as part of the review. In the view of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador “ an isolated island system and Musktat Falls were the only options that provide the necessary energy security, economic feasibility and environmental considerations.”

What is concerning about the position taken by the Newfoundland government is the limiting scope of the proposed study as it appears to be restricted to comparing hydro-electric production on the island of Newfoundland with hydro-electric production at Muskrat Falls.  While this may have some merit, it fails to address the long term vision for sustainable energy production in this province, and with it, the projected costs of that production.  In recent years electricity generation has undergone vast technological  and administrative changes as countries struggle to implement programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by de-commissioning or reducing production from fossil fuel burning electricity generating stations.

In many western countries, great strides have been made in harnessing green renewable electricity sources such as bio-gas, wind, solar, tidal and geo-thermal energy through the passage of enabling legislation known as Feed-In Tariffs(FIT).  Such legislation permits virtually anybody including  individuals, municipalities, non-profit organizations,  small businesses, and companies to produce electricity for their own use and to sell on the electricity grid.  Governments set prices for green energy which reflect their actual cost -including a modest profit – and grid operators are required to purchase the electricity from these independent producers at the set prices.  To accomodate the variety of electrical energy sources, electricity grid operators have expanded grid flexibility and capacity by developing what have become known as Smart Grids.   This focus on widespread green renewable energy production  has also placed more emphasis on the efficient use of existing energy sources through the introduction of smart metering,  off-peak rates,  and widely expanded energy conservation. Similarly in regions where Feed In Tariff legislation is in place such initiatives have fostered more awareness among the general public of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Unfortunately the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy policy document “Focusing Our Energy” failed to make any mention of Feed In Tariff legislation, Smart Grids, and many of the other topics mentioned above.   It is our position that green renewable energy production can play a major role in long term electricity production not only for Newfoundland and Labrador but for all of the Atlantic Provinces.  It has great potential as an engine for local, provincial, and regional economic growth and industrial development for decades to come. To date it has been marginalized and often left out of any meaningful discussions as a legitimate energy option despite significant evidence to the contrary as experienced on five continents.

We would ask that when considering sustainable energy options for this province that all sustainable energy sources be considered using the best scientific and environmental research available.

We have many green renewable energy sources in this province which can be of benefit to all our citizens if properly utilized. The Public Utilities Board and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador  should give equal consideration to all options when considering costs and future directions of electricity production in this province.

Sincerely

Fred Winsor
Conservation Chair
Atlantic Canada Chapter
Sierra Club Canada

Originally published in the July 2 2011 edition of the Telegram newspaper. Republished with the permission of the author.

On May 10, 2010, the Progressive Conservative Minister of Environment and Conservation, Ms Charlene Johnson, told the Telegram that in response to the question of whether or not to ban cosmetic pesticides in Newfoundland and Labrador, “There’s a lot of work going on,” and “It’s something that’s getting high priority in the department, and it is up for consideration.” The article by Steve Bartlett went on to say that:   “Johnson explains a U.S. company is challenging a Canadian pesticide ban in court and that she’d like details from the case before making her decision.” “I don’t want us to end up in a lawsuit”.

It is now over 13 months Since Ms Johnson made her statement. The NAFTA court challenge was recently settled; the province of Quebec was allowed to uphold their 2003 cosmetic pesticide ban, and the chemical corporation, Dow AgroSciences was awarded no monetary compensation. The David Suzuki Foundation stated this is an important signal to other provinces.

Read complete news release.

Taking place from July 8-9.

Friday July 8 is Donate Day – Bring your best and take a tour of the store. Opening ceremony at 10:00 am.

Saturday July 9 at 9:00 am they are open for business. Support affordable housing for families and get great deals on new and used building materials, furniture and appliances. No tax!!!

Your support will help Cabot Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes for families and green our community!

Visit www.cabothabitat.ca for details.

Every day, Canadians are stepping forward to help protect the natural areas that define our country.   In celebration of the many gifts from Canadians who care about our natural heritage, and in time for Canada Day, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announces the protection of 14 acres (5.7 hectares) of land on the beautiful Sandy Point Island located near St. George’s Newfoundland and Labrador.

The three properties on Sandy Point Island are part of the Southwest Newfoundland Natural Area, one of the most unique and diverse natural regions in the province. These acquisitions by NCC bring the Sandy Point Legacy Project to nine protected properties for a total 70 acres (28.3 hectares).

Sandy Point has the single highest recorded number of migrating shorebirds in Newfoundland and Labrador. Migratory birds such as Canada Geese and Blue-Winged Teal can be found here, along with the first North American record for Black-headed Gull and the first provincial record for Willet. The sandy beaches and dunes also provide habitat for the endangered Piping Plover.

Partnership is at the heart of NCC’s work. Many forces for nature have come together to help secure these properties including the EJLB Foundation and Environment Canada. The Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program is a unique public-private partnership helps non-government organizations secure ecologically sensitive lands to ensure the protection of our country’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife and habitat.

You can join with NCC and became a force for nature this Canada Day.
Stand up and be counted. Add your name to the growing list of Canadians who believe protecting native habitat and wildlife is critically important to our future.

Join NCC’s Conservation Volunteers program. You can join friends, family and NCC experts at events throughout the year and help care for some of Canada’s most important natural areas.

Make a gift to NCC. You can celebrate a loved one, friend, teacher, or perhaps a favourite Canadian species, or a beloved landscape by making a donation today.

Quotes
“Each of these properties is important to protect the fragile and uncommon beach and dune habitat,” said Doug Ballam, Nature Conservancy of Canada’s program manager for Newfoundland and Labrador. “NCC is now the single largest landowner on Sandy Point and through our management and stewardship activities, the viability of these species will be greatly increased”.

“This acquisition marks another achievement under our government’s Natural Areas Conservation Program. With this investment, we are taking real action to protect and conserve our ecosystems and sensitive species for present and future generations,” said Environment Canada Minister Peter Kent. “Your actions today will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that will constitute an integral part of our natural heritage tomorrow.”

“As I sat on the old concrete foundation of the former St. Stephen’s Anglican Church located on the resettled island of Sandy Point it felt like pressing my nose against the glass of another era,” said Aiden Mahoney, an NCC Conservation Volunteer helping protect special places in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Uninhabited islands such as Sandy Point in Bay St. George provide very important undisturbed breeding habitat for migratory bird”.

Facts
This Canada Day, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected over 7,870 acres (3,185 hectares) of natural heritage for all Canadians to enjoy.

For a complete list of NCC’s 10 Canada Day announcements and the forces of nature behind them visit, www.natureconservancy.ca/Gifts2011.

Sandy Point is home to 11 rare plants, all of which occur on NCC properties.

Donations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada deliver results you can walk on – 85% of donations go directly to protecting fragile landscapes in Canada.

Almost 1,200 volunteers contributed approximately 7,300 hours of volunteer work through the Conservation Volunteers program last year.

Learn More
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/NatureConsCDA  
Become a fan on Facebook

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation’s leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares), coast to coast. In Newfoundland and Labrador, more than 12,460 acres (5042 hectares) are protected. To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca

– 30 –

Contact:  Andrew Holland, NCC communications manager (Atlantic) 1-877-231-4400 or   andrew.holland@natureconservancy.ca

Stunning still photography available.
Interviews with volunteers, donors, NCC staff, experts and scientists available.
Check out our online newsroom for more updates at www.natureconservancy.ca/media.
  
 Link to NCC news release.

Path:Spout Path (Shoal Bay to Bay Bulls)
Date/Time:Saturday, July 09, 2011, 8:00 am
Duration:9 hours
Distance:23 km
Rating:Difficult/strenuous
Type:Regular hike

Meeting Location: Meet in the parking area at the end of Gunridge Road on the north side of Bay Bulls. Some cars will be left there and hikers transported to Shoal Bay Road, the actual start of the hike.

Leader:Louise Dawe
ldawe@yahoo.com
739 5037

Co-Leader:An experienced hiker selected from among the participants.

Note: The Spout Path is an iconic path of the East Coast Trail. It is a challenging hike. Participants should be experienced hikers, be fit, properly equipped and cary adequate drink and food. Hiking boots with good ankle support are essential. Access to the path is by way of 6.6 km of rocky roadbed.

Path: Spurwink Island Path (Aquaforte to Port Kirwin)
Date/Time: Sunday, July 03, 2011, 9:00 am
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 17.1 km
Rating: Difficult
Type: Regular hike

Meeting Location:Meet in Aquaforte, at the parking lot just to the north of the bridge across the South West River (through the community on Highway 10).

Leader: Cindy Flynn
cindyflynn@gov.nl.ca
745 5462

Co-Leader: An experienced hiker selected from among the participants.

Note: This is a long, difficult hike; hikers should be experienced, fit and properly equipped. Parts of the path may be wet, depending on recent weather.