Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Teck Resources Limited partner to conserve 1,600 hectares in Newfoundland and Labrador

Français

News provided by

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Aug 27, 2026, 09:16 ET

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Aug. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- Protecting Canada's natural landscapes and ecosystems is not just an environmental priority; it's about supporting the health and economic well-being of current and future generations.

Today, the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature), joined the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Teck Resources Limited (Teck) to announce the establishment of the Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve near Millertown, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 1,600-hectare conservation area includes a vital part of the Exploits River watershed, protecting boreal forest, wetlands and natural areas along waterways in an ecologically important region. Species at risk on or near the property include the Newfoundland pine marten, red crossbill, and American goshawk. The conservation area will help protect fish habitat within one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most important salmon-bearing river systems.

This conservation initiative on Beothuk Lake demonstrates how collaboration between governments, conservation organizations and industry can deliver lasting benefits for nature and communities.

Through a contribution from Teck's sustainability strategy initiative, and the Government of Canada's Natural Heritage Conservation Program, this ecologically important land is now protected for the future.

Through A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, the Government of Canada will continue to expand the network of protected and conserved areas in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, conservation organizations, industry and private landowners in order to advance Canada's commitment to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. 

Quotes

"By working with partners such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Federal investments through programs like the Natural Heritage Conservation Program have helped conserve important habitats, protect species, and strengthen ecosystems, while bringing us closer to our goal of conserving 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030."

– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

"The Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve is a great example of what can be accomplished when strong partnerships come together to deliver lasting conservation results and protect nature for future generations. By protecting 1,600 hectares of boreal forests, wetlands and important fish habitat, we are helping safeguard the ecosystems and species that make Newfoundland and Labrador unique. Canada is home to some of the world's most significant natural landscapes, and partnerships like this are essential to conserving them for future generations."

– The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)

"This partnership has helped protect 1,600 hectares of boreal forest, wetlands and river habitat within one of Newfoundland's most important watersheds. NCC's work now turns to developing a long-term stewardship plan that will help sustain salmon, wildlife and the communities connected to this landscape. This is what's possible when industry, government and communities decide together that a place is worth protecting."

– Piers Evans, Newfoundland and Labrador Program Director, Nature Conservancy of Canada

"Through the legacy of Teck's Duck Pond operation, this investment helped transform a unique conservation opportunity into permanent protection for a landscape that is deeply important to the people of central Newfoundland, its forests, its waterways and the salmon that have sustained local communities for generations. We're proud to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners, and to ensure that the benefits created by Duck Pond continue through lasting conservation outcomes for the province."

– Brock Gill, Senior Vice President, Operations, North America, Teck

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada's Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. The Government of Canada has invested $558 million in the NHCP, which has been matched with more than $1.1 billion in contributions raised by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country's land trust community, leading to the protection and conservation of nearly 966,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
  • Located next to Indian Point National Historic Site, the Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve holds historical significance as an important winter camp and caribou hunting ground for the Beothuk, whose enduring legacy contributes to our understanding of Indigenous history in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature outlines a plan for how the Government of Canada will deliver Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy.
  • Canada has a vast amount of natural capital, including 24% of the world's boreal forests, 37% of lakes, 25% of wetlands, and approximately 80,000 species. We have both a responsibility to steward these resources as well as a competitive advantage because of these assets.

Associated links

Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Contacts: Marie-France Proulx, Director of Communications, Office of the Secretary of State (Nature), [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]

Organization Profile

Environment and Climate Change Canada