Monday, September 14, 2026
The Government of Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Teck Resources Limited 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.
“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 per cent of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030.” said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.
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.
“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,” said Piers Evans, Newfoundland and Labrador Program Director, Nature Conservancy of Canada.
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.
“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
Featured image: (Government of Canada/Dru Kennedy)
