No Development Land Reserve

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On September 28, 2023 he Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture for Newfoundland and Labrador, issued the Ragged Beach Land Reserve Order under the authority of the Lands Act. Officially cited as Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 74/23. This regulation aims to protect the ecological integrity of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve by establishing a designated land reserve known as the Ragged Beach Land Reserve. The primary objective of this order is to mitigate the potential impacts of future development on the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, an area recognized for its significant ecological value. By restricting development activities, the order seeks to preserve the natural habitat and biodiversity of the region.

The Ragged Beach Land Reserve encompasses approximately 75 hectares of land located southeast of Witless Bay in the electoral district of Ferryland. The reserve’s boundaries are defined using specific grid coordinates and references to registered Crown Lands. The order includes detailed descriptions of these boundary lines, beginning at the low water mark of Ragged Beach and outlining a path through various coordinates and points associated with adjacent Crown Lands. This comprehensive geographical delineation ensures clarity regarding the reserve’s boundaries and specifies the areas included within the designated land.

Established for a term of 10 years, the Ragged Beach Land Reserve allows for periodic review and assessment of its effectiveness in achieving conservation goals. This timeframe offers stakeholders and policymakers the opportunity to evaluate the need for additional protective measures or adjustments to the reserve’s status based on ecological assessments and developmental pressures. The order also contains a detailed schedule that provides a thorough account of the coordinates and descriptions of the land parcels involved, emphasizing that the designated area is subject to existing reservations, easements, and rights-of-way, as well as conditions imposed by original Crown titles.

By prioritizing the protection of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, the government aims to preserve critical habitats and promote ecological resilience against potential developmental threats. The reserve’s establishment may also serve as a model for similar conservation efforts throughout the province, encouraging responsible stewardship of natural resources. The regulatory framework established by the order provides a structured approach to land management, demonstrating the government’s proactive stance in environmental protection while accommodating necessary legal and administrative considerations.

Newfoundland and Labrador (74/23) September 29, 2023