Partnership safeguards salmon habitat, water resources and 1,600 hectares on Beothuk Lake
Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador.
ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new 1,600-hectare nature reserve on Beothuk Lake will protect an important part of the Exploits River watershed, including Atlantic salmon habitat, boreal forest, wetlands and water resources that support communities across central Newfoundland. The project was made possible through a partnership involving the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Teck Resources Limited (Teck) and the Government of Canada.
Impacts across the landscape
Conservation at Beothuk Lake benefits people and nature across central Newfoundland.
- It protects salmon habitat in one of Newfoundland’s most important salmon-bearing river systems.
- It helps protect water quality within Newfoundland’s largest drainage basin.
- It maintains connected boreal habitat used by caribou.
- It creates a path for long-term stewardship together with land users and the local community.
The Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve covers both sides of the Exploits River immediately southwest of Millertown and extends west along the south shore of Beothuk Lake. It protects boreal forest, wetlands and riparian habitat within the Central Newfoundland Forest Ecoregion, where less than three per cent of the landscape is currently protected.
Prosperity for nature, economies and communities
The project shows how public and private partners can work together to protect the natural systems that support communities and local economies.
Teck contributed $2 million, with additional support from the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. Together, these contributions enabled NCC to secure the property for conservation and begin planning for its long-term care.
NCC recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the area and has committed to working with Indigenous Peoples and government partners as long-term management planning moves forward.
Quotes
“The Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve secures 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
“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)
Facts
- The Central Newfoundland Forest Ecoregion covers approximately 28,000 square kilometres; less than three per cent of this ecoregion is currently protected.
- Atlantic salmon spawn along the full length of the Exploits River and upstream into Lloyd’s River (including NCC’s Lloyd’s River Nature Reserve), west of Beothuk Lake.
- Plants and animals of conservation concern observed on or near the property include Newfoundland pine marten, red crossbill, American goshawk, slender spikerush and large purple fringed orchid.
- The new nature reserve is home to Indian Point National Historic Site, a traditional Beothuk winter camp where families once gathered to hunt caribou.
Find photos and video of Beothuk Lake here.
How you can help
NCC is working with partners across Canada to protect and care for the lands and waters that sustain people and nature. Learn more about NCC’s work and how you can help at natureconservancy.ca.
About the Nature Conservancy of Canada
Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca.
About Teck
Teck is a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline. We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
About the Natural Heritage Conservation Program
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 Program, which has been matched with more than $1.1 billion in contributions raised by 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.
Contact
Jensen Edwards
Manager, External Affairs
Nature Conservancy of Canada
C: (514) 882-6506
[email protected]
Dale Steeves
Director, External Communications
Teck
C: (236) 987-7405
[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03423c52-bdac-4896-884a-a13dab2409e7
