New nature reserves created

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Seven parks will be reclassified as nature reserves to better protect them as important refuges for wildlife, according to Public Works Minister Michael Weeks.

Mr Weeks said the proposals stem from a recently-completed mapping review of the Island’s park system.

In addition, new parks and nature reserves will be created on Government-owned areas and the boundaries of existing areas amended for accuracy.

He said that seven existing parks or portions of parks that will be reclassified as nature reserves to recognise their importance for wildlife are:

n Barnes Corner

n The following islands: Gilbert, Nelly, Smith’s and Spanish Point

n Warwick Ridge

n Wilkinson Memorial

He announced that the six new protected areas will be at:

n Stokes Harbour

n One Rock

n Dunscombe Wood

n Ducking Stool Park

n Government House Waterfront Park

n Aquarium Park

In addition, the three existing protected areas that will have their boundaries amended for the sake of accuracy due to previous “clerical errors” are Fort St Catherine Park, Duck’s Puddle Annexe Park and Walsingham Reserve.

Mr Weeks said: “If approved, this would result in a total of 114 acres protected under the National Park system, increasing the total to 1,070 acres.

“This is an increase of 32 acres more than originally passed under the Bermuda National Parks Amendment Act 2009 and 259 acres more than 1998.”

The national park system totaled 811 acres in 1998 when Government came to power, according to Mr Weeks. Bermuda’s total land acreage is 13,268.

“Government has made it a priority to expand, protect and improve the National Parks system as a national treasure, as places where locals and tourists alike can relax, play sports and enjoy nature but also as wildlife sanctuaries protecting Bermuda’s biodiversity and threatened species,” said Mr Weeks.

He added: “These additions will greatly improve the ability of Government to manage and protect these areas for future generations.”

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