Overview
Halls Gullies Proposed Ecological Reserve is an area identified for protection under the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act. The Provincial Government has asked Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council to engage the public on this site and make recommendations on future protection.
The proposed Halls Gullies reserve has been identified as a “special feature” reserve for the rare lichen species that flourish in the damp climate of the Avalon Forest. Whether you are a hunter, angler, a near-by seasonal cabin owner, or a frequent paddler within the Colinet River watershed, this area, as well as the nearby Ripple Pond Proposed Ecological Reserve, likely holds memories and meaning to you, your families, and your communities. Conserving this wild space means that it will stay the same for generations to come. Reserves like this one are intended to be places where locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor recreation activities while taking special care of the endangered species in the area.
Quick Facts
Size: ~19 km2
Location: Central Avalon (Southeast of Whitbourne, near an area known as Fox Marsh)
Key Features:
- Represents the Avalon Forest Natural Region. See Newfoundland Ecoregions (arcgis.com) for more details.
- Ribbed moraines (large wavy ridges formed by glaciers) create unique forest patterns.
- Moist climate creates a forest rich in lichens (including endangered Vole Ears lichen).
- Considered a lichen biodiversity hotspot by experts in the field.
- Relatively wild, with little human development.
- Adjacent to the proposed Ripple Pond reserve.
- Contains a part of the Colinet River watershed and its wetlands.
- Close to community and cabin areas, making it a popular wilderness recreation spot.
How Can You Get Involved?
Your involvement in this process will help shape what a future reserve looks like and how it can be managed. Your input ensures that we honour local interests, needs, and traditions. Stay informed about planning activities through this page and the Department of Environment and Climate Change website.
In-Person Sessions
An open house session about the proposed Ripple Pond and Halls Gullies Ecological Reserves is scheduled for the dates and times below. Natural Areas program staff and members of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council will be there to answer questions and hear your input.
Date | Location | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
November 24, 2024 | Whitbourne | Whitbourne Elementary School | 2:00pm - 7:00pm |
November 25, 2024 | Colinet | Fergus and Fred Linehan Heritage Centre | 2:00pm - 7:00pm |
Online Questionnaire
This questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes and provides WERAC with valuable information about what you would like to see for the future of the proposed Ripple Pond and Halls Gullies Ecological Reserves. At this time, we are gathering more information about how people spend time in the proposed reserves and your initial impressions about what protecting the area means to you.
The online questionnaire will be available until December 20, 2024.
Please note you must log in or register to complete the online questionnaire.
Click Here to Complete the Online Questionnaire
If you have any questions related to this questionnaire or require an alternate format, please contact 709-632-0843 or werac@gov.nl.ca. A printable version of the questionnaire can be accessed by clicking here.
Questionnaires can be filled in online, or printed and mailed to:
WERAC, c/o Policy, Planning and Natural Areas Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
P.O. Box 2006
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 4J6
Interactive Map
Is there an area in the region that you would like to tell us about? Use the interactive map below to highlight an area or activities important to you in the Halls Gullies area.
Please note you must log in or register to complete the interactive map. Any submissions will be used to guide planning and outreach and help in understanding what is important to people who use the area.
Click Here to Use the Interactive Map
Mailing List
Keep up to date on news and upcoming public involvements related to Halls Gullies by signing up for our mailing list. Email werac@gov.nl.ca or click the sign-up link below. If you have any questions or concerns about Halls Gullies Proposed Ecological Reserve, reach out to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) at werac@gov.nl.ca or 709 632-0843.
Sign Up for the WERAC Mailing List
Privacy Statement
The collection of information is done under the authority of section 61(c) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, for the purpose of collecting public feedback on the proposed protected area.
Any personal information that may be received will be governed in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and will only be used for the purpose of planning, engagement, and reporting back regarding the proposed protected area.
If you have any questions about how this information will be collected, used, and disclosed, please contact the Department of Environment and Climate Change ATIPP Coordinator at atippecc@gov.nl.ca.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the WERAC Secretariat at 709 632-0843 or werac@gov.nl.ca.