Former Premier Danny Williams donates unique habitat for nature conservation June 24, 2025

An ecologically unique habitat for rare lichens has been donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) by former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Danny Williams and his family. The Williams’ 75-hectare donation has been added to NCC’s Salmonier River Nature Reserve, just north of the town of St. Catherines, and is just in time for the 10th anniversary of NCC’s work in the area. The now 485-hectare nature reserve and its important habitats will be conserved for generations.  

The Salmonier Nature Reserve expansion has been made possible by the Williams family’s generous donation and their partnership with NCC. The partnership evolved from September 2023 when NCC initially approached Danny Williams about the possibility of rare lichens on his family’s land. A targeted lichen survey organized by NCC located boreal felt lichen, a rare lichen species at risk listed as ‘special concern’ in Newfoundland on schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), that only grows in a few areas around the globe, including on the Williams’ land. Blue felt lichen (special concern) and frosted glass-whiskers lichen (special concern) were also found nearby.  

“Once they [NCC] explained what they had found and how they wanted to further study and protect this rare lichen, I found their excitement infectious, and I was more than happy to give them more permanent access,” says Williams. As a long-time advocate for environmental stewardship, he was enthused by the opportunity to give back to nature.  

The Salmonier River Nature Reserve is in the Avalon Forest Ecoregion. This area is characterized by frequent waves of fog that collect over low-lying, sheltered bogs, creating a unique climate and producing the ecosystems that distinguish this ecoregion, which is Newfoundland’s smallest. In addition to rare lichens, the area provides habitat for a variety of at-risk species, including red crossbill (threatened), olive-sided flycatcher (special concern), little brown myotis (endangered) and northern long-eared bat (endangered) on schedule 1 of SARA.  

Funding for the lichen survey and costs associated with completing the donation were provided by the Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program, which supports projects that protect habitat for species at risk across the country.   

There is still more opportunity to conserve land around the Salmonier River. Nature conservation flourishes through partnerships, and the involvement of community members and landowners. In the face of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, nature is our ally. Together, we can all be part of the solution.  

Quotes

“Even prior to my time as a developer, I’ve felt strongly about balancing economic development with environmental considerations. I am also a strong believer in climate change and believe we have a collective responsibly to do what we can to protect the future of our planet. As a land developer in our province, I appreciate the way NCC works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve these important yet often difficult goals. I have been very blessed in my life, and I am quite pleased to be able to contribute in any way I can.” – Danny Williams, land donor 

“We are very excited for this opportunity to grow NCC’s Salmonier Nature Reserve and are so grateful to the Williams family for this incredible gift. The Salmonier River Valley is such a unique part of the Avalon Peninsula, and working with landowners like Danny to explore the biodiversity of this area continues to reinforce our belief that it is an area deserving of protection. The Williams’ gift today will protect species that are globally rare and will contribute to ensuring this beautiful part of our province will be there for future generations.” – Piers Evans, NCC Program Director in Newfoundland and Labrador 

“Our government is committed to protecting biodiversity across Canada and halting the decline of our natural heritage. I can’t say it enough, protecting sensitive habitat is essential to tackling climate change and preventing further biodiversity loss. This can only happen through the combined efforts of federal, provincial, and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, business leaders, land trusts, and many others. Today, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are safeguarding critical habitats and species along the Salmonier River Nature Reserve. By protecting nature today, we are building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“The Provincial Government commends the Nature Conservancy of Canada for its dedication to protecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique ecosystems and species. This land donation aligns with our ongoing efforts to evaluate proposed ecological reserves within the Avalon Forest Ecoregion, further supporting the conservation of rare lichens and the preservation of this natural area.” – The Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Newfoundland and Labrador 

Facts

• The Salmonier River Nature Reserve acts as a forested buffer for the 107,000-hectare Avalon Wilderness Reserve. The Avalon Wilderness Reserve was established in the 1980s to protect barrens and forests for the Avalon woodland caribou herd, which is the most southerly caribou herd in Canada. 
• The new section of the Salmonier River Nature Reserve is comprised of forest and wetlands. Wetlands such as these are great allies in the fight against climate change, as they help prevent floods and act as natural water filtration systems. They also remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it safely underground. 
  The Salmonier River is one of 15 salmon rivers in the Avalon Forest Ecoregion. 
• Boreal felt lichen are arboreal (tree dwelling) lichens that grow on mature to over-mature and decaying balsam fir trees within cool, moist climates. This makes them especially sensitive to the loss of mature forest stands as this can produce drier conditions and result in the loss of potential host trees. 

About

As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.