We got so much power now

July 14, 2009 3:43 AM

Gros Morne National Park, tucked away on the west coast of Newfoundland, has long been a getaway for both naturalists and hiking buffs.[Warning: resizes browser] A panoramic view of select locations in or near the park.

In 1987, Gros Morne was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "The Park is a classic locality for understanding of earth's evolutionary history in terms of evolution of an ocean basin and evolution of a continental margin."[warning:pdf of unesco's evaluation] In addition to the earth rising from its grave, a significant portion of Newfoundland's research on all things aquatic is done at the Bonne Bay Marine Station.

There is more to Gros Morne than just nature. It is home to the Trails, tales and Tunes festival and the Gros Morne Theatre Festival, among others.

Recently, premier Danny Williams (prev) has proposed that a set of hydro lines running from Labrador's Lower Churchill plant could run through Gros Morne on their way to the (comparatively) heavily-populated regions of Newfoundland. Opponents are up in arms, claiming that "the national park could lose its United Nations designation as a World Heritage Site.". Premier Williams claims that rerouting the lines could cost $100 million, and wants the federal goverment to pitch in.

Disclaimer: through friends & family, I probably know people involved with every business or NL group linked here. That's just how it works in small communities, I'm not shilling.

posted by Lemurrhea (7 comments total)

A spectacular natural area that is featured in almost every photo promotion of Canada, I would bet that less than 1% of Canadians have ever visited this site or even know where the photo is taken. I remember the area as experiencing economic pressures after the fishing grounds were closed and wonder if they can muster a sufficient political defense against power lines ordered across their land by Ottawa. I will never forget the spectacular boat ride through the 'Grand Canyon of Canada'. It's a shame that progress demands compromising our landscape but it wouldn't be the first time. Look what both Canada and the U.S. have done to Niagara Falls.
posted by birdwatcher at 4:06 AM on July 14

I was just reading about the bone-chilling magnificence of this geologic wonderland yesterday!!! I'm so grateful for the link to the panoramas. I'm a person who would plan a family vacation to Canada just to lay down on really fucking cool rocks like this.

I've noticed that I get really possessive (from my non- Canadian desk chair) about beautiful planet stuff. I see pictures of some magical place, and then dream about going/ being there, and then I have the nerve to get angry when power lines get stuck in my fantasy.
I hope they go around.
posted by cometwendy at 5:23 AM on July 14

"When sun rays crown thy pine clad hills,
And summer spreads her hand,
When silvern voices tune thy rills,
We love thee, smiling land."
posted by newfers at 10:13 AM on July 14

yay a Newfie post (from an ex-pat Newfie)

Yeah Gros Morne is.... well.. fabulous.
posted by edgeways at 12:43 PM on July 14

4,494,382 cases a' Black Horse? Dats nudding, me and da b'ys drinks dat in a week.
posted by dum2007 at 12:58 PM on July 14 [1 favorite has favorites]

Normally I loves the shit out of Danny Millions, but come on b'y, its a national park.

I've never actually been to Gros Morne, I'm a lazy townie.
posted by futureisunwritten at 5:07 PM on July 14

That should be it's...oopsie.
posted by futureisunwritten at 5:29 PM on July 14