Committed to the conservation, enhancement and stewardship of habitat across Newfoundland and Labrador

Come By Chance is located in the Maritime Barrens ecoregion within the Southeastern Barrens subregion. This area is characterized by exposed bedrock, extensive barrens with shrubs, bogs and shallow fens, with tree growth often limited to protective valleys and coves. The town was recognized as having significant wetland habitats within its municipal planning boundaries, and waterfowl “hot spots” were identified throughout.

The Come By Chance Stewardship Zone encompasses over three quarters of the municipal boundary, excluding the southeast area of the municipality due to industrial development. Encapsulated within the Stewardship Zone is the Come By Chance Estuary Conservation Area (CA), where the freshwater of Come By Chance River meets and mixes with the saltwater from Placentia Bay. The CA is located on the west side of the Town, includes the Estuary from Come By Chance Gut extending to the powerline north of the Town. It also includes the riparian zone surrounding the estuary, islands, as well as a coastal pond west of the Gut, known as Gilbert's Pond, totaling 470 acres of conserved wildlife habitat. Wetlands found in the Estuary are important staging habitats for a variety of waterfowl species, including American black duck, Green-winged teal, and Canada geese. The area also contains a variety of habitats that can be used by other birds including shorebirds, passerine birds and raptors, and other wildlife including a number of fish and mammals.