
Happy Valley - Goose Bay

SAM Member Since: June 2004
Area Protected: 5,109 acres
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, with a population of approximately 8,000, is the centre of transportation, distribution and administration for Labrador. Goose Bay was established in 1941 as a base for aircraft being ferried across the Atlantic to Europe and has been used at various times by the United States and Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force, and by various NATO forces engaged in low-level flight training exercises. The Town of Happy Valley was formed in 1961, and in 1971, Happy Valley and Goose Bay amalgamated. Today, the population comprises people of several different cultures, including the Native Innuit and Innu, Metis, and people from other parts of Canada and from around the world.
Conservation Areas
Many wildlife and waterfowl species inhabit the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay including Goose Bay Harbour. This area is known as an important waterfowl area, especially in early to mid-May because of the early thaw and as a result, many avian species stage in this area before leaving to other parts of the province. Common species observed in the area include Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), Common Golden-eye (Bucephala clangula), Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), as well as Osprey (Pandion haliaetus).
Conservation Areas have habitat of significance to waterfowl, generally providing prime habitat for nesting and brood rearing. These areas are often also important recreational areas to town residents, as well as visitors to the area. Together these areas support a diversity of avian species, including waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife within the town. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has designated 2 Conservation Areas (CAs) within their municipal planning boundaries, totaling 5,109 acres of valuable conserved wildlife habitat: Goose River Bog and Birch Island Creek. The Goose River Bog CA is located northwest of the town, within their planning boundaries, just south of Goose River and encompasses a large section of Otter Creek and its tributaries. The Birch Island Creek CA is located south of the town, using the Churchill River as its southern boundary. A large number of wildlife species are known to utilize the area surrounding Birch Island Creek and the Churchill River, including nesting Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus), Moose (Alces alces), Black Bear (Ursus americanus), and Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).

Birch Island Creek, 809.1 acres.

Birch Island Creek, 809.1 acres.

Goose River, Happy Valley - Goose Bay.
Explore Happy Valley - Goose Bay
Conservation News
As Weather Gets Warmer and Drier, Farmers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Say Industry Must Adapt - CBC
NunatuKavut Encouraged by Increasing Caribou Population; Continues Implementation of Moratorium on Hunting
Wildlife Watching
Resources
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Kids Map
Download and print this pamphlet to use at your next community stewardship event
Community Fact Sheet
