Environment and Climate Change Canada climate station relocation, Gros Morne National Park

An ECCC weather station has been in operation in Gros Morne for decades, but does not meet current standards for climate monitoring due to topographic setting and proximity to a parking lot, so will be decommissioned. A more suitable alternate location has been identified in a decommissioned section of Berry Hill Campground, and a fully functional climate station will be installed there. This will provide improved weather information for park operations, visitors, and communities, as well as better climate data for park and national climate monitoring programs. The proposed site is out of sight of the operational portion of the campground, and most construction will occur in fall after the campground is closed. Construction will begin in September 2020 and will be completed in 2021. A 1 hectare site will be cleared and levelled, and a 30m x 30 m area in the center will be seeded and fenced and climate monitoring instruments will be installed. The site already has road access, and the station will operate using solar power and wireless communications, so no new access or utilities are required. The proposed site falls within a Zone IV area; these areas have vehicle access and include front country facilities and roads (including parking lots, campgrounds, and day use areas). The climate station is consistent with the area's zoning.