Bring Back The Ranger! Posted by Barry Bridgeford (Site Host) on 12/3/2002, 7:36 pm , in reply to "Time for a change with Algonquins Park Rangers" You nolonger see the traditional Algonquin Park Ranger of decades gone by. All staff used to be under the direct control of the Department of Lands and Forests and later of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Their vehicles, shoulder-patches and well-rounded training all bore their organization's stamp of dedication to its responsibilities. We easily trusted their wisdom and respected their authority when we visited Algonquin. Over the past decade, the situation has changed dramaticly. Politicians have initiated re-organization of the park's various functions under diverse, economized and even new organizations. The large majority of access point and campground offices are now operated by individuals and groups who have successfully bid for contracts to operate them. This is the result of "privatization" being enacted on a "term" and "local" level. Staff tending these contracts typically wear shoulder patches identifying their "Contract #". Staff operating access points and campgrounds nolonger operate equipment searches, conduct formal wildlife instruction or respond directly to infractions of boating, fishing or camping regulations. There is a much-reduced number of regular, local MNR staff. They usually just respond when specificly asked for, as are local Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Conservation Officers. The management of staff and the overseeing of park staff came under new control in 1996 when the provincial parks system adopted a new entrepreneurial operating model (Ontario Parks .. a distinct branch of the MNR) where revenue generated by parks can be reinvested in the parks system. This was considered to be a more efficient and self-supporting provision of services. A lot of responsibilty has now fallen from the government to non-profit groups, like The Friends of Algonquin, to try and provide awareness, interpretation and education about Algonquin to the general public and park visitors. Unfortunately, the common impression often now received by the public is that there's nolonger either a higher social authority or a higher social responsibility for our parks and natural world. Each component of the process now appears to be operating in efficient isolation .. each focused on its own "year-end". As each of the park's administrative functions have been "stripped-to-the-bone" a long-range neglect of the park appears to be developing. Admirable as it is, the Interpretive Center's schedule of conducted walks and exhibits alone will not counter this long-range neglect. A heightened awareness of authority and everyone's shared responsibilities has to be brought to the park's access points, portages, campsites, campgrounds and hiking trails ... all the places where visitors interact directly with the park. Bring back the Ranger of old!