Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Response From Park Management to ABR Concerns ... March 6th, 2009 ... ABR News Item
Following is the text of an email received on March 7th, 2009 from Jim Murphy, Backcountry Operations South Supervisor of Algonquin Provincial Park.
March 2, 2009
RE: Management of Algonquin Provincial Park's Backcountry
Dear Mr. Bridgeford (Barry):
Thank you for your email that Ontario Parks and The Friends of Algonquin Park received on January 27/09. On behalf of Algonquin Provincial Park I would like to respond to each of the three issues that you have brought forward to our attention.
Nails - Defacing Standing Trees
Unfortunately, nails that are hammered into living or dead trees around the perimeter of a campsite is not a new phenomenon. For many decades this harmful practice has occurred in many national, provincial and state parks across North America and is not exclusive to Algonquin Provincial Park. Not withstanding the ecological damage that nails can have on the bark and cambium of a tree, there are safety and aesthetic impacts that can also have a negative effect on the park visitor experience.
Your suggestion of developing an official park policy will be considered by Ontario Parks. Currently, park enforcement staff have the ability to charge campers that deface or harm natural vegetation. Park Wardens and Conservation Officers, who observe campers 'found committing' hammering nails into trees can place a charge under Section 2 (2) a) of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) Ontario Regulation 316/07- 'disturb, cut, kill, remove or harm any plant, tree, or natural object in a provincial park.' More importantly, prevention and education of park visitors regarding the impact that nails can have on the park environment can be highlighted in park publications, such as the annual park tabloid. In addition, by communicating to park visitors the Leave No Trace (LNT) principle of 'Leave What You Find' - leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them, certainly applies to this damaging and abusive practice (www.leavenotrace.ca).
Backcountry Rules - Issuing Permits
This season Algonquin Provincial Park will be addressing the inconsistency of access point operators in communicating key backcountry rules and regulations to park campers prior to a permit being issued. The history of our present system of campers acknowledging or validating their understanding of key backcountry regulations and practices identified on their permit goes back over 25 years, shortly after the can and bottle ban was initiated in the late 1970s. Over this period of time, the interpretation and communication of park regulations has evolved at some access point offices to accommodate for a changing visitor behaviour/use in some areas of the Park, based on the types of infractions or charges being laid by enforcement staff. In some cases, this has led to access point offices/staff communicating 'inconsistent' messages to park visitors and in different formats.
This year, Algonquin Provincial Park will be highlighting key backcountry park regulations and rules under the seven principles of the Leave No Trace program. These principles are:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For example, regulation(s) associated with no cans/bottles and carry out all litter, would fall under the categories or principles of Plan Ahead and Prepare and Dispose of Waste Properly respectively. How these messages will be communicated to park visitors is being reviewed and evaluated. It would likely be in a number of formats including - a message on the Friends of Algonquin Park's website www.algonquinpark.on.ca (link to Park Management and Regulations); a poster displayed inside our backcountry access point offices or external bulletin boards; a stamp or sticker on the back of the permit (with a validation signature block); and a verbal message by the access point attendant consistent with LNT backcountry ethics.
Each season Ontario Parks hosts a pre-start access point and campground contractor meeting to inform staff of new and revised provincial park policies, procedures and operating standards. This new system of communicating important backcountry regulations and principles to park visitors will be presented to Park staff and contractors this spring and implemented sometime this summer.
Use of Non-refillable Propane Containers in the Backcountry
For the past few years, Algonquin has increased awareness to park visitors about the negative effects that disposable propane containers can have on the park environment. This message has been incorporated into the Park's waste management communications program, in partnership with the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre (OVWRC). For example, on page 9 of the 2008 park tabloid, there is an article titled 'Take home your Propane Cylinders', that encourages park users to purchase refillable propane containers; use alternative heat sources (stoves/fuel) that are reusable and refillable; and, if you are bringing and using non-refillable propane containers in Algonquin, to return these containers home to their local hazardous waste facility.
We have had some complaints from backcountry campers in the past couple of years who have observed 'green' propane containers left at campsites, however, in asking our ranger crews on their observations and any related littering charges, there has been no marked increase or trend in propane containers being left behind in the backcountry.
In the past couple of years, Algonquin has witnessed a reduction in the number of non-refillable propane containers entering into the Hwy 60 waste stream. At the request of Ontario Parks, Park concessions and outfitters have also been supportive and cooperative in eliminating and reducing the sale of non-refillable propane containers to park visitors. Regular auditing of products/services offered at concessions by Park staff will ensure that non-refillable fuel containers are eliminated, consistent with the Park's and Friend's greening efforts. Presently, Ontario Parks, Waste Management Ontario and distributors of propane canisters are discussing ways in which to recycle the container after the propane is recaptured. A surcharge on the price of the propane container to ensure recovery, is proposed.
Algonquin Provincial Park (Ontario Parks) and The Friends of Algonquin Park would like to acknowledge the Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists (ABR) for their continued interest and support to our respective organizations and management of the Park's backcountry environment.
Sincerely,
[original signed by]
Jim Murphy
Backcountry Operations South Supervisor
Algonquin Provincial Park
c.c.
John Winters, Park Superintendent, Algonquin Provincial Park
Don Spring, Chair, The Friends of Algonquin Park Board of Directors
Lori Haines, A/General Manager, The Friends of Algonquin Park
Rick Stronks, Chief Park Naturalist, Algonquin Provincial Park
Jeremy Inglis, Operations North Supervisor
Paul Gelok, A/Park Planner, Algonquin Provincial Park
Brad Steinberg, Biologist, Algonquin Provincial Park
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