Concern Over Google Map Directions On Restricted Logging Roads

The ABR has reported to Algonquin Provincial Park and Ontario Parks, its concern over the practice of Google Maps of providing online driving directions to Algonquin Park backcountry locations via restricted roads used by the Algonquin Forestry Authority.

The ABR believes that Google Maps' providing vehicular driving instructions to remote backcountry locations by way of these restricted roads can only detract from the backcountry's wilderness-like nature and is contrary to the park management plan's intent. Also, the ABR believes that Google Maps' provision of public online driving directions along these restricted roads may encourage members of the general public to put themselves in harm's way. Logging trucks have a limited capability to stop quickly. As well, rough conditions could result in single vehicle accidents or breakdowns miles from emergency services. A text extract from the ABR's 6 page illustrated report can be downloaded here.
Aug. 3, 2010.

Approved 2010/2011 Annual Work Schedule AP-FMU

The 2010/2011 Annual Work Schedule for the Algonquin Park Forest Management Unit has been approved. A copy of the public inspection notice that will be appearing in several newspapers in the vicinity of Algonquin Provincial Park is available here. You may contact any of the offices listed in the public notice to discuss Algonquin Park forestry operations for the coming year. Park staff and staff of the Algonquin Forestry Authority can go over details with you.

The work schedule map which typically shows seasonal work areas and summer haulage routes should be posted on the AFA website in due course. This year, the AFA submission and MNR approval processes have been delayed by a number of unanticipated factors.

FMP Plan Phase 1 Final Public Inspection

Final public inspection of MNR-approved Algonquin Park Forest Management Plan is from May 5 to June 3, 2010. An advertisement will be appearing in Algonquin region newspapers announcing and providing details on this final stage of public consultation. The items available for inspection include: the MNR-approved forest management plan and supplementary documentation, the forest management plan summary, and a list of the major changes to the draft forest management plan.

A PDF file of the advertisement can be accessed here.
Or, a GIF image file of the advertisement can be accessed here
Documentation of the Algonquin FMP Final Plan Phase 1 (2010-2020) can be downloaded here.
May 5, 2010.

Backcountry Of Algonquin Park - Leave No Trace

The ABR is proud to announce the online release of the "Backcountry Of Algonquin Park - Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics" guidebook. It's an eleven page presentation, made in partnership with Leave No Trace Canada .. taking the reader through the seven principles of Leave No Trace, as they apply to Algonquin Park's backcountry and its unique circumstances.

Algonquin's backcountry is a delicate network of wilderness-like lakes, watercourses, protected zones, watercourse setbacks, campsites, portages and trails. Polluted water, displaced wildlife, eroded soil, and trampled vegetation are just some of the impacts linked directly to recreational activities. Considerable damage could be prevented if all recreationalists were well informed, complied with regulations, and applied Leave No Trace skills and ethics.

You can download it here .. www.abrweb.ca/docs/ABR-LNT-L50S.pdf
April 12, 2010

PMP Amendment Background Information Commentary

The Ministry of Natural Resources has been requesting input on specific background information relating to a proposed amendment to the Algonquin Park Management Plan concerning incorporation of items from the Joint Proposal (of the OPB/AFA) for "Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Park".

The ABR has conveyed a number of items, culminating with a 13-page document involving comparisons between the 2009 Canoe Route Map and the OPB/AFA Joint Proposal High Definition Map. The ABR's submitted document can be accessed here .. www.abrweb.ca/docs/ABR-PMP-Comments.pdf.
March 4, 2010

Camping Values Inventory Results

Results are now complete of an examination of changes in numbers of backcountry campsites, for the period between 1995 and 2009. ABR members Markus Rubino, Mark Scarlett, Bill Warren and Barry Bridgeford worked remotely through the nine sub-map sections of the CVI utility, compiling a tally and comparison of backcountry campsites.

There had been numerous concerns voiced by ABR members over numerous campsites having being closed over the years and what would be the net result to their total count. With the completion of this exercise, it has become apparent that there hasn't been a net reduction in the number of backcountry campsites. Incidentally, the reduction of 17 campsites in the park's northwest corner has been roughly offset by the addition of 15 campsites in the park's south end. A PDF document of the talley's detailed spreadsheet can be downloaded here .. www.abrweb.ca/docs/CVIMainPDF.pdf
February 28, 2010

Now Partners With "Leave No Trace"

The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists are proud to have become partners (February 2010) with "Leave No Trace - Canada". The ABR's original program promoting the careful treatment of the backcountry's waterways, trails, campsites and portages was known as "Reduce Our Impact". By now expanding the ABR's program, by partnering with LNT, we're joining with Algonquin Park and The Friends of Algonquin Park in a broadened base of support for LNT Outdoor Ethics. The national Leave No Trace website can be reached at .. www.leavenotrace.ca
February 25, 2010