Algonquin Park: the Human Impact

Algonquin Park is a very special place to many people. Although it is one of the oldest parks in Canada, in the heart of the Canadian Shield, and within easy driving distance of several million people, it still retains a wilderness character. Within its boundaries wolves still hunt moose and deer, beaver maintain dams and neotropical warblers raise their young deep in its pine, spruce and fir woodlands. In addition, the Park is the source of employment for many people who live nearby, both as a source of jobs within the Park, and as a result of the forest management that continues to provide wood for houses and other products made from trees. As one of the most The purpose of this book From its beginning in the last part of the 19th recognized Parks in is to compile a series century, the Park has been a source of economic Canada, Algonquin of “State of the Park” benefits to people and a place for people to rest and renew themselves in a natural setting. David Euler worked in the Ontario Provincial Park occupies chapters concerning a special place in major activities underway Ministry of Natural Resources for over 22 After more than 100 years, however, the human years where he was a wildlife ecologist the hearts of many in the Park and its demands on the Park are high. In the summer and research scientist. He then moved to Canadians. Deep in the ecosystems, as well as visitors come from all over the world and the Lakehead University where he was Dean heart of Central Ontario, measurements of some campgrounds are full of people, their pets and of the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest amid the terrestrial and of the key environmental all of the equipment needed to live for a few Environment. He earned a Ph.D in Wildlife aquatic ecosystems that parameters that will days in a campground. Backcountry canoe Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching exist on that ancient rock allow future managers trippers and backpackers roam the Park from Mike Wilton formation, the Canadian Mike Wilton to understand how these east to west and north to south, and human Degree from Cornell University. Dave and activity is seen in every corner of the Park. his wife Gail live near Echo Bay, Ontario, Shield, this special place still supports wilderness and parameters change over time. We sought out people wild animals. Wolves, bears, beavers, turtles and a who know the Park well and who have expertise in Remarkably, the wild ecosystems in the Park where he is a consultant in wildlife habitat seem able to absorb the impact of people and management and forest management, as host of smaller, but no less important, wild creatures the subjects they study and consider. We asked them remain healthy, and although not pristine, at well as a member of the Algonquin Eco continue to make their home in the forests and lakes to prepare the best summary they could about the least they maintain a wilderness-like setting. Watch Board of Directors. of this area. For those who are able and willing, Park and what may happen in future with respect opportunities to visit and marvel at the sights and to that part of the Park and its surroundings. We The purpose of this book is to record the state sounds of a wild place still exist here in Central hope the book will serve as a benchmark, in other of Algonquin Park in the first decade of the 21st Ontario. For most Canadians, this Park represents words a “State of the Park and its Ecosystems in century. As background there are chapters that one of most important heritages that will be passed 2009” that all managers of the Park in the future illustrate how the Park was formed millions of to the future. will find useful. years ago, the impact of First Nations people on the Park’s ecosystems and the changes imposed by immigrants from the Old World. Other David Euler and Mike Wilton: Editors chapters examine visitor management, fish and wildlife populations, the aquatic environment, and the problems associated with human development such as the graphite mine and the long abandoned railway line. As well, the impact of the Park’s natural setting on the sense of well being that comes from just being there is explored in a special chapter. Algonquin Eco Watch is an organization devoted to supporting a healthy and sustainable Park Mike Wilton worked for the Ontario and has prepared this book as a ”State of the Park” report that will form a basis for future Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly the managers to use as new pressures are exerted Ontario Department of Lands and Forests) on the Park by expanding human populations. from 1961 until 1996. For more than 30 More information about Algonquin Eco Watch years he worked in and around Algonquin is available at www.algonquin-eco-watch. Park as a fisheries and wildlife biologist. com and contains information about the Mike graduated from the University of organization and its goals. Guelph with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Upon retirement, Mike and his wife Marj formed Algonquin Eco Watch, which now operates from their $39.95 home on the Manitoulin Island, Ontario. www.algonquin-eco-watch.com $39.95 CDN. Printed on: Enviro100 50lb Text Stock © 2009 Algonquin Eco Watch Parts of this material may be duplicated for educational purposes only and only with credit to the authors. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher, editors, and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or complete- ness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should con- sult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher, editors, nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Cover Design: Fuzednotions Creative Studio Inc., Sault Ste. Marie, ON Printing and Binding: OJ Graphix Inc., Espanola, ON Printed in Canada ISBN 978-0-9813209-0-8 Copies of this book may be purchased from O.J. Graphix at Toll Free 1-800-565-6150 Telephone 705-869-0199 www.ojgraphix.com/ecowatch The entire text of this book, including photos may be accessed via the Algonquin Eco Watch website as follows: http://www.algonquin-eco-watch.com/algonquin-park-the-human-impact/ Algonquin Park The Human Impact Editor David Euler Co-editor Mike Wilton The entire text of this book, including photos may be accessed via the Algonquin Eco Watch website as follows: http://www.algonquin-eco-watch.com/algonquin-park-the-human-impact/ Algonquin Park The Human Impact Contents Foreword .................................................................................................................................................8 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the Algonquin Park Ecosystem ...............................................................................14 Dr.Tarmo Remmel, Assistant Professor at York University summarizes the early geological history of the Park. Much of this early history occurred before people were present on Earth, but it is important to understand how the earth formed in this area; in order to know why Algonquin exists as it does today. Chapter 2. Our Majestic Forests: An Aboriginal View of Algonquin Park .............................................................36 Chief Kirby Whiteduck Hons. B.A. (anthropology) of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, spells out how the First Nations lived in the Algonquin Park area, long before European settlers arrived. His account of life before modern urbanization is an important background to understand how people affected those ecosystems in the centuries before the influx of settlers from Europe. Chapter 3. Before the Park was Created – The Settlement Era ..............................................................................56 Dr. Ernie Epp, a retired historian from Lakehead University, has provided an account of how people moved into the area from distant lands and imposed a different impact on the land than any of the early native people. His chapter provides a perspective of change that is very important because many of the events of that period are still affecting the way Algonquin Park is impacted today. Chapter 4. Visitor and Tourism Management in Algonquin Provincial Park: The Past, Present and Future ........76 Dr. Paul Eagles, a professor at Waterloo University and Grace Bandoh, his colleague, have prepared a comprehensive review of both the history of visitor management and many suggestions for the future. 6 Table of Contents – Algonquin Eco Watch Chapter 5. Algonquin Park Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ................................................................................140 Frank Hicks M.Sc., a fisheries biologist who worked in the Park for many years studying fish and fish populations, has brought a comprehensive review of fish, fishing and the impact of people on fish populations. Chapter 6. Moving Towards Sustainable Forest Management .............................................................................174 Dr. Jeremy Williams, an international consultant in forestry and forest management reviews forest management in Algonquin Park and conveys a number of suggestions as to how it could be improved. Chapter 7. Analyzing Human Impacts on Wildlife in Algonquin Park .................................................................220 Norm Quinn M.Sc., a wildlife biologist, who worked in the Park for more than 20 years, summarizes the state of wildlife and reviews some of the controversies about wildlife ecology in Algonquin Park. Chapter 8. Lakes and Streams .................................................................................................................................244 Hugh Banks M.Sc., a professor at Sir Sandford Fleming College, has reviewed the history of the formation of lakes and streams in Algonquin Park.

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