Norm Ruttan
Superintendent
St. Lawrence Islands
National Park
Millennial fever has come and gone. After all was said and done, there was a
lot more said, than done. And in the end we're all still here, and not a lot
has changed.
If we could only say the same about parks. Our National Park system was set
up in 1885 and through the years has adopted the principle of "Unimpaired
for future generations". This is a simple principle for each generation
of Canadians to follow."If you use the park, leave it in as natural a state
as you found it (or better).The Iroquoian people expressed g similar idea in
their" 7th Generation Rule"-that every action of each generation should
take into account the effects on the next 7 generations.
This year, as you enjoy the park, we would ask that you work with us on trying
to put into practice the principles expressed above. When your visit is over
and you're on your way home, you might ask yourself a couple of simple questions.
Did I leave the place as pristine as I found it?
Will someone who visits tomorrow, next week or next year, find it as beautiful
and natural as Ifound it?
I hope your answer is "Yes". Otherwise, we would invite your suggestions
as to what we can do together to ensure that this place is available "unimpaired
for future generations".
For more information check out the article on the National Panel on Ecological
Integrity which visited our park this past year. Their website is at: http://ecolog.org
Norm Ruttan
Superintendent
St. Lawrence Islands
National Park
MAIN DUCK AND YORKSHIRE ISLANDS
Main Duck and Yorkshire Islands are now administered by St. Lawrence Islands
National Park. There are only basic visitor facilities on Main I)uck Island
including picnic tables, a dry privy, a f ire circle and a small docking area.
Camping is permitted only within the designated space at Schoolhouse Bay. No
camping is permitted anywhere else on either island.
An emergency shelter is maintained by Parks Canada at Schoolhouse Bay. Please
treat it with respect, as it may be needed to save the life of someone who comes
of ter you.
Visitors are cautioned that these islands are a long way f rom emergency assistance,
and that this part of Lake Ontario can be hazardous to mariners.
GENERATORS AND NOISE
An advisory committee of seasonal boaters and
other visitors in the park was established to review the issue of generator
use and noise. Some visitors have expressed concern about the running of generators
for several reasons:
- some visitors don't like the noise
- some don't like the fumes
- a national park experience should be possible without these irritants
- national parks provide enjoyable experiences leading to awareness, appreciation
and protection of the natural world, rather than just enjoyable experiences
Park staff reviewed the report of the advisory committee and agreed with most
of the recommendations.
- There will be areas in the park where charging systems will not be permitted.
This includes stand alone, in- board generators and running boat engines
to recharge batteries.
- There will be other areas where generators are allowed, subject to the
following restrictions: operation only between 8 AM-10 PM.; someone must
remain in the vicinity of the boat; exhaust fumes do not disturb other boaters.
- Signs and publications will be updated to better explain the rules.
- We will experiment with insulated containment areas for portable generators.
Park staff and volunteers will inform visitors about these guidelines.
The park management team disagreed with one recommendation about allowing the
use of onboard generators at park mooring buoys adjacent to "no generator"
docks. The decision is to ban the use of generators at mooring buoys adjacent
to "no generator" docks.
For this operating season (2000) the following areas will be free of charging
systems: Adelaide (including mooring buoys), East 6renadier, North 6renadier,
Endymion (all docks and mooring buoys), Mermaid and Thwartway (mooring buoys).
A few other locations are noted in the report for future consideration cis "no
charging" areas.
DOGS OFF LEASHES
In the fall newsletter we mentioned that we would be making an extra effort
to ensure that dogs in the park are kept under proper control. The f ine f or
allowing dogs to run f ree of f leashes is $65.00.
Also, the park may be costing baits of rabies vaccine for raccoons. To avoid
having pets eating these, it will be necessary for them to be leashed.
Up to now we have received complaints about dogs running loose, dog owners not
cleaning up the mess left behind by their pets and dogs barking without control.
In addition to strengthening enforcement, we will establish a sub- committee
of park visitors to work with us to review the issue. This is similar to our
approach to the generator issue.
We invite your recommendations as to how to deal with this problem. If you are
interested in serving on a small committee and can attend a couple of meetings
in the fall, please let us know.
WATER LEVELS
Environment Canada ( Canadian Hydrographic Service) data on St. Lawrence River
water levels show current levels at Brockville are approximately half a metre
above Chart I)atum (the level shown on hydrographic charts).
Lack of precipitation has created very dry conditions on much of the Great Lakes
basin and signs are that this will continue into the summer, limiting the seasonal
rise on the lakes this year.
While recent reductions in Lake Ontario outflow have resulted in about 8 cm.
of water being conserved on Lake Ontario, the Port of Montreal is about 6 feet
below the accepted norm. Continued outflow reductions during May may therefore
not be possible, since they would lower the already very low water level conditions
downstream on Lakes St. Francis and St. Louis, thus affecting seaway navigation.
Boaters will need to follow their charts closely to avoid hazards and we anticipate
another summer of shallow water at park docks, particularly on dock sections
closest to shores.
We ask that boaters with shallow draft vessels practice courtesy and use the
close- to- shore sections of docks, leaving the outside, deeper sections to
vessels with deeper drafts. The mooring buoys will also be attractive to operators
of deeper draft vessels.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS AT MALLORYTOWN LANDING
The following programs and events are planned for the benefit and enjoyment
of park visitors and regional residents. There will be several more this spring
and summer at Mallorytown Landing.
WHERE ARE THE WILDFLOWERS?
Sundays, May 14th and 21st, 1:00 pm.
Meet in the Mallorytown Landing parking lot.
Free admission
Join a park naturalist to search for and learn about brief - blooming spring
wildflowers. Come back the following week to see how the landscape has changed.
1000 ISLANDS BY PADDLE
June 25th : exhibits and demonstrations ($5 parking fee)
CANADA DAY CELEBPATIONS July Ist (free admission)
PARKS DAY
July 15t ($5 parking fee)
NATURE NAVIGATORS DAY CAMP
ages: 7 to 12 8:30am to 4pm each day July 10-14
July 17 - 12 Cost $80.00 per child
TO REGISTER, CALL 613-923-1049
OTHER PROGRAMMES
Watch for roving naturalists, theatre presentations, guided walks, a new quest
speaker series and other events. Details will be posted on park bulletin boards,
or you may call the park of f ice.
NOTES FROM VISITOR SERVICES
Mooring buoys:
The Park will be adding three more buoys this spring bringing the total up to
twenty two.
One will go in the south west bay on Camelot and the other 2 on Adelaide.
Over $9,000 in revenue was collected in 1999 from the island self registration
system on this service and was reinvested in the park.
The buoys help reduce impact on Park island resources and enable visitors with
large vessels requiring more water depth a safe and reliable anchorage. The
buoy cannot not be reserved by leaving a dinghy while the mother vessel leaves
the area. This applies to dinghies with, or without, a valid permit.
Campfire Ring:
In the summer of '99 the eight (8) fire grills on Beaurivage Island campsites
were replaced with new campfire
rings as a pilot project. These ground burning fire circles enabled campers
not only to cook on an upper area but build a campfire in the pit for a more
pleasing effect. The Park received very positive feedback from the campers that
were approached. It has been recommended that the project be expanded in 2000
to include campsite areas in the eastern part of the Park. Look for new fire
rings in the future!
Firewood:
Last summer was the first time Park staff sold bundled firewood to visitors.
Over 280 bundles were sold for a cost of $5.00 per bundle. Under the National
Parks Act Regulations, the collection of natural materials for firewood on the
islands is not permitted. There has been some concern over I quantity and quality
of the wood that was supplied. The Park will look at other suppliers for this
service but will sell the remaining volume on hand this season. The Park purchases
a low volume and therefore the fee of $5.00 will remain to cover Park costs
for this service.
Island Attendants:
Last year we modified the way we deliver visitor services to park islands. The
change seems to have been very positive and we will continue with it this year.
For each island grouping you can expect to receive service from the some attendant
most days. The attendants' key activities will include providing general information
about the Park and services, checking revenue compliance and park policies,
selling permits and wood, and performing maintenance and cleaning functions
on all park facilities. Several positive comments were received on this project
and we received many compliments about individual staff members.
Some clusters of islands are more dif f icult to maintain than others due to
increased size, facilities and visitation numbers. The Park is looking at ways
to assist these staff on busier islands. You can help by reducing the amount
of packaging you bring to the islands. If we can reduce the amount of garbage
collected, these staff will have more time completing other key activities of
the position.
Thwartway:
The garbage containers, located on the south side of the island, will be removed
this spring. These containers service 5 mooring buoys in the bay to this Zone
I island area. Visitors are asked to take their garbage to nearby park facilities.
Mallorytown Landing:
There have been many changes to the day use area at "The Landing".
Drop in and visit the new Visitor Centre and nature shop this season. Take in
a special event such as "1000 Islands by Paddle:'. This event will take
place on Sunday, Tune 25th and will give you an opportunity to learn more about
kayaking and canoeing. Never kayaked? You can find out what it's like in a kayak
at one of the demonstration clinics.
Fees Due On Arrival:
Payment of fees is due immediately on arrival to park island areas. Park staff
and island volunteer hosts inform visitors about the fee and collection system
in the park.
You too can also help to ensure that visitors pay fairly for the facilities
and services they receive. With over 88 entrance areas to the Park it is dif
f icult f or staf f to be on each island 24 hours a day 7 days a week. When
you notice a new visitor to the park, explain the fee and collection system
to them. Many of you have years of knowledge and experience to offer this new
boater. If you encounter any problems with visitors refusing to pay you can
notify staff when they arrive on the islands and/or take down the island location,
date, time, and vessel name/number and deposit this information into the self
registration cannister. Your help may ensure payment, but please do not get
into a confrontation situation.
TO ENSURE YOUR STAY IN THE PARK IS ENJOYABLE
PLEASE OBSERVE THE GUIDELINES IN THE "NOTICE TO PARK VISITORS".
FEES FOR 2000
The fee increases proposed for the year 2000 in national parks and national
historic sites were not approved. Thus thefees that were charged in 1999
remain in effect this year. The following list of fees
applies for 2000:
MALLORYTOWN LANDING
Parking:
Vehicle or Boat Launch & Leave $ 5.00
Vehicle & Trailer $10.00
Bus $10.00
ISLANDS
Mooring:
Length Day Over Night
To 5.5m (18') $ 5.00 $10.00
5.5-8?n (18'-26) $ 7.00 $14.00
8m-12m (26'-39) $10.00 $20.00
Over 72m (over 39) $12.00 $24.00
Beachinglramps. $ 5.00
Mooring Buoys $10.00
Firewood (all users): $ 5.00 lbundle
SEASONAL PERMITS
Pleasure $22.00/m Commercial $40.00/m
Beaching Permit
(issued with seasonal overnight) $ 5.00
Day Use Only $12.00/m
CAMPING
Island Camping -per site: $10.00
Group Camping: Mallorytown Landing &
Grenadier Island by reservation only
PANEL ON ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF NATIONAL PARKS
Members of a National Blue Ribbon panel formed to review the ecological integrity
of Conada's National Parks travelled to 9 national parks to speak with park
staff and other interested Canadians to see f irst-hand the problems and stresses
that threaten Conada's national parks, and to develop recommendations for addressing
these problems.
Ecosystems have integrity when they have their native components (plants, animals
and other organisms) and processes (such as growth and reproduction) intact.
The panel found that impacts from external sources are severe at St. Lawrence
Islands. Airborne and water- borne pollution is significant and habitat fragmentation
results from road building, and real estate and shoreline development in the
region.
One of the key findings of the panel was that in order to protect ecological
integrity, human use in national parks must be based on the ple of responsible
experience: use =ut abuse. Human use must also pass the dual tests of allowability
and appropriateness for national parks.
This principle is ref fected in a variety of actions in the park, from changes
in Zone I areas, to dealing with issues such as noise and pet control, to changes
in marketing, to revamping education programs to emphasize the positive aspects
of ecological integrity.
The Panel's report "Unimpaired for future generations" is available
at the park office.
If you would like to purchase a seasonal docking permit, please fill out the
form and return to the park office. Cheques can be made payable to the Receiver
General for Canada. American customers, please make U.S. cheques payable in
U.S. funds.
St. Lawrence Islands National Park
2 County Road 5
Mallorytown, Ontario, KOE I RO
Telephone (613)923-5261
Fax (613)923-1021
e-mail ont-sli@pch.gc.ca
Internet www.varkscaiiada.gc.ca
Your seasonal permit is valid for docking/mooring at these following locations:
ONTARIO REGION QUEBEC REGION
Georgian Bay Islands N.P. Carillon Canal
St. Lawrence Islands N.P. Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue
Fathom Five (Flowerpot Island) Chambly Canal
Trent-Sevem Waterway St. Ours Canal
Rideau Canal
Your seasonal docking/mooring permit does not include lockage on the Heritage
Canals. Please check at the
Lock Stations for the fees and hours of operation. Have a safe and happy boating
season!
ST. LAWRENCE ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
2 COUNTY ROAD 5, R.R. 3 MALLORYTOWN, ON KOE 1RO
PHONE: (613)923-5261 FAX: (613)923-1021
E-MAIL: ont sli@pch.gc.ca INTERNET: wwwparkscanada.gc.ca
2000 SE4SONAL PERMIT FORM
Please fill out the form below along with your payment. You may send a cheque
or money order made
payable to "Receiver General for Canada,,*
Visa and Mastercard are also accepted for payment of these fees only.
PLEASE PRINT (SEE VESSEL LENGTH FEE LIST)
NAME____________________________________
STREET________________ CITY/TOWN_________ POSTAL CODE______
VESSEL NAME_____________ REGISTRATION #_______________
VESSEL LENGTH_____
Overnight docking _____ X $22.00/metre =__________
Day only docking _____ X $12.00/metre =__________
**Dinghy Permit _____ X $5.00 =__________
TOTAL $__________
VISA NUMBER__________ EXP. DATE:__________
MASTERCARD__________ EXP. DATE:__________
SIGNATURE ______________________________
* There Is a service charge of $20.00 for NSF cheques.
** Only one dinghy permit Is Issued per seasonal overnight porTnIL The permit
entities you use of dinghy ramps and beaching prhdlegas. Dinghies are subled
to a fee payment If tied to any part of the dock area. Dinghies cannot be left
at mooring buoys.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION, COMMENT OR CONCERN ABOUT YOUR NATIONAL PARK.
IF SO WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
[News from Thousand Islands Heritage Conservancy not included.
See
www.1000islands-conservancy.on.ca]
