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Campsite and Visitor Survey - 2001 The State of Outdoor Recreation in and around Lake Temagami |
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VISITOR SURVEY Introduction The visitor survey was an adjunct to complement the objective measures obtained during campsite inspections. Unlike the campsite evaluation, the visitor survey is not considered exhaustive, nor does it have any statistical validity. Visitors questioned encompassed the whole user spectrum of outdoor recreation: commercial and private canoe trippers, resident youth camp directors, outboard campers, houseboat operators and resident cottage owners. Approximately 80 members of the vacationing public were interviewed during the inspection period. Caution should be applied to generalizing attitudes recounted here to all visitors. |
Garbage left behind at firepit on Kokoko Lake. Photo: Ian Huggett |
For example, none of the visitors "overtly" objected to the implementation of a regulatory user fee. Experienced canoeists applauded application of a campsite fee providing funds were redirected into campsite restoration and portage maintenance. During the past decade this cohort has witnessed the steady deterioration of campsites in Temagami from crowding and over use. Injecting funds back into the interior's recreational environment would be a sensible procedure to substitute the MNR's former maintenance programs. |
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Conversely, many inexperienced and novice canoeists admit choosing Temagami as a recreational destination to avoid the costs incurred elsewhere in Ontario's park system. It was found that young inexperienced canoe parties in particular were less discerning and often oblivious to degraded campsite conditions. Many were just graduating from car-camping experiences in commercial campgrounds. They lack pre-existing criteria to compare their outdoor experience with past conditions. With few preconceptions many accepted deteriorated backcountry campsite conditions as normal. Most university students leading youth groups from outside the region also harbored this misperception. Finally, the constricting regimentation characterizing Algonquin Provincial Park which confines campers to strict pre-trip planning and campsite selection confines the spontaneity inherent in wilderness travel. Although the author does not recommend a comparable " institutionalized" system in the Temagami area, measures must be taken to protect the environment while educating, regulating and monitoring visitor behavior. All environmental indicators suggest that if this is not done conditions in Temagami will continue to deteriorate. Much more research is required in this area. Hopefully, this informal survey will complement any ongoing four year rotational self-survey initiated by Parks Ontario in non-operational parks such as Lady Evelyn and Obabika waterway parks. VISITOR SURVEY Summary There was overwhelming support from all visitors for the implementation of regulations designed at reducing crowding (inter-party encounters) and encouraging backcountry etiquette standards involving education ( see photo # 14) and compliance monitoring. Personal Water Craft ( PWC) were universally condemned by practically all groups except houseboat operators who frequently used them in addition to leasing outboards. Not surprisingly the single most noteworthy complaint recorded on Lake Temagami was the inappropriateness of houseboats in a "wilderness setting" and the behavior of its occupants. In short, all canoe trippers, including resident youth camps favored the implementation of a user fee structure providing the revenue collected was funneled back into campsite maintenance and backcountry compliance monitoring. There was also overwhelming support by all visitors and resident cottagers for an expansion of a non-motorized backcountry patrol presence on Lake Temagami and surrounding lakes. |
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Maps and information herein are not intended for navigational use, and are not represented to be correct in every respect. All pages intended for reference use only, and all pages are subject to change with new information and without notice. The author/publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for use of the information on these pages. Wilderness travel and canoeing possess inherent risk. It is the sole responsibility of the paddler and outdoor traveler to determine whether he/she is qualified for these activities. Copyright © 2000-2014 Brian Back. All rights reserved. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content of any linked document on an external site.
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